Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Flo, Thanks for your post. I hope that everyone has done their research thoroughly. Not only did I do extensive research, but my husband did as well. Thanks again, Christy California MGB 11/8/00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Thanks Flo for such a wonderful post. It is very easy to get caught up in everyone's success stories. We pre-ops want it so badly it's sometimes difficult to look at what can happen. It is a life altering decision and we're betting the odds that we'll be one of the lucky ones. But the reality of it all is there can be serious complications. Thanks once again for such a thought provoking post. Pat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Dear Guys: I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters who often updates everyone with my positive reports. And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I feel better now than I did before surgery. But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding when he posts that the surgery is major and that there can be complications and their can be problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's pretty discouraging I would think. As a reminder, several people have posted that they had nausea several months after surgery. For some it was hormone patches that were needed, for others it was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to change their eating habits...for some it just passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a few reversals for a few reasons. There are negatives. But I think we drown them out and everyone things it will never happen to them. Please be reminded that you could be the one that bad things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there are risks. I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that there are things that are affects of the surgery. For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take what I think I can eat and I can never eat that much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. I took a nap every day for the first three weeks after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was obese before you were born. I don't say that to minimize your personal pain but on some level the longer you have spent as an obese person, the more willing you are to put up with inconvenience and take risks. If you think that you will feel exactly the same after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not all the same) and you will change. And so will some of your bodily functions. You might develop gall stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many things could happen. You could die. WLS is major surgery and carries risks. For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and other physical problems that necessitated many pills for many years, and this is all without mentioning the social aspects of being an obese person, I was willing to risk more and get a smaller return. For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per week that made me vomit. I no longer need an anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not suggesting that it is only obesity that causes depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick around will remind some of you from time to time that there is a downside. This is very hard to do when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard to be negative when you've had such a wonderful experience. Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find people who have had complications..there are a few out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for their names so that you can hear more of the negative side either. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. After all, you all know that my daughter had this surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I post positively because my result has been so positive. And I don't want to feel responsible if someone listens to my positive posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone that something negative has happened to. I'd have a hard time being positive if I thought you based your decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced and you didn't consider other information that is available. I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " some negatives in an effort to present some negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your research. This is not for everyone. This is not for those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose skin). So really think this through. Flo in land Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Flo, That was a wonderful post.. I think you covered it all.. You are 100% right, we must know without a shadow of a doubt that we could be one of the post-ops with problems. We of course try not to think of it that way but it could happen. I was like you and researched everything myself, talked with post-ops, and still continue to contact them and packet is in. I want to prepare myself and know what to look for in case that happens to me. And I did write several emails back and forth with a couple of post-ops with problems. And I do know without a doubt that I am willing to risk the problems. I have the attitude that I have always had my whole life " I will cross that bridge when I come to it " ...with my eyes wide open.. Thanks again for your post.. in GA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Sorry this is long... You know, I have researched and researched and I think everything in life comes with risks. You just have to pick your battles. I know one of mine has been the hair loss issue. For all of these years I have felt like my hair is my best quality. You know even if I was fat at least I wore something that I thought looked appealing and I have always had long healthy blond hair. It has been the one thing I could count on to be pretty. It's scarey to think about loosing it but I have decided it is worth it! I have talked to alot of post-ops and I know if I loose it-it will grow back. What a small price to pay.... I must say that this whole thing has really helped me to face who I am. I know when my husband took my pictures I was so embarressed but nobody could've prepared me for what I saw when I looked at them... I felt sooo betrayed. My husband is a wonderful man who tells me I look great everyday but some how after I saw those pictures, I could hide the truth no more. All of the blond hair and nice cloths couldn't hide my obesity. If I had one single dought before, I was sure after I saw the pictures. They say a picture is worth 1000 words...I think I finally understand that. Best Wishes to All My packet is in and I'm waiting for the Dance! Tired of Being Obese in Ohio 5'4 " and 249# (That's hard to look at!) --- wrote: > Flo, > That was a wonderful post.. I think you covered it > all.. > You are 100% right, we