Question:
Are you happy with the choice you made?
I am a pre-op wondering if most people are happy with there decision, either short-term or long-term. I read the answers to the question about regrets, and some of them scared me. I've had a c-section, so I know what it's like to recover from abdominal surgery, and my girlfriend told me she would equate the pain and recovery of the RNY with a c-section. I'm worried about recovery, post-op depression since I am being treated for depression now, and anxiety. Anyone have any experiences or advice they would like to share? — Heidi H. (posted on January 4, 2003)
January 3, 2003
I am 9 days post op, and so far I do not regret my decision. It hasn't
been the easiest thing in the world, but is nothing I can't handle. The
pain has never been that bad, and the pain medicine takes care of the pain
there is. As far as depression, my surgeon automatically perscribes zoloft
to all RNY patients. If you are already being treated, then you have the
medicine already right? I haven't experienced any hunger yet, and have had
no complications. I look forward to when I can eat a little more normally,
but I have a very supportive husband taking care of me, lots of movies to
watch, and lots of pain meds to take. It'll all be good for you, I bet.
Good luck to you!
— thekatinthehat
January 3, 2003
Heidi,
I am two and a half month post op, and have absolutely no regrets. This is
the best thing I ever did !!! I think your depression problem may get
somewhat better once you begin to lose weight and feel better about
yourself. Best of Luck.
— GPoynor
January 3, 2003
I am happy with the decision i have made, the fiest few weeks were the
hardest, but now i am 5 months post-op and feeling good. It was the
scariest thing I ever went through seeing how i never had to stay a day in
the hospital, but i do nopt regret my decision. One thing you must keep in
mind is that this is a decision you must make for YOURSELF, regardless of
the good or bad stories it is a decision that you must be able to live with
for the rest of your life...
— cheala G.
January 3, 2003
I'll be very honest with you, the first 2 months were rough! I was
wondering what the hell I had done to myself! I was throwing up all the
time, and I could barely keep myself hydrated. Finally they figured out
why, I had a narrowing at the bottom of my pouch due to scar tissue. It
had closed off almost completely (2.5 mm)so only the thinnest of liquids
could go through. They went down my throat with a scope and stretched it
back out to 15 mm. The procedure was painless and I only had mild
discomfort the remainder of the day. Now, ten days later, I'm feeling
great! I can eat solid food, I can drink all the fluids I need, life is
good again! I've lost 62 lbs and that really has made such a difference!
I can now say that I have no regrets, but it took a while to say that:)
Good luck!
— Trula B.
January 3, 2003
I also had a rough first 2 months post-op. I wondered what I had done to
myself and thought I would feel miserable forever. It does pass. Looking
back, I forget the pain every time I look at the scale and see 128 pounds
and slip on my size 4 jeans!! Would I do it again? Yes. I just wish I
could have done it at 20 instead of almost at 40.
— Patty H.
January 4, 2003
next month, i am two yrs postop. i have lost 187lbs. i have NEVER
regretted it as of yet. like you, i have had c-sections too. i have had
two though. the pain for the c was worse i think. since you have had a c
section, you will know most is mental prep. knowing that this is a
temporary situation, and you WILL get better. when i went for my second c,
i eliminated my hospital stay by five days because i mentally prepped
knowing what i went through w/ my first. well knowing what i went through
with that, i prepped that this is temp. and it WILL be worth it. with that
in mind, i was in the hospital with my lap rny for fortyeight hours. even
the hospital staff were amazed... i told them it was mental.... duh.... my
mother went through the gastric bypass procedure one month after me.... she
said the only thing that got her through was me telling her it was
TEMPORARY and to mentally prep. i also encourage you... if this is what
YOU want, GO FOR IT!!!! Yeah, it hurts, but the recovery is quick and if
you go in w/ an attitude that you WILL make the BEST of it, and you will
incorporate all that you have learned from everyone here and your personal
studies of what you must prepare for, for this procedure, you will do
fine.... but you MUST do this out of your own will and own desire... not
for what anyone else can tell you. I was walking to my neighbors house
visiting on day three and doing things from there. driving on day 10
eating solids on day 10. back to normal by day 14, sleeping on my tummy by
day 4, it is all how you mentally approach it. You tell your body it WILL
do what you want it to, to get the best recovery and keep your mind focused
and you will be fine. you may email me w/ questions if you wish. down
187lbs. size 6 now and would not trade it for the world. good luck! STAY
FOCUSED AND KNOW IT IS TEMPORARY!!!!
