WHY UNDERGO THIS SURGERY?

[Guest guest]

Ima,

Just have to tell you how much I appreciate your email (see below).

Today I went to my PCP to get some relief for my Restless Leg Syndrome. She

is very kind and I normally like her very much, but as soon as she found out

I had the Gastric Bypass Surgery she went on and on about how I risked my

life, and how potentially tragic my decision could be in the years to come

and how there was risk for adhesions (which I had), obstructions (which I

also had), hemmorrhage, esophageal necrosis, etc. etc. etc. I mean, even

conceivable condition followed by the worse I could imagine. I know why I

took the risk of having the surgery. But, people just don't get it. She

still thinks that " with good nutrition and proper exercise you could have

lost the weight without endangering your life. Now, I have an amputated

stomach and I can have very serious consequences... etc. " You get the

picture.

PEOPLE DON'T GET IT, DO THEY??? If we could, we wouldn't have that problem

to begin with!!!!!!!! Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....!!

Anyway, thanks for reminding me why I took that serious risk.

But then... why do I still feel like crying...?

_____

From: GastricBypass-LOSERS

[mailto:GastricBypass-LOSERS ] On Behalf Of Ima Winner

Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 3:27 AM

To: GastricBypass-LOSERS

Subject: Re: wondering

Hi a,

I had my GBS almost 4 years ago and lost 110 lbs, actually 117 to date. I've

managed to lose another 7 lbs in the past few weeks! I wanted to respond to

your fears about having plastic surgery after your weight loss. I was very

lucky because I did not need ps to remove any excess skin. I do have a

little flabby belly and my underarms are a little flabby, but not so much so

that I require surgery. I can live with this flab especially after being so

overweight not so long ago. I wish I had a nice tight, flat belly, but I did

have two children and I am not a 20 year old any longer, so.... here I am,

still better than before! However, I did go for plastic surgery in January

of this year for a breast lift and augumentation. I will not sugar-coat my

experience. It was the most painful surgery I have ever had in my life!

BUT....I WOULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT!!! Some things in life

are just worth going through a little extra pain for --- like your GBS. If

you need to have the excess skin removed after your weight loss, I say - Go

for it! Worry about the pain later. A good plastic surgeon will tell you one

thing though --- make sure you have lost all of your weight prior to having

the surgery, even if it means you only have another 20 lbs to go. I had my

ps done in Staten Island, NY by a fabulous ps. If you need his name and

phone number, I will be happy to give it to you.

Best of luck to you and keep up the great work!

Janice in PA

" R.D. Abernathy " <abernathyr@adelphia <mailto:abernathyr%40adelphia.net>

..net> wrote:

a in PA,

This topic has been discussed quite a bit lately. You are not alone in your

fear of having to have plastic surgery (PS) after the weight loss, but I

really don't understand these fears some of you have about the plastic

surgery. Personally, I would rather have excess skin hanging off of my body

than the extra fat that has a negative impact on my health. Now, I'm not

against PS and will likely have a breast reduction/lift and a tummy tuck

provided the alternatives do not work for me. Everyone's body is different

and the skin's elasticity differs. For some, due to genetics, age, and/or

length of obesity, the excess skin was minimal. For others, with exercise

and weight training, the excess skin was minimized. I've also heard of

others using creams and lotions that increase the skin's elasticity. Just

some thoughts to consider and hopefully reduce your fear of losing weight

and having excess skin.

As for the sleep apnea, I didn't have that issue, but I know many on this

board did, so perhaps you will gain some insight from them.

in Virginia

299/226/150

Lap RNY: 5/3/06

wondering

How many of you had to have plastic surgery after you met your WLS goal??? I

am not as afraid of the WLS as I am of needing the plastic surgery

afterwards. I am around 325 and should be around 160-180 and I have alot of

weight around my abdomen and back side. I am just curious. I know I need to

do something but I am very reluctant. Please help

Also, I have a friend that is shorter than I and possibly the same amount of

weight and her doctor told her not to consider the WLS due to her sleep

apnia and possibly not making it our of anethsia, has anyone any suggestions

for her??

Thanks

a in pa