[KnitterGirl]

Hi,

I'm new here and am just starting to research the possibility of WLS for myself. What I really want to know is the low down on the whole thing. I've heard people say that it was the best thing they've ever done, but there have to be things that are hard or at times make you doubt the wisdom of your decision. That is the nitty gritty I want to know. Does dumping happen often? Do you still struggle with food? How many supplements are you having to take each day? Do you feel perfectly healthy after having the surgery? How long is recovery? Are you really and truly happy?
These are the things I worry about. This is not the first time I have thought about WLS but in the past I had trouble finding answers to the questions I most worry about. I'm glad I found this site and I look forward to getting to know everyone!

[Kenyar]

Hi! Welcome to the boards. My name is Kenya. I am a "newbie". I had my surgery on 4/19. I feel good, better than i did pre-op. Im on fewer meds too! no more hypertension. Im no longer borderline diabetic, and my asthma seems to have subsided.I can also safely say I had no complications. I cant say i have any regrets. The hardest thing for me to deal with was not being prepared emotionally. A lot of us went into this not realizing how many areas of your life are affected by eating or not being able to as you did pre-op. You have to learn to cope differently if you are an emotional eater. Thats HUGE.

Supplement: as far as supplements, i take 2 vitamins, calcium, and make sure i get in 60g of protein daily (combination of supplement and food). thats it.

Recovery: recovery is different for each of us. i had no pain. i took 5 weeks off work and then went back because i was bored LOL!

Struggle: i still struggle but of course it isnt the same. Now, its a struggle to get in everything i need. I am NEVER hungry. I often times have to set reminders to eat. Never thought that would be an issue LOL!

Happiness: True happiness doesnt come in a bottle or with surgery in this case. You have to be truly happy to begin with. i consider myself a work in progress in all areas; mentally, physically and everything in between, its hard work.

there are so many nice people who are willing to share experiences here. feel free to aks whatever you want. you've come to the right place. make youself at home. and i look forward to getting to know you too

[KnitterGirl]

Thanks, Kenyar!

I guess when I say happy, I mean really and truly happy that you had the surgery and that you don't have any regrets. I just struggle with whether this is the right thing for me to do.

[Kenyar]

gotcha. i am VERY happy with my decision. if you arent sure, i would definitely say dont do it unless you are sure its right for you. everyone is different. maybe if you look into what your reasons are for actually having it, it might help you make that decision. i started there and from there looked outward

[fr1endly2]

HI!
welcome to the boards
its a great place for makeing friends
and getting lots of support.

Well its by no means an easy way out!
BUT in the end i got my results that i wanted
"TOTAL HEALTH"...i had my surgery 2 years ago
lost 143 lbs.
I am happy.
BUT of course it being a tough journey at times had some blues,
but still very happy with the NEW THIN ME!
its a deicions only you can make. I would try to hook up in your area to go to an information seminiar on the surgery were u can learn
tons ask questions and determine if this is right for you
welcome again and i look forward to getting to know you thru your posts.

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.
For some of the answers to your questions, please check Bariatric Surgery: Postoperative Concerns which is patient info from the surgeons.

Good luck on your search and research, ((((((HUGS))))))) May your journey go well.

[not quite Barbie]

Hi. I'm pre-surgery and I have been reading all the posts on this board for months now, trying to answer those same questions. The majority of the people posting here have had recent surgery or are still waiting (like me). Almost no-one regrets it (bingoklee is an exception at the moment), most are estatic about how their lives have improved - they are healthier, are able to move around an do things, are happy with their new look.

Not everyone dumps, and those that do learn to stay away from the foods that make them dump. I'm actually hoping that I DO dump, because I want something that will keep me from eating sugary foods.

It seems like hunger is gone for about the first year and then comes back, but not like it is pre-op (folks, correct me if I'm wrong). It is controllable after surgery!

After reading all the posts here and elsewhere on the web, I'm convinced the surgery is right for me, now I just have to convince the insurance company. But that doesn't mean it's right for you. Don't do this until you are absolutely sure this is what you want and are committed to changing your life.