— Patricia C.
January 4, 2003
The beginning is a little rough - it takes time to get into a new routine
of eating, vitamins, protein supplements, water & exercise. It takes
time to recover from the surgery(I had open), and for me, there are still
times that I wish I could have a special treat (like lots of fried chicken
& rice, or the like).
I have come to truly believe that I didn't have any other choice but to
have surgery. I have accepted the fact that I have a disease called morbid
obesity. I cannot eat like most "normal" people. My body does
not use food in the same way as others. I had diabetes, which means that
my body could not process the food I was eating. I was not producing my
own insulin. I felt like crap most days, and I am fairly young (almost
40). I wasn't going to just get better on my own, I had to take a serious
step.
When I look at myself in the mirror these 4 months later, I can't help but
like what I see. I look so much healthier & happier. I am more
energetic. I am taking care of me. My blood sugar is normal. I have
stopped smoking. I exercise, and for the most part, I make good food
choices. I am living the life I deserve to live.
Would I do it again, you betcha. Good luck,
— Valerie B.
January 4, 2003
Heidi, I have never had a single regret regarding this surgery. I was so
fortunate to not have any serious complications. I have had 2 c-sections
and a tubal ligation, and to be honest for me this was about the same pain
level. I am about 18 months post-op, and about 10 lbs away from my
personal goal of 150 with having started at 298. It is common to have some
post op depression, but that is expected with almost all surgeries. I even
had it with my tummy tuck and hernia repair. Lasted a few days for me.
The thrill of being able to run after my children, and get up on my roof to
do repairs was, for me, the biggest reward. I have never been a normal
size in my life till this surgery. Being obese for 32 of my 38 years
clouds my judgement a little. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
— samizaki
January 4, 2003
This surgery has been a walk in the park for me. No regrets.
— barbara A.
January 4, 2003
Heidi, I had 4 c-sections plus a lap gallbladder removal in the years prior
to my open rny. My abdomen had really been through the ringer! For me,
the recovery from each C-section got easier and easier. So, with the RNY,
I had a pretty easy time of it. The pain was very manageable for me, and
the excitement of what was in store in the coming months made it very
bearable. I am 9 months out and have lost 156 lbs. and wearing 8's and
6's, which I never believed was possible! As for the depression, it hit me
around 2 months out, but I went to my pcp and got an AD, and I slowly but
surely came out of the fog. I think most of us go through that kind of
thing. Just keep positive and look forward to the new healthy you...it
will happen sooner than you can imagine!
— Mary W.
January 4, 2003
Heidi,
I am now 5 months post-op minus 85 pounds. And I can tell you, I couldn't
be happier! I actually went sledding with my husband and kids on New Years
Day and had more fun than I could have dreamed of. Last year if we had
gone I would have sat in the car and watched my hubby and kids have all the
fun. I would never have been able to walk up that hill once even. I am
thrilled with my decision to have the surgery! It was a little tough in
the beginning but even during those times I never had one regret. Life was
passing me by before, now I am an active participant and loving every
minute of it! Good luck to you!
— Laurel C.
January 4, 2003
Heidi...I can't tell you how strongly I feel that this has improved my
life. I am five months out and have gone from a size 22 to a 10...yes I
put on size 10's this morning at the store....as I stood there in disbelief
I started to cry. I never could have accomplished this myself. Honestly
the first month after surgery sucked...you just don't feel right. Energy
is non existent and your head really does tell you that you are hungry and
you believe it and since you can't eat there are emotional issues to deal
with there but I will tell you from day 23 post op I have felt like a
million bucks...people everywhere tell me how great I look and you know
what? I believe them...not cocky, just honest with myself....I do need to
firm up but to not be afraid to be naked in front of my husband and to be
able to feel my body move....and liek it....heck I choose to park in the
back and walk these days....yes there are drawbacks but the positives far
out weigh anything that you may go through. Make sure that you have done
your homework, especially where your surgeon is concerned..is he qualified
and what is his complication rate...you have to pick the best surgeon that
you can find and your insurance will pay for...if you do that things shoudl
go smoothly.
Good luck!
— blank first name B.