must know without a shadow of > a doubt that we > could be one of the post-ops with problems. We of > course try not to > think of it that way but it could happen. > I was like you and researched everything myself, > talked with post-ops, > and still continue to contact them and packet is in. > I want to prepare > myself and know what to look for in case that > happens to me. And I did > write several emails back and forth with a couple of > post-ops with > problems. > And I do know without a doubt that I am willing to > risk the problems. > I have the attitude that I have always had my whole > life " I will cross > that bridge when I come to it " ...with my eyes wide > open.. > Thanks again for your post.. > in GA > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Flo, thank you. That was about as down to earth and balanced as you could get. I appreciate your sane, non-rosy view. Sobering, necessary and well thought-out. I do look forward to meeting you if you happen to be (as you said earlier) in town on the 11th and 12th. I will be at the Hawthorne. See ya! Sperb ( Sperber) >>> florence@... 11/01/00 03:55PM >>> Dear Guys: I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters who often updates everyone with my positive reports. And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I feel better now than I did before surgery. But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding when he posts that the surgery is major and that there can be complications and their can be problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's pretty discouraging I would think. As a reminder, several people have posted that they had nausea several months after surgery. For some it was hormone patches that were needed, for others it was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to change their eating habits...for some it just passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a few reversals for a few reasons. There are negatives. But I think we drown them out and everyone things it will never happen to them. Please be reminded that you could be the one that bad things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there are risks. I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that there are things that are affects of the surgery. For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take what I think I can eat and I can never eat that much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. I took a nap every day for the first three weeks after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was obese before you were born. I don't say that to minimize your personal pain but on some level the longer you have spent as an obese person, the more willing you are to put up with inconvenience and take risks. If you think that you will feel exactly the same after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not all the same) and you will change. And so will some of your bodily functions. You might develop gall stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many things could happen. You could die. WLS is major surgery and carries risks. For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and other physical problems that necessitated many pills for many years, and this is all without mentioning the social aspects of being an obese person, I was willing to risk more and get a smaller return. For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per week that made me vomit. I no longer need an anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not suggesting that it is only obesity that causes depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick around will remind some of you from time to time that there is a downside. This is very hard to do when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard to be negative when you've had such a wonderful experience. Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find people who have had complications..there are a few out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for their names so that you can hear more of the negative side either. I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. After all, you all know that my daughter had this surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I post positively because my result has been so positive. And I don't want to feel responsible if someone listens to my positive posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone that something negative has happened to. I'd have a hard time being positive if I thought you based your decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced and you didn't consider other information that is available. I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " some negatives in an effort to present some negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your research. This is not for everyone. This is not for those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose skin). So really think this through. Flo in land Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Thanks Flo for once again sharing so much of yourself. RE: Post-op Problems > Dear Guys: > > I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters who often updates everyone with my positive reports. And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I feel better now than I did before surgery. > > But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding when he posts that the surgery is major and that there can be complications and their can be problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's pretty discouraging I would think. > > As a reminder, several people have posted that they had nausea several months after surgery. For some it was hormone patches that were needed, for others it was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to change their eating habits...for some it just passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a few reversals for a few reasons. There are negatives. But I think we drown them out and everyone things it will never happen to them. Please be reminded that you could be the one that bad things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there are risks. > > I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that there are things that are affects of the surgery. For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take what I think I can eat and I can never eat that much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. > > I took a nap every day for the first three weeks after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was obese before you were born. I don't say that to minimize your personal pain but on some level the longer you have spent as an obese person, the more willing you are to put up with inconvenience and take risks. > > If you think that you will feel exactly the same after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not all the same) and