[BOOTS]

Hi

I Felt The Same Way As You. I Joined This Website A Year Ago Just Asking Questions And Wondering If It Was Right For Me And When Was The Right Time To Do It. At That Time I Didnt Persue It And Took More Time To Think. Well One Year Later Im Back On The Boards And Ready!!!! My Surger Date Is 7/16.

So Ask Lots Of Questions And Be Sure With Your Decesion. Im Glad I Waited Because Unlike Before Im Sure Now.

[A new me]

I can honestly say that I am soooooo glad that I did this surgery. I too had doubts right up to the last minute. But there were health issues and I finally decided that this was what I needed to do. I was not only doing it for myself but for my children and my husband. Im only 3 months out but knock on wood I feel so great. Im off my blood pressure meds and Im exercising every day and I have lost 60 pounds. Dont get me wrong there are little bumps in the road and alot of things to deal with along the way. But each day is a brighter day now for me. This site has become my new best friends. I have had so much support and help on this site and love it. I would reccommend doing the research and if your ready then proceed with the steps and do it. But you have to want it and know what lies ahead. I dont regret my decision for a second. Easier said now that 3 months post op I know.

[amyswankhuizen]

Hello and welcome to the boards. I had my surgery in December of 2005, and I have lost 132 pounds. Let me begin by saying that surgery is NOT the easy way out. It was a decision I made after very serious research and consideration. I spent over a year exercising, losing the first 30 pounds on my own, going to a therapist and support groups, and consulting my surgeon (etc.)

My life before surgery was consumed with fast food. Del Taco, McDonalds, Pizza, you name it. I drank gallons of diet coke every day and the primary vegetable that I ate was a french fry. My knees hurt, back constantly ached, my blood pressure was dangerously high, and I was pre diabetic (just to name a few.) I thought about food all day. When I would get some, how I would get it, etc.

My life preparing for surgery was a little scary but I started to eat as my nutritionist suggested and began walking every day during my lunch hour. Over time, my emotions and body began to respond to the healthy changes that I was making. I began to feel more energy and clearer thinking. I had more energy to do the things that I needed to do every day.

My life post op. I was very ready for the surgery. I had a tight support group of friends and family. My mom was/is my biggest cheerleader. She cared for me post op etc. I was up and out of bed 4 hours after surgery walking around the nurses station. I felt elated, like I had been reborn. The nurses all commented on how often I wanted to walk, how little pain meds I requested/required, and my positive/happy attitude. I was 100% ready and on my way to recovery.

For about 2-3 months I was on liquid and soft foods. I really missed my "friend" food. It was almost like the grief you feel after death. I had to find new things to do to fill up the time that I used to spend with food.

I didn't "dump" for many months. At about 6 months out, I tried hamburger meat for the first time and I did throw up. It must have been too much for me to handle. So I didn't try that again for about 4 more months. But I did get to enjoy chicken, fish, etc. I followed my nutritionists/surgeons exercise, water, vitamin, and food directions. My father said to me recently: "It's like the fast literally melted off of you in days."

My main "problem" post rny was my gall bladder. I had to have it removed in Sept. 2006. I think that surgery was far worse than my rny and it took me longer to feel like myself again. (That surgery seemed to cause loose stools for quite a long time. It's now better.)

Today, I'm 132 pounds lighter. I feel great. I have excellent health and stamina. I take my multi vitamin and calcium daily. I take sublingual Vitamin B 2x's a week too. I eat 5 to 6 small meals daily which consist of protein first, fruits and vegetables 2nd, and some sort of carb like corn or toast. I do eat pizza on occasion but I can only consume 1 small slice. I find that it's a treat now and I make it homemade so that I can control the ingredients and toppings.

In fact, I now eat 99% of my meals at home and cooked by me. I enjoy preparing healthy, well balanced meals for my husband and children. I even make my own homemade "icecream" with splenda and the family loves it (most recently blackberry flavor YUM)

My journey continues as I keep up with healthy eating, positive thoughts, exercise, and the support of my mom, family, friends, and now my new husband.

I wish you the best in researching this surgery. It is only a TOOL and not a magic bullet. However, if you use the tool properly, you can achieve and maintain a healthier/happier life imo.

Amy