Date Scheduled But.... Complications Board

[amytug 996]

Just

[amytug 996]

Oops. Silly phone.

I was trying to say that my date was scheduled, I was 100% ready and then I found the complications board and now I'm cared crapless. . I have a husband and six children under the age of 11 that I will be leaving behind If I have serious complications. I also don't have many people that can watch he kids so that my husband can work.

Up until now I was just excited and super happy. Now I'm just scared.

[amytug 996]

Sorry I meant if I was in the hospital, I don't know that we could find someone to help watch the kids.

Do I really want to do this while they are little? Do I really want to risk dieing to be thinner? I'm miserable with the way my life is right now as far as trying to buy clothes,etc but. . On one hand I can see all he positives that can be gained from this surgery. On the other hand I see the ultimate negative.

Does anyone else have young children and went ahead and did the surgery. My bmi is 39.9. I can lose well, keeping it off is the hard part.

[Lissa 2,631]

While you should be aware that complications CAN happen, they seldom DO happen. Even those who have had complications still say they'd have the surgery again, which tells me a ton!

You've researched your surgeon. You've looked at his complication rates and you are 100% confident at putting your life in his hands, right? Then discuss the possibility of complications with him/her in full at your next appointment, or make one if you're really close to time for surgery.

Do NOT let yourself talk yourself out of doing what will undoubtedly be the best thing you ever did for yourself because you saw that some people have complications from this. If you don't have surgery, you will DEFINITELY have complications from your obesity. That will take you from your family way faster than any complication would.

[amytug 996]

Thank you for that! I did see that nearly everyone still said that they would do it over again, that does speak volumes.

Where can I read about complication rates?

I have chosen dr Aceves in mx after a lot of research. I won't have an appt with him until I go for surgery.

[MyGastricSleeveLife 180]

I don't remember where I read it, but I read somewhere that the complication rates are less than 1% of all surgeries done.

I have two children, 12 & almost 8 years old. I'm self-pay and I think that's what really scares me about complications is the bill if I had any because my cost doesn't include complications. My mom and both my in-laws have died in the past 7 years at fairly young ages. I'm doing this to try to be here for my kids as long as possible. I have put my trust in God that all will be well.

However, that being said - if I could lose weight another way, then I would. My BMI is currently 42.5. I've tried many, many, many diets and programs in the past 12 years and have never lost more than 20 lbs before quitting because of cost and/or because of my underlying food addiction. However, if I could stick to losing weight on my own, then I would do it and I would find a way to deal with things and keep it off to avoid major surgery.

I know this is the right decision for me because I have researched and prayed and put my trust in God. However, I know it's not the best decision for everyone.

Here is one link about complication rates based on studies in 2009. The numbers might be different now since it's been a few years. http://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/gastric-sleeve-surgery.html#Complications

[nraeh 23]

I don't have young children but I have young grandchildren. I'll get my two cents in anyway. I have had absolutely NO complications from my surgery even at my age of 63 when I had the surgery. However, I have tried to follow the guidelines set by the Bariatric Center as closely as possible by taking my Vitamins and drinking my Water. I can eat anything I want to eat now just not as much as I had eaten before. I don't feel "deprived" because when I get up from the table I don't feel stuffed and ready for a nap now. You won't believe how much easier everything is when you don't carry around an extra 150 lbs. It makes a world of difference. I never realized that until I lost the 150 lbs but I sure realize it now. Yes, there are risks in having the surgery but there are also risks everytime you get into a car or on an airplane. Life is full of risks. You just have to trust God that you are doing the right thing and let him do his part in taking care of you.

[boriquita2000 19]

Amytuggle, I know exactly how you feel because I have five children myself, my husband and my mother. Unfortunately, my mom is not supportive of the surgery and my husband is on the fence. I have done my research and been to specialist for my asthma, sleep apnea, diabetes and even a cardiologist. All agree that the surgery has minimum risk in comparison to the benefits. Take a deep breathe and remember why you wanted to do this in the first place. Say a long prayer and keep a positive attitude. These are things that get me through the "down" days. My surgery is May 22nd. I am taking one day at a time and believe me the words and support from people like Lissa, MomScholar, nraeh and others have been greatly appreciated.