you will change. And so will some of your bodily functions. You might develop gall stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many things could happen. You could die. WLS is major surgery and carries risks. > > For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and other physical problems that necessitated many pills for many years, and this is all without mentioning the social aspects of being an obese person, I was willing to risk more and get a smaller return. > > For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per week that made me vomit. I no longer need an anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not suggesting that it is only obesity that causes depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. > > My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick around will remind some of you from time to time that there is a downside. This is very hard to do when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard to be negative when you've had such a wonderful experience. > > Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find people who have had complications..there are a few out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for their names so that you can hear more of the negative side either. > > I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. After all, you all know that my daughter had this surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I post positively because my result has been so positive. And I don't want to feel responsible if someone listens to my positive posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone that something negative has happened to. I'd have a hard time being positive if I thought you based your decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced and you didn't consider other information that is available. > > I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " some negatives in an effort to present some negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your research. This is not for everyone. This is not for those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose skin). So really think this through. > > Flo in land > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Hi , Are you my identical twin??????? I'm 5'3 " and started at 249. I also have long blond hair that has always been my crowning glory too. My husband Randy loves my long hair so that is why I wear it that way. Unfortunately when I have any surgery I get real thin on top. This also happened with the MGB. It started coming out at about 4 months and it's still coming out. I really don't care that much because I know it will come back...and it's only hair. I have experienced so many more benefits from my MGB. In the 5 months since surgery I have lost 57 pounds and 80 inches. I am healthier than I have been in years. My blood pressure is normal without meds....my blood lipids are rapidly declining without meds.....my sleep apnea is gone....and my Honey calls me his HOTTY TOTTY. A little bit of hair is such a small price to pay. The only drawback I have found is the lack of clothes that fit and my rings keep falling off my fingers. I guess I need to go shopping for clothes and take my rings in to the jeweler to be sized. I already told my dear Hubby that when I lose all my weight I will be expecting him to buy me a new set of wedding rings that include a big honkin' solitare. He has reluctantly, I mean eagerly agreed....ha...ha. Don't sweat the small stuff ....your new life is awaiting you. Best wishes. Love, Genz ( Genzel from Fort Worth, Texas) MGB 5-31-00 249/192 57 pounds and 80 inches gone forever!!!! MGB approved by Prudential in less than 72 hours And now I'm another Rutledge Babe!!!!!!! A Livingston wrote: > Sorry this is long... > > You know, I have researched and researched and I think > everything in life comes with risks. You just have to > pick your battles. I know one of mine has been the > hair loss issue. For all of these years I have felt > like my hair is my best quality. You know even if I > was fat at least I wore something that I thought > looked appealing and I have always had long healthy > blond hair. It has been the one thing I could count on > to be pretty. It's scarey to think about loosing it > but I have decided it is worth it! I have talked to > alot of post-ops and I know if I loose it-it will grow > back. What a small price to pay.... I must say that > this whole thing has really helped me to face who I > am. I know when my husband took my pictures I was so > embarressed but nobody could've prepared me for what I > saw when I looked at them... I felt sooo betrayed. > My husband is a wonderful man who tells me I look > great everyday but some how after I saw those > pictures, I could hide the truth no more. All of the > blond hair and nice cloths couldn't hide my obesity. > If I had one single dought before, I was sure after I > saw the pictures. They say a picture is worth 1000 > words...I think I finally understand that. > > Best Wishes to All > > My packet is in and I'm waiting for the Dance! > > Tired of Being Obese in Ohio > > 5'4 " and 249# (That's hard to look at!) > > --- wrote: > > Flo, > > That was a wonderful post.. I think you covered it > > all.. > > You are 100% right, we must know without a shadow of > > a doubt that we > > could be one of the post-ops with problems. We of > > course try not to > > think of it that way but it could happen. > > I was like you and researched everything myself, > > talked with post-ops, > > and still continue to contact them and packet is in. > > I want to prepare > > myself and know what to look for in case that > > happens to me. And I did > > write several emails back and forth with a couple of > > post-ops with > > problems. > > And I do know without a doubt that I am willing to > > risk the problems. > > I have the attitude that I have always had my whole > > life " I will cross > > that bridge when I come to it " ...with my eyes wide > > open.. > > Thanks again for your post.. > > in GA > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 <<<<I saw those pictures, I could hide the truth no more. All of the blond hair and nice cloths couldn't hide my obesity. If I had one single dought before, I was sure after I saw the pictures>> , you are brave. We are all with you. We all know what those pictures looked like to us when we saw our own. But thank god we won't have to cringe any more. If all goes well, a year from now we can look straight at that darn camera and smile, smile, smile! I appreciate your post. Sperb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Flo, That has got to be one of the all-time greatest posts on this list! You got it exactly right. Each of us has to weigh the risks and the benefits given our particular situations and decide. That calculation is different for each of us. There's no dishonor in choosing not to have the MGB, or