January 4, 2003
I've had 3 c-sections, a hernia repair, and a tubal ligation. I swore I'd
NEVER have another abdominal surgery. I lied. LOL! I had a Lap RNY, and it
was a walk in the park compared to ANY c-sections. I had pain, but it
wasn't burning, searing pain, like when they cut through your muscles in
the c-setions. I was expecting it to feel the same way, and was very
surprised when it didn't hurt to lift my legs! It hurt to stand up
straight, but by day 6, I was FINE! I admit that I have occaisonal regrets,
but it doesn't last longer than a few minutes. I just think, "I want a
candy bar" and can't have one. WHY did I do this?? Oh yeah, it's
because I lost 22 pounds in 3 WEEKS! YAY! As for the depression and
anxiety, it may get worse, or it may get better. There's no way to tell
what will happen with your body. As long as you prepare yourself for what
could happen, you'll be FINE!!!!
— Diana L.
January 4, 2003
Hey hon, although the first few months i was miserable and 2nd guessed my
decision, I am soo happy its unreal...I feel so much better .. i havent
even reached my goal, i dont look like ms barbie but i tell you what i feel
a million bucks better (health wise) and thats all that matters to
me...good luck!
— Deanna Wise
January 4, 2003
I am 2 years post op and I thank God everyday that I had the strength to
make my decision!!! Of course I miss the 2 trips to the food bar and all
the candy I could eat, I think we all do. But I wouldnt trade any of my
ups and downs I have now for ANYTHING!!! I enjoy being normal. I could of
never got here with out the help of the surgery.
— Lisa J.
January 4, 2003
8+ yrs. Happy is an understatement. Surely saved my life. The actual
surgery itself, well, the 1973 gallbladder was worse, childburth worse in
intensity (but I got over it faster--not the kids! delivery). Becomes just
a fuzzy memory of the trasition between watching myself die by the inch
pre-op, and being where I am. I knew nothing when I chose my surgery, but
given a choice today, I'd choose THIS surgery, done THIS way, done by THIS
surgeon. The only regret, of course, was that I didn't do it sooner.
— vitalady
January 4, 2003
This is the best decision I made in my life. I am almost nine months
post-op. I went from a size 30/32 on top to a 14/16, and my pant size is
12. I feel like I've got my life back both healthwise and socially. I'm
very happy. I am also approaching 40 and I wish I could have had it done
at least ten years ago. I had a BPD/ds with no complications and a speedy
recovery. My advice to you is make sure you have a great sugeon like I
did.
— lisa G.
January 4, 2003
I also suffered anxiety and depression pre-op. I am now 4 months post-op
and down 107lbs. I can't say that this surgery is the answer to solving
all your problems, but I would definitly do it again.
— Jennifer E.
January 4, 2003
Hi, I have had both, a c section and now in May 2002 an open RNY. Nope,
doesn't compare. Different areas of the stomach, different muscles. C
section is your lower abs, but an open RNY affects your entire abdominal
muscle. I thought the RNY was a bunch harder. BUT having said all that.....
HECK YEA I am glad I did it. and I would do it again if I had to.!! It's
the best thing I have ever done for ME!!!!! No regrest here, I wish you all
the best!
— Gina D.
January 4, 2003
The only regret I have about this surgery is that I couldn't have had it
years sooner. I was 55 when I had my surgery and I missed a lot of living
because of morbid obesity. In fact, I really missed most of my son's
childhood - sitting on the sidelines watching. I found the pain from my
open RNY to be less than from my c-section.
Good luck.
— Patty_Butler
January 4, 2003
I'm 9 months post-op and I'm sooo happy about my weightloss and knowing
that this time it's permanent as long as I use my tool properly. These
last 9 months have been the MOST DIFFICULT time of my life. It's all
written in my profile, but the main problem is that I have trigger points
in my low abdomen and in my butt muscles that are causing SEVERE low back
pain. This started about 3 weeks after surgery and still continues today.
I've gone through many terrible tests, and have tried a variety of
medications. It took 7 months for a diagnosis, so at least now we are on
the road to getting this fixed, but it's going to take a long time. I've
been taking prescription pain medication for 9 months so that I can
function every day. It's so hard for me to say that I would do this again,
because of the pain I've suffered with these last 9 months, and the
depression that it's caused. My RNY has gone wonderfully. I've never
thrown up, never had a stricture (so far), never felt like anything was
stuck, and don't have problems with diarrhea. I eat pretty much whatever I
want except for high-fat food, because that causes tons of stomach pain.
