Question:
How happy were you to have this surgery? Would you recommend it?
With so many thoughts running through my head about WLS, I'm now starting to question my own fears & feelings. Were you all like this before the surgery? Was it the best thing that happened to you? Was it the best decision? Thank you... — Peri B. (posted on July 26, 1999)
July 26, 1999
You sound pretty normal to me. Any surgery is a scary thing. Even a surgery
you are looking forward to because of the results you expect. I was more
excited than nervous. At 39 I was more scared of how my health was going to
be in another few years if I didn't do something about my weight. I'm glad
I had my surgery. I had an open RYN in Addison, MI. At 13mo I've lost 50%
of my excess weight. My endurance is better. I can move easier. I don't
hurt in my knee, legs, and feet all the time. Best wishes to you. Your
feelings are normal.
— Penny W.
July 26, 1999
I had vbg on 6/23/99, and I think it's the best decision I've made in my
life. I've lost 23 lbs. to date and looking forward to a new life. I have
absolutely no regrets.
— vpierce
July 26, 1999
Hi, Peri--I am two weeks postop now, and doing really well.
I was very confident until about 2 weeks before the surgery, when I started
to get TRUE cold feet--it is, after all, major surgery and major lifestyle
changes. What kept me going is knowing that this was very probably the
only way that I'd be able to lose a large amount of weight and KEEP IT OFF.
(I've tried everything else) Also, I kept a running list of reasons why I
hated being fat (you know, don't fit into restaurant booths, no stamina,
etc.), and I read it every time I wavered. Finally, and most importantly,
I prayed HARD every time I got scared. Hope some of this helps!
— charlene M.
July 26, 1999
Peri- You are asking for a book of writing here. This surgery is not for
everyone. But it was for me. This surgery is a last resort to life. The
advantages are immense. Just to be able to walk for over 10 min. without
back pain, to have your blood pressure medicine cut in Half ( soon not
having to take it at all) to be able to get up out of a chair without
help. To be able to walk down the street without people pointing fingers
and making rude comments. To be able to look at yourself in the mirror and
agree with giving yourself a fighting chance to live to your fullest
potential.- to not be mad at the world because you are fat. All of these
are advantages of this surgery. This doesn't even scratch the surface. To
know you're adding years onto your life and will be here for you children.
This surgery was created by God to give the morbidly obese a fighting
chance. This was the most selfish, loving thing I have ever done for
myself. Selfish? Nobody told me I would make it off the operating table
BUT ME. I knew in my heart that I was going to come through it. And by
GOD'S grace - I did. I hope this begins to answer your questions.
Sheila -RNY March 26, 99 down 77 pounds
— Sheila W.
July 26, 1999
WLS is the best thing I ever did for myself. I have a new freedom, self
confidence,and better health than I have had in years. I would do it all
over again in a second!! I would be happy to explain further if you would
like to hear all about it. Good Luck.
— Jan T.
July 26, 1999
i was miserable emotionally for the first 4-6 weeks.....i never regretted
the surgery but mourned for the sweet comfort of a pleasantly full
stomach!!! now at 10 weeks i have lost 60 pounds and can eat pretty
normally i'm feeling pretty positive about the decision i made....would i
do it again??? in a heartbeat!!!! just to be free of the gnawing hunger
whenever i tried to diet was well worth the price i paid.....
— LINDA L.
July 26, 1999
I was ecstatic to have the surgery ... I've lost from 516 lbs originally
down over 200 lbs since my surgery and I've kept it off ... I still have
nearly 150 to go ... but I will do it. This surgery is a tool that has
changed my life immensely! I would recommend it to anyone committed and
determined to make a new life for themselves. Best wishes .... take a look
at my web site :)
— Sherrie G.
July 26, 1999
Honestly....No I am not happy. I had my surgery on June 18, 1999. My
husband was totally against it. He said that he loved me for who I was not
what I looked like (280 lbs).
On June 21st the doctor discovered that I had a leak in the new tiny
stomach. I was immediately put on "NOTHING BY MOUTH" and was
hooked up to a TPN (TOTAL PARENTAL NUTRITION) unit or in other words...a
liquid food bag by IV.