not having it at this time; it's all a question of where one is in life and how one evaluates the risk. Personally, I'm looking forward to my " Ball " on Nov. 22! Best regards, Jon in Tuscaloosa > > Dear Guys: > > I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters who often updates everyone with my positive reports. And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I feel better now than I did before surgery. > > But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding when he posts that the surgery is major and that there can be complications and their can be problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's pretty discouraging I would think. > > As a reminder, several people have posted that they had nausea several months after surgery. For some it was hormone patches that were needed, for others it was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to change their eating habits...for some it just passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a few reversals for a few reasons. There are negatives. But I think we drown them out and everyone things it will never happen to them. Please be reminded that you could be the one that bad things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there are risks. > > I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that there are things that are affects of the surgery. For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take what I think I can eat and I can never eat that much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. > > I took a nap every day for the first three weeks after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was obese before you were born. I don't say that to minimize your personal pain but on some level the longer you have spent as an obese person, the more willing you are to put up with inconvenience and take risks. > > If you think that you will feel exactly the same after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not all the same) and you will change. And so will some of your bodily functions. You might develop gall stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many things could happen. You could die. WLS is major surgery and carries risks. > > For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and other physical problems that necessitated many pills for many years, and this is all without mentioning the social aspects of being an obese person, I was willing to risk more and get a smaller return. > > For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per week that made me vomit. I no longer need an anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not suggesting that it is only obesity that causes depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. > > My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick around will remind some of you from time to time that there is a downside. This is very hard to do when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard to be negative when you've had such a wonderful experience. > > Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find people who have had complications..there are a few out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for their names so that you can hear more of the negative side either. > > I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. After all, you all know that my daughter had this surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I post positively because my result has been so positive. And I don't want to feel responsible if someone listens to my positive posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone that something negative has happened to. I'd have a hard time being positive if I thought you based your decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced and you didn't consider other information that is available. > > I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " some negatives in an effort to present some negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your research. This is not for everyone. This is not for those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose skin). So really think this through. > > Flo in land > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Subject: RE: Post-op Problems To: MiniGastricBypass (AT) egroups (DOT) com Cc: landj1998@... Date: 01 Nov 2000 18:01:35 PST Flo, That has got to be one of the all-time greatest posts on this list! You got it exactly right. Each of us has to weigh the risks and the benefits given our particular situations and decide. That calculation is different for each of us. There's no dishonor in choosing not to have the MGB, or not having it at this time; it's all a question of where one is in life and how one evaluates the risk. Personally, I'm looking forward to my " Ball " on Nov. 22! Best regards, Jon in Tuscaloosa > > Dear Guys: > > I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters who often updates everyone with my positive reports. And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I feel better now than I did before surgery. > > But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding when he posts that the surgery is major and that there can be complications and their can be problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's pretty discouraging I would think. > > As a reminder, several people have posted that they had nausea several months after surgery. For some it was hormone patches that were needed, for others it was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to change their eating habits...for some it just passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a few reversals for a few reasons. There are negatives. But I think we drown them out and everyone things it will never happen to them. Please be reminded that you could be the one that bad things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there are risks. > > I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that there are things that are affects of the surgery. For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take what I think I can eat and I can never eat that much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. > > I took a nap every day for the first three weeks after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was obese before you were born. I don't say that to minimize your personal pain but on some level the longer you have spent as an obese person, the more willing you are to put up with inconvenience and take risks. > > If you think that you will feel exactly the same after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not all the same) and you will change. And so will some of your bodily functions. You might develop gall stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many things could happen. You could die. WLS is major surgery and carries risks. > > For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and