But that stuff isn't good for me anyway. This surgery won't solve
everyone's problems, and it's a very personal decision. I hope I can say
in a year that I'm thrilled that I had this done, but not today. Good luck
and just go with your gut (no pun intended) feelings on this.
— Christine L.
January 4, 2003
I am 6 weeks post op now and I can tell you I just recently felt like I was
glad I had open rny. I too had a c-section, but after my rny, I had to be
reopened due to a bleed in my old stomach. I don't know if it was the 2nd
surgery or what, but I thought the pain was much more with rny. A lot of
people say their pain wasn't bad, but mine was. It seemed to subside after
about 4 days at home. I also am being treated for depression and that was a
big issue also. I didn't get my meds in the hospital and I finally had to
start crushing them at home. Went about a week and a half without my
depression med and that didn't help much. To sum it up, the first 2 weeks
was the roughest 2 weeks of my life. Lots of crying and anger. I hope if
you decide to have surgery, it goes much better for you! Feel free to email
me with any questions! rny 11-19-02 down 48 pounds forever!
— Lisa W.
January 5, 2003
I had my surgery 6/17, and have lost 76 pounds. I am a slow loser, but I
knew I would be. Never really been able to lose on a diet. Yes, I would
have this surgery again in a heartbeat!!!!! I had no complications, and
can now eat anything I want. I have my life back. I was very active until
I started gaining weight in my 30's , although I was never little at any
time in my whole life. I wish I had had this done earlier in my life. The
requirements- eating enough protein, etc. is not a big deal. I have
recently started exercising (yes, I should have been doing that all along-
one reason I haven't is because I fell down the stairs and broke my arm in
a place that couldn't be cast or operated on, hurt my back, knee, and toe;
the other reason is because I was so fat that I was glad to just make it to
work and back without passing out from fatigue).I have not one single
regret!!! Good luck!
— Loretta E.
January 5, 2003
I am exactly 3 months post-op and down 46 pounds. I weigh 199 pounds!!!
(Thats the first time I've been under 200 in sooo long!) Before surgery I
was on Zoloft, for depression. I was probably still depressed for a month
after my surgery, but then I started walking. Boy did that make me feel
soooo good! I had so much more energy and my moods, I feel sorry for my
husband because I act like a 13 year old cheerleader and even get all
excited to go for a walk! I have absolutely no regrets, maybe that I should
have looked into this surgery sooner, but I turned 23 4 days after my
surgery and am pretty young compared to a lot of people. To tell you the
truth, before I looked into surgery, my life didn't look so great. I had
basically given up on life, I figured I'd have to live with being fat and
unhappy for the rest of my life, cause nothing else could keep this weight
off. But now, life looks so much better to me. I've had the opportunity to
go bungee jumping before, but didn't cause I was too embarrassed of having
to be weighed in front of my husband, then of how I would look just hanging
there in the sky! Now I plan to go this summer, I also plan to take some
dance classes somewhere, and join a gym. My advice would be to excercise-(I
can never spell that right) as much as you can, cause that helped big time
with my depression and mood swings, and follow your doctors orders. Take
care!!!
— D S.
January 5, 2003
July 23 2001 was my day the BEST decision I EVER made. Just wish I had done
it years ago. For less pain shop around for a LAP surgeon. My wife Jen had
LAP surgery too at a bmi of 60. So higher bmis can be done. I have to
update my profile but were both doing good, between the 2 of us we lost
over 230 pounds:)I was depressed pre op, thats normal for MOs. Mine went
away, sometimes depression is cauised by poor self image. Jen was told by
her psych doc she is no longer needed after many years. I am thrilled with
all this.
— bob-haller
January 5, 2003
Hello Heidi........I had a VBG in April of 2001. The only time I regretted
surgery is when I first opened my eyes after sugery! Hello, what the heck
have I done? Minutes later I was fine. I had 3- c-sections, a tubal
ligation, and gall bladder surgery. I rank this easier then the
c-sections. If you got through that, this should be easy for you.
Remember to walk,walk,walk as soon as they get you up. The more you are
up, the better you feel. Getting up isn't easy, but feels good once you
are!! Good luck to you!
— Dina P.
January 6, 2003
This is the best thing I have ever done for myself, read my profile.
— Linda A.
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