Why this surgery should not ever be done for vanity's sake.
by
, 05-28-2013 at 12:09 PM (1701 Views)
Hi all,
I've been hanging out once in a while after being a major contributor here for 18 mo and I've been really soul searching on this post because I know some of you will not agree. I feel this needs to be said, anyway. It's just my opinion with some experience thrown in and you can take it or leave it but for the newbies, especially those going to MX and having not much or any pre-surg classes or info, it's important.
Please do not get this surgery if you are doing it to lose 50 lbs. Bariatric surgery is dangerous, and can have many side effects you are not anticipating. This is the kind of thing meant for those 100 lbs overweight or more, or a bit less with health issues. And by health issues I don't mean just needing a cpap machine. I mean serious health issues.
For those who don't know me here, I had my surgery in Aug 2011. I dropped 117 lbs and have gained a few back, but am still over 100 down. Did I lose weight? Sure! Not all I wanted by a long shot but yes, I dropped 100+ lbs. I also gained post bariatric reactive hypoglycemia and (just finally confirmed) gastroparesis because of my vagus nerve being injured during surgery. I haven't had a day without stomach pain or a sugar issue in over a year. I'm midway though applying for disability. I am far more ill now than I was at 335 lbs. I hurt as much as I ever did or more, with my myofascial pain, not a bit has changed there. I still need a cpap machine. I still have exertion asthma.
I also cannot ever again eat eggs, ground beef, any raw veggies but soft lettuce - any gassy or fiberous foods at all, seeds, nuts, or most grains (low residue diet) and in general I truly wish I could just live on liquids because I am so thoroughly sick of dealing with eating just the right food 8 times a day.
I wish I had never, ever done this thing.
I was healthier and happier when I was fatter. Seriously.
I know this will not be a popular thought process and while I was in the weight loss high portion of the program I would have said I loved my sleeve and I also know there are hundreds of folks here who had the surgery, did great and have wonderfully changed lives. But you need to know there are risks here. Many, like the hypoglycemia, don't show up for at least 9 months. Gastroparesis can be up to 2 yrs out (mine was 13 months).
I know I am one of the few that gets this bad off after this surgery, but about 3% will get the lifelong hypoglycemia. They will more likely be women and also have had normal blood sugar or periods of hypo in the past. About 30% will need their gallbladder removed (mine was 10 wks ago) and I don't have numbers on gastroparesis after this surgery but let's just say my gastro said it's more common than people think it is.
I am the perfect storm, obviously, but I'm also a cautionary tale.
If you need this surgery to help save your life - to help with diabetes, or high blood pressure, or some other co-morbidity and you are sure you can make the changes necessary for LIFE to your eating patterns, then by all means, go for it and I truly wish you all the best and hope it is the miracle you are looking for.
If you are not morbidly obese and really can't say you need this to save your life, I urge you to think hard about what might happen and please do not just run off and have most of your stomach cut out for vanity's sake.
Being 50 lbs overweight is not the end of the world. Truly, it is not.
I hope you know I wish everyone the best, that's why I'm here and why I always have been. But know this. This is not a walk in the park. It's not a cure all. Sometimes it's not even a cure some.
Think hard about this. Educate yourself. See psych. Be certain you have a good surgeon with LOTS of experience. Read a lot of books by those who have had the surgery. It's an emotional roller coaster on top of the physical issues. Prepare yourselves, please. Then if you choose to do this, do it informed, at least and I hope it's all you want it to be.
Peace - Grace