other physical problems that necessitated many pills for many years, and this is all without mentioning the social aspects of being an obese person, I was willing to risk more and get a smaller return. > > For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per week that made me vomit. I no longer need an anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not suggesting that it is only obesity that causes depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. > > My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick around will remind some of you from time to time that there is a downside. This is very hard to do when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard to be negative when you've had such a wonderful experience. > > Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find people who have had complications..there are a few out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for their names so that you can hear more of the negative side either. > > I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. After all, you all know that my daughter had this surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I post positively because my result has been so positive. And I don't want to feel responsible if someone listens to my positive posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone that something negative has happened to. I'd have a hard time being positive if I thought you based your decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced and you didn't consider other information that is available. > > I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " some negatives in an effort to present some negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your research. This is not for everyone. This is not for those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose skin). So really think this through. > > Flo in land > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 Congradulations of the inches and pounds. I needed a little boost! Thanks I really appreciate it when one of you Rutledge Babes share with us wantabe's!! --- smootgen@... wrote: > Hi , > > Are you my identical twin??????? I'm 5'3 " > and started at 249. I > also have long blond hair that has always been my > crowning glory too. My > husband Randy loves my long hair > so that is why I wear it that way. Unfortunately > when I have any surgery > I get real thin on top. This also happened with the > MGB. It started > coming out at about 4 months and it's still coming > out. I really don't > care that much because I know it will come > back...and it's only hair. > I have experienced so many more benefits > from my MGB. In the 5 > months since surgery I have lost 57 pounds and 80 > inches. I am healthier > than I have been in years. My blood pressure is > normal without > meds....my blood lipids are rapidly declining > without meds.....my sleep > apnea is gone....and my Honey calls me his HOTTY > TOTTY. A little bit of > hair is such a small price to pay. > The only drawback I have found is the lack > of clothes that fit > and my rings keep falling off my fingers. I guess I > need to go shopping > for clothes and take my rings in to > the jeweler to be sized. I already told my dear > Hubby that when I lose > all my weight I will be expecting him to buy me a > new set of wedding > rings that include a big honkin' solitare. > He has reluctantly, I mean eagerly > agreed....ha...ha. > Don't sweat the small stuff ....your > new life is awaiting > you. Best wishes. > > Love, > Genz ( Genzel from Fort Worth, Texas) > MGB 5-31-00 > 249/192 > 57 pounds and 80 inches gone forever!!!! > MGB approved by Prudential in less than 72 hours > And now I'm another Rutledge Babe!!!!!!! > > > > > A Livingston wrote: > > > Sorry this is long... > > > > You know, I have researched and researched and I > think > > everything in life comes with risks. You just > have to > > pick your battles. I know one of mine has been > the > > hair loss issue. For all of these years I have > felt > > like my hair is my best quality. You know even if > I > > was fat at least I wore something that I thought > > looked appealing and I have always had long > healthy > > blond hair. It has been the one thing I could > count on > > to be pretty. It's scarey to think about loosing > it > > but I have decided it is worth it! I have talked > to > > alot of post-ops and I know if I loose it-it will > grow > > back. What a small price to pay.... I must say > that > > this whole thing has really helped me to face who > I > > am. I know when my husband took my pictures I was > so > > embarressed but nobody could've prepared me for > what I > > saw when I looked at them... I felt sooo > betrayed. > > My husband is a wonderful man who tells me I look > > great everyday but some how after I saw those > > pictures, I could hide the truth no more. All of > the > > blond hair and nice cloths couldn't hide my > obesity. > > If I had one single dought before, I was sure > after I > > saw the pictures. They say a picture is worth > 1000 > > words...I think I finally understand that. > > > > Best Wishes to All > > > > My packet is in and I'm waiting for the Dance! > > > > Tired of Being Obese in Ohio > > > > 5'4 " and 249# (That's hard to look at!) > > > > --- wrote: > > > Flo, > > > That was a wonderful post.. I think you covered > it > > > all.. > > > You are 100% right, we must know without a > shadow of > > > a doubt that we > > > could be one of the post-ops with problems. We > of > > > course try not to > > > think of it that way but it could happen. > > > I was like you and researched everything myself, > > > talked with post-ops, > > > and still continue to contact them and packet is > in. > > > I want to prepare > > > myself and know what to look for in case that > > > happens to me. And I did > > > write several emails back and forth with a > couple of > > > post-ops with > > > problems. > > > And I do know without a doubt that I am willing > to > > > risk the problems. > > > I have the attitude that I have always had my > whole > > > life " I will cross > > > that bridge when I come to it " ...with my eyes > wide > > > open.. > > > Thanks again for your post.. > > > in GA > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 1, 2000 Report Share Posted November 1, 2000 --- florence@... wrote: > Dear Guys: > > I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB > is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters > who often updates everyone with my positive reports. > And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I > feel better now than I did before surgery. > > But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding > when he posts that the surgery is major and that > there can be complications and their can be > problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does > happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's > pretty discouraging I would think. > > As a reminder, several people have posted that they > had nausea several months after surgery. For some it > was hormone patches that were needed, for others it > was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. > A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to > change their eating habits...for some it just > passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several > have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. > Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R > reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a > few reversals for a few reasons. There are > negatives. But I think we drown them out and > everyone things it will never happen to them. Please > be reminded that you could be the one that bad > things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there > are risks. > > I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always > posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that > there are things that are affects of the surgery. > For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain > in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, > I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take > what I think I can eat and I can never eat that > much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat > any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a > sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. > > I took a nap every day for the first three weeks > after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these > small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But > not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 > years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was > obese before you were born. I don't say that to > minimize your personal pain but on some level the > longer you have spent as an obese person, the more > willing you are to put up with inconvenience and > take risks. > > If you think that you will feel exactly the same > after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has > changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the > stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That > won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight > (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd > like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not > all the same) and you will change. And so will some > of your bodily functions. You might develop gall > stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many > things could happen. You could die. WLS is major > surgery and carries risks. > > For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what > I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I > might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much > weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be > unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 > years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might > have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there > was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. > Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood > pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and > other physical problems that necessitated many pills > for many years, and this is all without mentioning > the social aspects of being an obese person, I was > willing to risk more and get a smaller return. > > For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the > risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep > apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high > blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per > week that made me vomit. I no longer need an > anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not > suggesting that it is only obesity that causes > depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I > used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I > stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel > that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. > But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. > > My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. > I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick > around will remind some of you from time to time > that there is a downside. This is very hard to do > when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I > do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer > personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard > to be negative when you've had such a wonderful > experience. > > Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on > what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my > children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do > your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk > to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find > people who have had complications..there are a few > out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a > reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for > their names so that you can hear more of the > negative side either. > > I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. > After all, you all know that my daughter had this > surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that > I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her > surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't > know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm > trying to say is that I post positively because my > result has been so positive. And I don't want to > feel responsible if someone listens to my positive > posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone > that something negative has happened to. I'd have a > hard time being positive if I thought you based your > decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced > and you didn't consider other information that is > available. > > I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My > result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " > some negatives in an effort to present some > negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've > bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your > research. This is not for everyone. This is not for > those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches > goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that > snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose > skin). So really think this through. > > Flo in land > >Thank You Flo, You are so right. We shouldn't base our decisions soley on others experiences. I was sceptical about all the positive post and asked Dr. R if he only put the positive messages from patients on his web site. He said, Yes, he tries to find the happy ones. This is indeed serious stuff and we all need to make our