[petunia]

Hi Girls and boys,
It's me, Petunia. Thanks for your words of welcome everyone. BamaGal, I am also Bi-Polar, and was wondering if you had trouble after the surgery with this. Lisa, thanks for being so kind and welcoming, and Suzanne, you inspire me. I also grew up in Michigan.

I have my first consult with my surgeon this week and a tentative date of May 15. I've had trouble for so long, I'm looking forward to the possibility of real relief.

I'm in my late 30's with two children and a supportive husband. I am excited, but also apprehensive--not about the surgery, but about the way my life is going to change. I know it will be better in lots of ways, but the unknown is kind of scary. Can anyone detail the pros (I know there are a lot) and cons (I'm having trouble finding these, but I know they must be there). Do you miss anything about life before WLS?

Thanks everyone!

[jbarfield]

Welcome Petunia. I have not actually had my surgery either, but I have read alot and I would say some of the cons would be as follows for gastric bypass:
CONS


1) Possible nutritional deficencies if you do not keep up your vitamins.
2) Dehydration unless you drink all of your water
3) You have rearranged you digestive system. If something would happen and you would need your stomach pumped, the doctors could do damaged unless they are aware of your surgery.

PROS:

1) Your life will be forever changed. New attitude, new body, better health and hopefully a longer life.

2) You have been given a tool that will aide you like nothing you have ever tried before.

3) Wear shoes with laces again

4) Go to any sporting event and be comfortable in your seat

[FemmeMode]

JBar...you are sooo right! I agree with your "cons"...
_____________________________________________

As for the PROS - I'm just 10 days from being ONE YEAR post op.....There are soooooo many PROS...as far as I can tell...
You can see sooo many accomplishments by reading the Thread: "AFTER WLS: "Can't Wait Fors..."

I'm thrilled for all I've gone thru...all I'm learning...and have learned this year....
I'm thrilled for how I feel....my health...and how I look is a bonus!

[MsVickie]

Continued >>>>>

5. Cross your legs
6. Sit in any chair without worrying its gonna break under your weight.
7. Have people look at your brain differently not just your body.
8. Have great Sex!. I have heard alot about skinny sex. I wanna try.
9. Breath better. Wether its hot or cold.
10. Go into a regualr store and buy regular clothes. Not the plus sizes that cost more. Hey
11. Save money on them smaller clothes. LOL
12. Live to see your kids grow marry and have grandbabys if you dont have them already. Im waiting on that moment.

Hey Petunia im Vickie. Im not sure If I welcomed you or not. If not Welcome. The Cons for me are so small consdiering the Pros.

The main one and the one I keep in my mind. Im scared of the surgery yes.....but im more scared of what is gonna happen if I dont have it.

Take care hope some of this made you smile!

[fr1endly2]

FOR me the biggest pro is that my birth defect of overeating
has been fixed for me and i now eat like a lady!!!
FOR me the pros really did out weigh the cons and even the risks!

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board Petunia, thank you for joining us.
Yes, there are lots of cons and lots of pros, and while the pros were extolled in the beginning, as more people have the surgery, the cons come to light, too, so you are going to hear lots of scary things, as well as good things about this surgery.
Well, maybe more about scary things because it's the negatives of anything that bumps up the sales for the media.
But, if you go through this board, you will see that everyone considered the cons, then thought very hard about what good changes the surgery will bring about for themselves, and decided.
So, you will have to make the decision for yourself.
Do a lot of serach and research of both the good and the bad, and whatever you decide, make sure you have all the info you need.

(((((((HUGS))))))) May your journey go well, and happy huntings and postings.

[Ciren]

Welcome, Petunia...

[Exhorter]

WELCOME We just have to let our hearts show us which direction to go and what to listen to. I am new to this board but I see the kindness and how people are willing to help with answers. Many have already been where we are today and have done great. So as long as we do our part and get the correct info I think we will do great.