[daughter of the king]

I hoping you all can help me out. I am certain WLS is the right solution to my long term obesity. I have done the research, found a "Center of Excellence" and a team of exceptional surgeons. I contacted my insurance company and got the list of requirements, all of which I meet and have sent them a personal letter covering all the reasons why they have a responsibility to cover the cost of it for me.
My biggest supporter, my husband Bob is concerned about the long term affects after WLS. Hes been told by well intentioned others that post op everyone ends up with nutritional defiencies that will eventually lead to illness, horrible bad breath, and Alepecia just to list a few.

He hasn't had the opportunity to attend a seminar or talk to anyone that has had WLS. My surgeons won't meet with us again until about 1 week before the surgery date ( sometime in July) for a full day of appointments and then the afternoon before surgery for a final OK so we really need your input.

Thanks, Diane

[Kenyar]

hmmm. well im only a little over two months out. All I can offer is that you should definitely speak to more post ops to get a true picture of what its like. You've come to the right place for that!!

I am NO doctor, but Ive never heard of anyone getting alepecia from WLS by the way lol! we do shed, some more than others, but i dont think anyone has gone completely bald and not been able to grow the hair back. So that isvery misleading.

In terms of the breath, i can say some of us have a wierd taste going on, which we have been told lasts thru the losing fat phase but its like normal bad breath. Have you ever done atkins? its similar to how your mouth feels wierd during the induction phase. there are things you can do to control it.

A lot of times there are people who take WLS and draw out all the negative. I dont see it that way at all. I look at it as an opportunity at a fresh start. This is not a "cure" for fatness. It is a tool to correct a lifetime of wrong doing. This is a HUGE learning process which includes learning how to eat healthy, how to exercise, how to cope with emotions. the list can be infinite for some. Maybe i am biased because I am also a patient. But to be completely honest with you, I did this because I had health issues. I KNOW that if i dont take care of myself there is the potential for illness and in my opinion those who end up with terrible illnesses (possibly) did not follow instruction early out. You will have to understand that you HAVE to take a multivitamin and calcium for the rest of your life. You have to make sure you get in adequate protein for the rest of your life. There are some people who lose the weight and dont follow thru and wind up sick. Thats a terrible thing to say, I know, but read thru some posts and you may agree (maybe not)

You cant take any one persons perspective as the gospel. We all respond very differently.

I would say if your health is at risk, go with bad breath hands down! lol!

Welcome to the boards! There are so many wonderful people here who are willing to share experiences and answer any questions you have. Make yourselves at home.

(sorry that was VERY longwinded)

[DocSanae]

Welcome to the board, thank you for joining us.

Doesn't your surgeon have information seminars and support meetings? The best way is to attend these meeting with your husband, have him hear first hand the stories of the post ops. Even if you don't see your surgeon until the date is near, ask your surgeon's office if there are any support meetings or seminars that you and your husband can attend.

(((((((HUGS)))))) May your journey go well.
Also, have him join this board, or other like boards, let him read other accounts.

[daughter of the king]

Kenya,
Thanks so much for responding. I absolutely agree with you. I'm not only 140-150 over opt. weight but am also dealing with significant arthritis in my knees. hips, ankles, neck and back. Im borderline diabetic...this just started this year as did the hypertension, hypothyroid, I'm already taking b12 injections as I have pernicious anemia... plus a scary family history that includes heart disease, stroke, CA. I'm 44 but most days feel like 80! My entire birth famly is very overweight and most of my siblings have multiple health issues as well. I look at WLS as a tool, a way to even out my genetics and get me to a point when I can ENJOY a healthy lifestyle with my husband ( who by the way over eats at every meal and remains an appropriate weight on the outside but his chol. is sky high) and daughters. I feel like if I can chose to take this jouney that includes WLS and all that goes with it and I end up with minor issues but gain my life back...being able to go on outings/hiking/camping/horseback riding ect with my husband and daughters, enjoy an amusement/water park, or just be able to fit into my daughters car and enjoy a day at the mall with her...ITS SO WORTH IT.
My doctor told me if I just maintain my weight as it is today I will cut 30 years off the end of my life...30 years!!!!! My daughters are 18,16 and 3. I want to be here for them...to see them graduate, get married, start a family plus enjoy the everyday journey that fills in between all those life moments...

[Kenyar]

I agree with Doc in that maybe your husband should come on and have a look thru some of the posts and familiarize himself with the process. He should be involved. Is it a possibility to attend another info seminar with him?

I think its great that you are reaching out and trying to find out as much as you can. it's the first step and very exciting to find that there is hope.

Good luck on your journey!

[fr1endly2]

JUSt wanted to pop in say hello!!!!
AND i think getting your husband involved during the
pre op meetings with the surgeon is a great idea as previously
suggested. THIS way he can ask and hear everything for himself.
MY surgeon actually requires that your caregiver or significant other be there at an appointment to meet with the surgeon and ask questions.

I know for me so far im 2 years post op and i cant say i have not one problem your hubby is concerned of. I have perfect blood work to date
and i have lost 143 lbs and im in great health. SURE i had a minor bleeding ulcer but with meds and great treatment from my surgeon we fixed that real fast.
SURE i had some hair thinning but not alepecia were i went totally bald. I am pretty active in the WLS surgery community and dont know anyone that did go that bald!

I do my part and always have takeing my vitamins (chewable centrums) since the day of my first appointment to my surgeon. I have added b complex and took the tums as directed by my surgeon.
YES deficiencies can happen but so far i been fine.

I am sure in time he will turn around and see your need for this.
FOR me it wasnt an option. I was liveing daily a risk of a heart attack
or stroke which for me was far more dangerous then the risks in the surgery itself.

I now live healthy and happy and not scared im gonna have a heart attack!
GOOD luck and i lookforward to getting to know you thru your posts.

[daughter of the king]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. My surgeon also requires 1 caregiver/support person to attend with you but that meeting takes place 1 week before surgery date so until then I'm so glad I found you guys.

[fr1endly2]

COOL glad they do that but sorry its just before surgery!
MAYBE have your hubby read the posts on the board here
it might relieve his nerves.

I know for you finding a site with people at all stages of the
jourey is great for anything that comes up along the journey!
alot of things come up o the journey and were all here to push
you along !!!!

[sylwill]

I attended a seminar last yr in Oct. alone and when I came back and told my husband about what I'd learned, he told me he didn't want me to get the surgery done. He was worried about the risks and I wasn't very impressed with the doctor I had gone to see either.

Last month, I went to a seminar with antoher surgeon and I took my husband with me. IT made tons of difference. Not only was this doctor a whole lot better than the last one, but my husband got to hear about all the risks and the advantages of the surgery.

He's totally on board with me now and we're waiting for insurance approval. He still worries about the health risks but he's much better informed.

[LittleLisaMarie]

It is important that you have a support person involved. It is also important that people are aware that most do not have complications however some do. Even ones who have had great surgeons and follow the program to a T. Your husbands concerns are very legitimate and everyone should be informed of the pros and possible cons of this surgery. I have also been one of the lucky ones with not one complication related to surgery and I am almost 2 years out as well. Just keep on getting as much information as you can because education is your best asset. Good luck and we are here for you.

LittleLisaMarie