My DH has brought up the topic of WLS a couple different times since we've been married and each time I get so freaked out that the conversation stops as soon as it begins. I'd like to give some of you "veterans" some of my background information and hopefully get some tips and advice.
- I was always overweight as a teenager (170 - 200), but was constantly exercising and eating healthy. I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2000, but I've never been one to take medicine like I should. I would take it for 3 - 4 months and then not take it for a year or more.
- I severely injured my right knee in 2002 and had to undergo two different surgeries (a scope in 2002 and a full reconstruction in 2003) and was either on bedrest or in therapy for almost 18 months. I weighed 250 when I was finished with therapy in early 2005.
- My weight fluctuated from 225 to 250 between February 2005 and Noevmber 2005. I was right at 240 when I met my husband in December 2005. I was always active and tried to eat (semi) sensibly, but just couldn't get the weight off.
- I re-injured my knee in March 2006 and was out of work for 8 months. During that time I gained an additional 40 lbs to top out at 290.
- In the past 18 months my weight has yo-yo'd between 290 and 322. I'm currently at 318. I'm back on Synthroid (200mcg) and Metformin (1500mg) and I just can't seem to get the weight off. I'd love to start jogging again, but my knee won't handle it at this weight.
I'm scared of any surgery (mainly because I've had so many of them) and I'm a complete wuss when it comes to pain. Have I exhausted all my avenues or is WLS just the best option at this point?
Thanks in advance!
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Janice (24) - DH (29)
Happily married since November 29, 2006
TTC #1
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Janice - I understand your fear. I too was scared. WLS is such a major surgery and all the what if's kept popping into my brain. Frankly...my WLS pain was FAR LESS than any other surgery I've had including an ankle/fibula fracture that required an ORIF (open reduction internal fixation) procedure & 2 c-sections. If you don't mind me asking how tall are you? What's your BMI? My friend Jen had RNY WLS almost 3 years ago and her weight on the day of surgery was 317 and she's 5'5. She lost 170lb in 15 months and maintained until last year when she got pregnant and has since gained about 20lb...in fact she's due tomorrow...I need to call her! Anyway...if it's just the pain that you're afraid of I'm not going to lie...it does hurt. But it will hurt far less than the knee surgeries you've already endured. I know that for me the pain scale for me in order of worst pain to least pain are: 2nd c-section, ankle fracture surgery, 1st c-section, WLS. You'll be on a morphine PCA (patient controlled analgesic...aka the happy button) and then once they discontinue your IV then you get liquid Vicodin as needed as well as a Rx for Lortab (the liquid vicodin). Do you have any other fears aside from the pain? Which WLS procedure are you thinking of? Please...let me know...I'm more than willing to help you out! Good luck!
Kristy
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Kristy (33) & Adam (36) & DDs Alice Kay & Amanda Kay Founding WLS DIVA - RNY 8/3/04
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Kristy - From what I've read so far, I'm leaning towards the RNY. It seems to have an easier recovery than the others. FYI, I'm 5'6" and my BMI is 51.3. My two biggest fears are the pain and of going under anesthesia. After all the surgeries I've had, anesthesia shouldn't be an issue for me, but it is! My other concern is TTC. We lost our twins last year and I hate to wait 12 - 18 months before we can TTC again. It's a catch 22.
Last edited by sheflyslow; 04-28-2009 at 05:31 PM.
I understand the fear of anesthesia but it's only a short time and then you're out and in recovery. As for the ttc part many surgeons have revised their protocols for post op pregnancy to 12 months instead of the 2 years previously suggested. But one thing to think about too is what if you decide to ttc first, and it takes a few years and then you go for WLS and wait again to ttc. Anyway it is your decision. Good luck and if I can answer more questions please let me know!
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Kristy (33) & Adam (36) & DDs Alice Kay & Amanda Kay Founding WLS DIVA - RNY 8/3/04
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I honestly think what scares me personally the most is just how my relationship with food will be. My boyfriend and I love cooking together and I love food. While I've managed to make most of my favorite foods healthy enough with modifications that I can still enjoy them, I fear that WLS will be too radical and I'll be absolutely miserable.
I know that the real work starts after surgery and THAT is what freaks me out.
Thinking about WLS and scared witless! 