[amytug 996]

thank you ladies- this is helping me feel much much better. I also got to thinking about all the complicationst hat are associated with c-sections and they do those all the darned time. very very common. I would be more afraid to have one of those!

I am definitely praying- I chose Dr. Aceves with HIS help, and I know he's guiding me through this. I have prayed though every stinking diet I've ever done, and in ever moment that I wnated to lay in bed all day because I hate being fat etc. I've prayed during times that I find it SUPER hard because i have anxiety, to go anywhere for my kids etc. THIS IS WHAT IS RIGHT FOR ME. He is with me.

boriquita- wanna text? 660-998-2823- I'd love to chat with you!

[CrazyCatLady 130]

I am one of those people that had (and am still having) complications, as mentioned in previous posts. But I want to say to you that..we humans are amazingly resiliant creatures, and that we are able to survive and even thrive through tough situations.

Dr Aceves was my surgeon, and he performed my sleeve flawlessly. Ten days after surgery I began having some severe issues - and it was discovered that I have a 60-70% occlusive blood clot in my portal vein. Are there things that could have been done to prevent this? Possibly, though Dr Aceves does follow standard pre/post-op anticoagulation protocol with lovonox injections. I just had the misfortune of being one of the 0.07% to suffer this particular condition, which is a risk with any type of gastric or upper abdominal surgery. Through my rare complication discovery and subsequent week in the office, his office was supportive and kept in touch, even though they had already received their money from me

Prior to surgery, I was diabetic, hypertensive....both of those conditions have totally resolved since surgery. In fact, I am now HYPOtensive! I have a young daughter who has Aspergers, so like you, I certainly had to take into account the how/why behind this surgery and how I got to the point of needing to pay someone to cut my stomach out in order to make positive changes.

In the end, only you can make the choice whether to go through with this surgery or not. None of us can make this decision for you. I am an RN, I spoke extensively with bariatric patients over the years and was well aware of the possible outcomes - heck, I worked for a bariatric surgeon for a short period of time, teaching pre-op classes! But even with the knowledge of what could go bad, I knew that this was my last-ditch effort to finally lose this weight before it killed me. I finally decided that I would rather die on the OR table, attempting to finally effect positive change in my life, than to have my family find me dead in bed a few years from now. Or worse.

Educating yourself and taking good care of yourself (emotional/physically/spiritually) are the best ways to prepare and work towards reducing complications. Try not to dwell too much on "what if".

If you have more questions, feel free to PM me.

[JaniRN 5]

I have had some complications too (RN here) I just feel like I need a liter or 2 of fluids at this point

[amytug 996]

jani- what were your complications? why are you so thirsty?

[JaniRN 5]

I know I am dehydrated. Can't get enough in. Only urinating 2 times daily and concentrated. Has hiatal and umbilical hernia repaired too. Having pain eating and drinking in my chest ( probably too fast) stayed in hospital 5 extra days with fever of unknown origin

[mrsnate 55]

I can definitely relate to your concerns too. I have 4 kids and my husband works 65-70 hours per week. I'd be really screwed if I had to be hospitalized longer. In 2 weeks out tomorrow and, thank the Lord, no problems so far. I was very scared too, but I knew I was doing this to improve my quality (and quantity) of life.

[Mews 37]

As one of the people who have had complications I can empathize with your concerns. Yes complications do happen but they only occur in 1% of the surgeries. My knee replacement two years ago was more dangerous and had a higher mortality rate but it didn't stop me from doing it. Think of it this way: what would your quality of life be without the surgery? Is it worth it to get rid of any comorbidities you have now? Do you want to be active and healthy for your kids for years down the road? Yes, any surgery has its risks, especially major surgery like this. But sometimes you have to take those risks to get your life back.