It has been over 5 weeks now....and I am still on the TPN, and still have
to have a Registered Home Health Care Nurse come into my home each and
every day to hook me up to a new TPN (food bag). I was told by my doctor
today that he wants me to stay on it for 2 to 3 more weeks. And still
NOTHING TO EAT OR DRINK!!!!! I can only put water into my mouth swish it
around and then spit it out. WHAT FUN!!
And to make things worse, we leave for vacation in Las Vegas on Aug.
1st....can you imagine how much fun it is going to be having to lug around
a Medical Backpack with an IV line that goes under my shirt up to the IV
hook up that goes into my chest? I will be miserable.
Another thing bad about this is the drainage tube they leave in you until
the doctor decides to remove it. It is usually only in for 10 to 14 days
afte the surgery..but of course mine has been in for over 5 weeks now. And
the ODOR is terrible. The stuff that drains out is the most foul smelling
thing that I have ever smelled. The hole that is in your stomach that the
tube goes into also SMELLS. I get headaches daily and gag all of the time.
PLEASE think twice. Maybe in about a year I will be happy and hopefully,
thin.....but right now I can truly say that this is the most horrible thing
that I have ever been through. Please feel free to email me at
[email protected] if you have any questions. Good Luck and if you decide to
go through with it Stick by your Decision.....remember that this problem I
have does not happen to everyone. But I did not think it could happen to
me.
— Linda F.
July 26, 1999
This is the smartest thing I've ever done. I was so afraid that with so
many weight "failure" behind me that I wouldn't make much of a
success of this surgery. I've defeated the best so far. In 7 months I've
lost 130 pounds. I started at 400 so I still have a road to travel, but
I've never felt so energetic, optimistic and in control of my life.
About energy: I read a lot of people saying that they got this burst of
energy. I knew that would never happen to me.. I am sooo sluggish.
One major difference between surgery and all the programs we've all worked
so hard on is that the results are immediate and dramatic... five to 7
pounds a WEEK some weeks. That keeps you working to make the most of the
opportunities of the surgery.
It's not easy every day but I have found that even a modest effort reaps
great rewards. I have had a few mis steps... not a lot drama, but a couple
of dumping incidents that were miserable. That keeps you honest too LOL.
My life was so tired and drudged out that I didn't care about side effects
and possible surgery complications. I even woke up a bit sore but feeling
hopeful.
Very good luck. Wish I had done this years ago.
Susan
[email protected]
— Susan C.
July 26, 1999
It will probably be the most awesome thing you do for yourself. It is
merely a tool that will assist you on your road back to control. Read Dr.
Atkins book, New Diet Revolution. Learn about how some people have a very
low tolerance to carbohydrates. I believe that is "our" problem.
If you eat three quarters of your food in protein and the other quarter in
carbs from vegees/fruits, you will be very successful.
I was so nervous before my surgery that I had to postpone it for one month.
I gained momentum, though, had a lot of people pray for me and faced the
surgery with much enthusiasm and optimism. The four days in the hospital
will be the roughest. After you return home, you will recover quickly.
God speed; my prayers are with you.
— Alyce K.
July 26, 1999
I was absolutely miserable the day after surgery, and seriously regretted
doing it. However, once the intence pain was gone, it got better and
better. It was the single-most important and the best decision I have ever
made. I can move around and am not in pain as before. It is hard to
describe how incredible I feel now.
— Elizabeth W.
July 26, 1999
WLS has been the greatest most wonderful miracle in the entire world for
me. I think all you have to do is look at my pictures posted in the photo
gallery and see that for yourself.
I have been given a "Do Over!!!" And I thank God each and every
day for the wonderful surgeon, Dr Phil Alston who is in Memphis, Tn for his
ability to do what was done. I feel like he saved
my life. I have said this so many times but I'll say it again, every day I
would look at myself in the mirror and say "It is a good day to
die!" I really and truly felt each day like it would be
my last here on earth. I'll never forget how good it felt after my WLS
when I had begun to loose a good deal of weight, I actually RAN from my
apartment over to my daughters. Do you have any clue how long it had been
since
I had been able to run without having to stop to catch my breath??? I had
my surgery in 1995. In 1996, I had the panniculectomy. Now that is
another miracle for me. I had 9 lbs of hanging, excess skin taken from my
abdomen.
