Kind of worried
kaalaliv
Posts: 5 Member
So I read a lot of success stories on here about people who have gone through the Gastric bypass surgery. Id like to know what are the most difficult things that I may or may not have to prepare myself for. I haven't gotten a date scheduled yet, I'm still not even 100% that I want to go through with it. I have never had surgery and it sort of scares me. So I would just like to be prepared for the worse. I'm sure the outcomes will out way the bad but Id still like to know. 
Thank you.
Also if you would like to add me or offer some advice please do.
Ka'ala
Thank you.
Also if you would like to add me or offer some advice please do.
Ka'ala
0
Replies
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Fear of the unknown is normal. Please don't base your decision to have gastric bypass surgery on "what-ifs."
I had RNY bypass surgery eleven months ago and, even though I had some minor problems, I never regretted it.
Before surgery, I had type II diabetes, hypertension, and so much joint pain from arthritis that I could barely walk or sit
without pain. Now, I take no meds at all - just vitamins!!
Two weeks before surgery, I started the liver-shrink diet. During that time and for the first month after surgery, I had terrible nausea.
Nothing helped it. Finally, my doctor realized that it was my diabetes medicine. Even though it had been cut in half right before surgery, it was still making me sick. Once I cut it out completely, the nausea stopped.
I also had a stricture that had to be stretched twice - a relatively simple process. I had difficulty finding foods I could tolerate during
the first three months post-surgery. During that time I had a couple of mini-meltdowns, wondering if I would ever be able to eat!!
But, even though I still have trouble with some foods, I can eat a wide variety, in small portions. I eat about 1600 calories a day to maintain my current weight. I am 5'9" and weigh 147 pounds, with my all-time high having been 294. I literally am half the person I used to be!!
Please wait until you are ready to have the surgery. Talk with your doctor about your concerns. Either way, we are here for you!0 -
I too had the same cycle with fears. It took me 6 mos to make the decision. Even during my 2 week liver reduction diet I contemplated backing out a few times. I was scared and was listening to people who had not gone through the extensive research I had done before making my decision. I had my sleeve on July 1. There was a minor complication in the hospital, but nothing that delayed my release. Because of major swelling, I had a hard time getting eve water down the first day.
So here is my advise from what I have learned so far:
1. Research - knowledge is power!!!! read all you can.
2. Follow you surgery teams guidelines to the "T". They are the experts - trust in their knowledge.
3. Never be afraid to ask a question or ask for help. The online discussions are very helpful.
4. Expect that things may not go perfect and allow yourself time for you.
Please feel free to add me as friend if you wish.
Best of luck on your journey.0 -
I agree that fear of the unknown is completely normal. I went through 3 denials before my surgery and was at the point that I was just going to do it on my own, and I was losing a little weight very slowly--I had dropped my calories to 800 and below to actually start seeing some slow weight loss. I was starving! As a type I diabetic, I knew that my diabetes wouldn't go away, but gastric bypass would improve it greatly, as well as the other health issues I had--poorly functioning kidneys, hypertension, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, etc. When I got the call that my insurance finally approved my surgery, I still wasn't sure if I should go through with it. What made my mind up for me was that I had lost weight before--and maintained it for a long time, only to gain it back again and again--with a vengeance. I knew that even after bypass that could still happen, but at least with it I had a fighting chance. And I wanted to live. My mom and sister both died of kidney failure and I was heading down that same path. I had had 5 surgeries prior to the gastric bypass, so I knew what to expect. I had done plenty of research, knew that my mind was in the right place and my food issues had long been dealt with. I have an amazing surgeon and dietitian and wouldn't trade them for the world. I believe mine are the best there are. I think having faith in your surgeon's capabilities and knowing in your mind that you have had enough of the problems that go along with being obese is a strong factor in making the choice for surgery. I hope that you ponder carefully within yourself and make the decision that is right for you. I am on MFP every day. I will send a FR and am here to answer any questions you have. There are a lot of awesome people here to share experiences with you.0
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Difficult, not losing all the weight I hoped to lose (unrealistic expectations)
Difficult, not enjoying going out to eat as a reward.0 -
Wow thank you ladies for all your responses. Congrats on all your success. I go in tomorrow to talk to a physical therapist and nutritionist tomorrow. Ill let you know how things go. 0
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My husband and I both had RNY surgery with no complications. We followed (and still do) our surgeon's directives and I'm convinced that is why. Most people want to take matters into their own hands, many progress too quickly, push the boundaries, etc and that is where the majority of complications derive from.
My biggest suggestion to you is really focus on making this a forever lifestyle change. If you aren't ready to permanently change how you eat, exercise and take care of yourself, the surgery will not be successful long term. You need to find ways to reward yourself in ways other than eating. Emotional eating needs to be checked because eventually you will likely be able to eat somewhat "normally" again and it can be a recipe for disaster.
Surgery is not a magical fix, but it can be an awesome tool for success if you are committed to make a lifelong change.0 -
My biggest suggestion to you is really focus on making this a forever lifestyle change. If you aren't ready to permanently change how you eat, exercise and take care of yourself, the surgery will not be successful long term. You need to find ways to reward yourself in ways other than eating. Emotional eating needs to be checked because eventually you will likely be able to eat somewhat "normally" again and it can be a recipe for disaster.
Surgery is not a magical fix, but it can be an awesome tool for success if you are committed to make a lifelong change.
This x 100!0 -
I'm a little late jumping in here, but I agree with what everyone has said so far. WLS IS SCARY! Regardless of which surgery you choose, you are making a permanent change to your body. I did a tons of research before seeing a doctor, a ton more after my initial appointment, and still do follow-up research 6 months post op. I think the key for me was that I followed the doctors orders to a T, even when I didn't want to do so. I take my vitamins, and do my exercise. I slowly reintroduce foods. It not to say that things are perfect. I have thrown up a few things, and had one episode of dumping, but I quickly learned which things worked for me. Now I am down 105, and feel better than I have most of my adult life. My most recent labs cleared me from acid reflux, diabetes, and PCOS. My other numbers are fantastic as well, and the doctors could not be more proud of my progress.
My advice if you decide surgery is the route for you....find people to surround you that will support the changes. Whether its family, friends or professionals, you will need support. Good luck on your journey!0
