Decisions - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

stephaniexamber · 02-14-2006, 01:45 PM

Hey everyone. I am new to this forum but I am considering gastric bypass. I went to the doctors on Saturday and she recommended the surgery. I have mixed emotions about getting the surgery. I mean I really want to get it and I have been researching it for a while now but then another side of me really wants to still try and lose it naturally. But, at this point I have tried just about everything and I really feel this is a last resort.

I think the part of me that doesn't want to get it is afraid of the scars that the surgery might leave on my body. I am only 20 years old and I think that the reason I am worried about scarring is because after I am done with the surgery I would eventually like to wear a bikini and I just don't think that scars would be that appealing. So, I guess what I am saying/asking is for anyone that has had the surgery, how big is the scar?

I think I am also afraid of dying from the surgery. I mean I know the odds are 3 in 200 but still that doesn't guarantee I won't be one of the 3.

My mom and I still want to sit down and talk about it still. And I still have to sit down and meet with my doctor. But, this is all I have been able to think about for the past 3 days. If anyone could share their stories/experiences with me it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance everyone.

Gladitsme · 02-14-2006, 02:13 PM

Stephanie,
There's so much to think about with this surgery. Scarring is possible, but with lap surgery, it's much less than it used to be. There's a lot of info on this site, and I'd recommend looking around. Welcome to the forum and good luck!

LisaBoston · 02-14-2006, 03:23 PM

A few things you should consider. Is your BMI over 40? Have you made all efforts to loose the weight through exercise and good eating?

Don't go into this decision lightly - research it out - this board is a good place to get information.

As far as the scars, check out photos in our member photos and you can see some peoples scars. Open vs. Lap will produce different scars and everyone heals differently. I had lap for my gallbladder removal and you wouldn't know that I had it. I had WLS through open, you know its there.

Best to you in making your decision.

Bypassingme619 · 02-14-2006, 05:50 PM

Stephaine Welcome aboard. I will be honest with you and say if you are having a lot of doubt I would suggest maybe giving the diet thing another try. You seem really unsure and in time when you are ready, you will so know it. Take a couple of years to play with the idea, do a little more research, you and your mother should attend a couple of support groups, so you two can meet people see first hand the experiences and the changes. Even if you had any real scaring(which I had mines Lap and there is barly anything there) you have to take into consideration saggy skin(your young but it could still happen). Your 20 years old take your time with your decision. This is permenant and it requires a lot of dedication. I hope you find the answers and support you are looking for. Everyone here is very helpful.

brookscn · 02-14-2006, 07:54 PM

Lisa:
I looked on the photo board, but didn't see anyone's incision area. The morbidly curious person that I am, I wanted to see what I had in store for myself.

Do you remember who had took photos of their abdomen post-surgery?

Am I a sick person for wanting to see that?

Probably. I just want to make sure I'm in tip top bikini shape when I'm done with this whole process!

Ryn · 02-14-2006, 08:04 PM

My scar looks like a zipper down my front- I say it's to let the skinny girl out.

coptergirl · 02-14-2006, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryn

My scar looks like a zipper down my front- I say it's to let the skinny girl out.

Ryn - I like that - may I borrow it?

coptergirl · 02-14-2006, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brookscn

Lisa:
I looked on the photo board, but didn't see anyone's incision area. The morbidly curious person that I am, I wanted to see what I had in store for myself.

Do you remember who had took photos of their abdomen post-surgery?

Am I a sick person for wanting to see that?

Probably. I just want to make sure I'm in tip top bikini shape when I'm done with this whole process!

Carolyn - we can be sickos together because when I finished the post, I wanted to look at scars, to, but you saved me the time of the search