7 years post op

[Kimberly]

First of all thank you Sarah so much for sharing and I really feel for you , I admire your courage . You are a brave woman and an inspiration . Although Iv read about complications it's so different reading some one story it becomes real . Please continue to share as this is so helpful for us newbies who are following behind.


Andy , I can only confirm what other have said . I'm going into surgery next Tuesday with eyes wide open fully aware of the risk and benefits. I know with out this WLS I will not be around in the next 5 years.

 

[femfrankie]

Sarah my heart truly goes out to you & hope that now you have your port things will start to brighten up for you. Fingers crossed that they you and docs can overcome any issues around it quickly.

Andy I didn't have bypass without reading every damn thing on the procedure and life after ..the good and the bad and some downright grizzly stuff. But to be honest nothing came close to putting me off. My incredibly shortened life with a 68 BMI was much more depressing!

 

[xosaraxo]

I don't regret having the surgery. My health was suffering from my weight. I'm suffering now, too, but how do you chose one evil over another?

I researched this surgery, other options and surgeons for over a year before I had my procedure done. I took many classes and went to support group meetings with people who had already had it done. Complications are a very real possibility. I knew the statistics. My surgeon has been doing this since 1978. He is a pioneer in the field. In his career he had only seen this specific complication arise 3 times, including myself.

As far as anemia, as a complication, most of us deal with some form of deficiency. Because of the surgery they do regular CBCs and have been able to track mine. My anemia is extreme. There may be another unrelated cause we have yet to find.

The before and after pics ARE rainbows and sunshine, but believe me, despite the weight I've lost, I won't be in a bikini.. ever. There used to be a site (abutterflyemerges.com). She was pretty honest with pictures of her journey. Including before she had her nips & tucks.

 

[xosaraxo]

I just saw some of the above posts, thanks so much for the words of hope and encouragement.

Started my second go with the IV therapy today. The financial counselor in the office said that my body will require these treatments for the rest of my life. My port can last 7-10 years, barring any complications. Each treatment is $621. I'll do one a week for a few months... Then we wait for it to slip again. There are 2 different iron tests your doctor should be doing. They say my "resting iron" is what's causing my issues. The dr says the number is supposed be 100... Mine was at 34... Now 25. If it gets lower I'll be in a whole new world of trouble.

I'd post pics of the port & before a and afters, but I haven't reached that level for posting yet.

 

[Val]

Im so sorry for what you have had to endure :/

 

[Yvessa]

Are you noticing any difference physically with the treatments.

 

[xosaraxo]

Yes. When my iron slips I get almost delusional. I'm tired and weak and irritable. Within hours of a treatment I start feeling a difference.

 

[Yvessa]

Yes. When my iron slips I get almost delusional. I'm tired and weak and irritable. Within hours of a treatment I start feeling a difference.

That must be so frightening hon. You are one very strong lady.