My stomach is flat now and my body is one that I am proud of. I am in a
size 7/9 and that is something I am very proud of. I was in a 28 that was
too tight for me.
Would I do it again??? In a heartbeat, I would. I am sure it has added
years to my life. I now have two new grandchildren, and a new husband who
adores me. I will tell you it has not all been without problems once in a
while. If I eat too much,
Too fast, or Don't chew my food well enough, I do vomit. That doesn't
happen much since I try real hard not to eat too fast, too much or swallow
things that are too large. One thing you have to remember for the rest of
your life is to chew, chew, chew.
And drink water. Small amounts and often work well for me. But yes,
without hesitation, I would repeat the entire process.
Best of luck to you
— Peggy W.
July 26, 1999
I researched this surgery for about a year before deciding
I wanted to do it. Then had my PCP say I was a fool. Then
I started working at a company where six other people had
had it done, and the company's insurance paid for it (obviously).
So I went for it. Yes, it was absolutely the best
decision I ever made in my life and I would recommend it
to almost anyone in a heartbeat.
— dboat
July 26, 1999
I knew I HAD to do this surgery. I was dying. Not much longer. Dying.
Would I do it again? Annually, if I had to. Again & again & again
& again. No doubt. No questions. None at all. And my husband, too.
— vitalady
July 26, 1999
For me it was the best thing Iever did. I was also very much afraid. so
much so that it took me two years to decide to go ahead with the surgery.
I believe that so long as you go into it well educated and prepared to do
your part (since it is not magic but only a tool) that you will be
successful. Also very important is your doctor and his/her team and the
support they give you.
— Helen W.
July 27, 1999
I am so happy with my VBG. I am 1 year post-op. I have lost 150 pounds, I
would do it again!! It has changed my life. I am healthy, I can move with
out pain,. I only wish I had done it 10 years ago.
— Donna D.
July 27, 1999
I would not change a single thing except having the right surgery the first
time. I have had surgery 3 times an original gastric stapling that stopped
working, then I had a bypass that came apart after 4 years then I had it
revised to the bypass with a transected stomach. I love it. I can eat a
little more than I used to I don't have much trouble with things getting
stuck, I reached my goal and have been able to maintain it with little
effort. The only thing I have to do everyday is take my vitamins and
protien and I feel great. I am very happy that I did this, and even if I
had known what I would go through over the years I would do it again. I
lost 170 pounds and would not trade that in for anything. Good luck I am
sure you will not be sorry in the least. Email me if you have more
questions
— Kim C.
July 27, 1999
I am going to be perfectly honest with my answer. I would say that I am
delighted with my surgery and it's outcome about 90% of the time. Then
there are times when I don't feel so good. But my doctor said this is
normal, that I would have good days and bad days ( like energy levels etc.)
It's only when my stomach is upset or disagrees with my food choice that I
wish I hadn't done it. I am VERY particular about following the
recommended diet, and how much I eat and when I eat. I should be eating
more frequently but I still don't have much of an appetite yet- I am almost
11 weeks out:) When I am feeling bad I just start thinking about all the
reasons I had the surgery and then I feel better. I have the greatest
husband in the world backing me up! It's normal to get scared and think of
backing out the closer you get to your date, but when I considered that I
was heading for an early grave I am glad I did it!!!! Best wishes and hang
in there! You are in my prayers!
— [Anonymous]
August 3, 1999
Peri,
I had my surgery in January of 1997 and to date have lost 193 lbs. I went
through exactly what your discussing and thought I had made the biggest
mistake of my life for the first 3 weeks. But once the pain left, and the
fog lifted-I started to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It has been
a WONDERFUL experience!! I would do it over again in a minute...!!! Feel
free to e-mail me with any questions.
Allison
— Allison Mupas
Click Here to Return