[Catherine77]

Hey All!!!

I am only 6-8 weeks out from surgery, which is so cool!! I am so excited, and nervous. I trust everyone here so much, so I thought I would write and see what your opinions are on the things people have been telling me. It is kinda scary (although I am going through with this because I know it is best).

There is a lady that volunteers where I work, and she had the surgery a few years ago. She has a disability (now! not before) that was caused from a complication from the surgery. It apparently happened about 2 weeks out from surgery when her body totally shut down because it wasnt getting enough nutrients. They had thought she had a stroke and thought she would never be able to walk or talk again. She is walking with a cane, and her speech is coming back, but I am just wondering if anyone else has heard of this type of thing. Also, what are suggestions on making sure this doesn't happen...

The other thing that was said to me today, was a friend that has the lapband and has been VERY unsuccessful, said that there are just WAY too many complications from GP and that is why people are having the sleeve instead. I just don't think this sounds right. I know she is jealous that I am having the GP and will be successful, but I am just worried. Does anyone have any info on this that they can share.

I am looking for any kind of advice or information that you might have to give to me. I am so excited about my "new" life that nothing will deter me from this. I am just worried about some of these things that people have been talking about. I know there can be complications,but...

[countrygirl]

There can be complications with any surgery, and obese people are sometimes at a higher risks for certain complications because of the co-morbidities that generally accompany obesity.

Don't let the "horror stories" you hear scare you. Yes, you do need to be aware that complications can arise post op. But what complications will you face if you do not lose the weight?

I have found that so many people are misinformed about gastric bypass and WLS in general. You often hear the stories about the cases that go bad, but for all those there are MANY MANY more that were successful. If you look at the statistics, WLS has lower complication rates than many other surgeries.

You will be fine. Knowledge is power, so in the meantime do more research and write down any questions you may have for your surgeon. It's normal to get nervous as your surgery date gets closer, and hearing those negative stories don't help.

[molly4220]

Catherine, all I can tell you is that research as much as you can, but one thing we always hear about so and so's friend only the negative never hear of the successes, I am so thankful for all the support here but as you can see from all the success on this forum, it does work and this is such an awesome journey. Good luck.
Judy

[clancythecamper]

When I was ready for my surgery, I felt the possible complications paled in comparison to the almost certain future I faced without it. I knew where I was headed because I'd watched family members suffer from heart disease, diabetes, Hypertension, and related issues. I felt the possible complications were much less likely than the above health problems which had already begun.

Everybody and their brother knows someone who knows someone that had a horrible complication to ______________ (fill in the blank) and they always want to share it with you to "help" you. People are just weird like that.

My best advice there would be to check out your surgeon's record really good; go to a center of excellence if you can and hopefully go to a hospital that has done large numbers of cases and are very familiar with all the possibilities and also has an extensive post op program with lots of support.

Good luck ~ see ya on the losers bench

[Bubblyangie]

Catherine, there are loads of complications that can arise after GBP surgery, and to be honest I feel like I've experienced most of them, but I have never regretted having this surgery, ever!! My life has been enhanced, and given back to me as for many years I was trapped in a fat person's body restricted and unhappy. You will know in your heart if this is the road for you, and once you know that then close the window to others opinions and crank up the music and enjoy the ride..

Oh and if you want advice you can trust you are in the best place!!

[rolandthunder]

Anything can go wrong with any medical procedure. I saw a story the other day about a woman that became paralyzed after she had a flue shot. Something in her body reacted with the shot. No risk, no reward. No one can, or should live their life in fear of what Might happen. I have been an EMT for 9 years and have been to hundreds of accidents, yet I still drive knowing that I could be killed.

[luckylocke]

I agree with what all the others have said. There is risk in any operation. I checked my doctor's stats before I had my surgery.

[judijo]

Five of us at our work have had GBS. One has had major malabsorption problems, probably stemming from non-compliance in the beginning. Another had problems about 10 months out (GI bleed/anemia of unknown origin) but is fine now.

A favorite deli dept person in my local grocery was banded 3 years ago and she gained 80 lbs in 3 months, about 9 mo. ago. The band has broken (popped?). It is deemed a mechanical malfunction, the manufacturer will replace, but she does not have the $$$ for the costs for the surgeon/anesthesia, etc.

That being said....I would do it again tomorrow, because I feel so much better than I did 2 years ago, and my health is better for my decision. Without the surgery I would be so much closer to death due to co-morbidities surrounding the obesity. I am very satisfied with my decision. I know many, especially at work, who will not have the surgery because of the above situations. It is a very private decision for the person involved.

[BreeChick]

Sweetie remember..we were ALL hugely obese or we would not have had this surgery or any of the other ones trying to lose weight.

The surgery does NOT make life perfect. We ARE at a much higher risk for complications during and after surgery. We can still have strokes, heart attacks, GI perforation, etc etc..have a car accident and it busts the staple line or a simple fall can break a leg long term post op, or you can get cancer..

The surgery does not FIX us and make us totally immune to regular health issues. We have to work hard at staying and I emphasize STAYING healthy long term through compliance with the rules, choosing things carefully, pushing only to certain points with what we can do.

We hurt our bodies by being hugely obese, we put ourselves at risk for lot of health issue including death. The surgery does change our lives and makes such a huge difference for some of us who take the 2nd chance and run hard with it. Others will push and push the limits to 'see if it really does work' and find that they can out eat the surgery with 'tricks'.

Others find they cannot overcome the food addiction, OR are unwilling to work hard to replace it with a healthy choice instead.

The surgery result, as always is up to YOU. There is a responsibility we each have with our newly given chance and also have the understanding that we hurt our bodies terribly for years and there ARE consequences even after having the surgery.

Things happen in life...good, bad, but it is up to US what we do with those 'happenings'..

[keville23]

I agree with what the others have said. I had surgery 2.22.10 without complications....JOY! Before, I too had a family member ask me if I knew I might die during/after surgery???? If I lived, I would probably develop a "cross addiction" and become an alcoholic! I needed her like I needed an abscess on the end of my nose! I tried to tell me that she loved and cared about me, but did not find this helpful. Luckily, I had many other supportive friends and family and did all the research I could. I went through a center of excellence and am happy to report all went well....I am sure the same will be for you. Keep on learning before your procedure. You'll do fine.