own decisions. Thanks for your honesty. Debbie in California > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 2, 2000 Report Share Posted November 2, 2000 Flo, I just wanted to say that I could not have said it any better than that! You are full of wisdom! --- florence@... wrote: > Dear Guys: > > I know that overwhelmingly the news here about MGB > is good...well...great! And I'm one of the posters > who often updates everyone with my positive reports. > And I'm one for whom the surgery has worked well. I > feel better now than I did before surgery. > > But please be reminded that Dr. R is not kidding > when he posts that the surgery is major and that > there can be complications and their can be > problems. It does happen. Not a lot..but it does > happen. And if it's you it happens to...well....it's > pretty discouraging I would think. > > As a reminder, several people have posted that they > had nausea several months after surgery. For some it > was hormone patches that were needed, for others it > was another course of Prevacid or Carafate or both. > A few have reported diarreah. Some of them had to > change their eating habits...for some it just > passed. Some have reported slow weight loss, several > have had rapid weight loss and have lost some hair. > Some have said they've lost a lot of hair. Dr. R > reports a few cases of ulcers. He reports doing a > few reversals for a few reasons. There are > negatives. But I think we drown them out and > everyone things it will never happen to them. Please > be reminded that you could be the one that bad > things happen to. With this or with any WLS, there > are risks. > > I often wonder if I'm doing a disservice by always > posting upbeat posts without ever mentioning that > there are things that are affects of the surgery. > For instance, I potty more. And at times it's a pain > in the butt (no pun intended). For another instance, > I don't eat much. So I waste a lot of food. I take > what I think I can eat and I can never eat that > much. I'm five months post-op and while I can eat > any type of food, quantity is very limited. 1/2 a > sandwich is plenty. About 2 oz of meat is a max. > > I took a nap every day for the first three weeks > after surgery because I was exhausted. Are these > small things? Yes. Do they discourage me? No. But > not everyone has suffered as an obese person for 50 > years. Some of you aren't anywhere near 50 and I was > obese before you were born. I don't say that to > minimize your personal pain but on some level the > longer you have spent as an obese person, the more > willing you are to put up with inconvenience and > take risks. > > If you think that you will feel exactly the same > after surgery, you may be wrong. Your body has > changed. This guy from NC will stab you in the > stomach five times and rearrange your guts. That > won't feel exactly the same. You will lose weight > (and by the way some don't lose as much as they'd > like or as quickly as they'd like because we're not > all the same) and you will change. And so will some > of your bodily functions. You might develop gall > stones..although the Actigall helps with that. Many > things could happen. You could die. WLS is major > surgery and carries risks. > > For me, MGB was the way to go. But I recognized what > I was getting in to. I knew I might die. I knew I > might not lose weight. I knew I might lose too much > weight. I knew I might get ulcers (that wouldn't be > unique for me since I doctored for ulcers for 25 > years and they hurt like hell). I knew that I might > have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, I knew there > was a possibility I could have a leak after surgery. > Because I had had 50 years of this fat, high blood > pressure, sleep apnea, acid reflux, joint pain and > other physical problems that necessitated many pills > for many years, and this is all without mentioning > the social aspects of being an obese person, I was > willing to risk more and get a smaller return. > > For me...the surgery has been a miracle. I took the > risk but I got a huge return. I am rid of sleep > apnea. I am rid of the joint pain. I am rid of high > blood pressure. I am rid of the 4-5 headaches per > week that made me vomit. I no longer need an > anti-depressant (for right now anyway and I'm not > suggesting that it is only obesity that causes > depression; because that wouldn't be true at all). I > used to take 8 pills every day. Now I take none. I > stick a hormone patch on twice a week. I don't feel > that I'm stared at any more. I'm still a big person. > But I'm not huge anymore. And I was. > > My result turned out great. But not everyone's does. > I just hope that those of us post-ops who stick > around will remind some of you from time to time > that there is a downside. This is very hard to do > when you feel so very positive about this surgery. I > do about 10 contacts a week for pre-ops and I answer > personal emails nearly every day. It's pretty hard > to be negative when you've had such a wonderful > experience. > > Please don't base your decision on surgery solely on > what we post-ops say. Don't forget...I'm 58 and my > children are raised. My risk was not as great. Do > your research, take your manual to your doctor, talk > to others who have had wls....all kinds. Try to find > people who have had complications..there are a few > out there...a few who had leaks, (Pam Greer had a > reversal), try to seek them out, ask Post-Ops for > their names so that you can hear more of the > negative side either. > > I'm not trying to talk anyone out of this surgery. > After all, you all know that my daughter had this > surgery. But I'd be stupid if I didn't mention that > I was frantic and beside myself on the day of her > surgery. Because if anything had happened, I don't > know how I'd have lived with it. I guess what I'm > trying to say is that I post positively because my > result has been so positive. And I don't want to > feel responsible if someone listens to my positive > posts and doesn't do any research or talk to anyone > that something negative has happened to. I'd have a > hard time being positive if I thought you based your > decision solely on what we post-ops have experienced > and you didn't consider other information that is > available. > > I try to present a balance view. But it's hard. My > result has been so positive that I have to " drum up " > some negatives in an effort to present some > negatives..and a balanced view. So now that I've > bored you and put you to sleep...please...do your > research. This is not for everyone. This is not for > those who want to be a model. Not everyone reaches > goal weight. Not everyone has elastic skin that > snaps back. (oy, let's not even talk about loose > skin). So really think this through. > > Flo in land > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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