I had the gastric bypass when I was 15.. talk about your awkward stage in life. Then throw in there being overweight and trying to explain that it wasn't because I couldn't push the plate away, it was just how I was.
After losing over 100lbs in 8 months, I lost all my friends and all of a sudden I was one of the popular kids in school. The popular guys asked me out, would tell me how hot I was.. it went right to my head. I grew up in a small town and then by the age of 20, I moved to a bigger town and went hog wild! I was young, skinny and felt awesome, or so it seemed. In reality, I was very depressed. If a pair of pants didn't fit me from one day to the next, my world was coming to an end.
Not only that, but I suffer from some health issues as side effects of the surgery. I have to take protein shakes, as well as enzymes to absorb protein (so I don't die) 3 times a day, every day. Also, iron, calcium and other vitamins are required to even feel like a normal person anymore. After losing my weight, my thyroid bombed out on me, too.
I feel good, but I'm more emotional now than I was when I was 300lbs, even at 15 years old. I'm glad someone came forward to be honest about how awful some of the stories can turn out after gastric bypass - that's something the doctors never tell you. Or some of the possible side effects.

Drinking protein shakes and taking vitamins (which we should do anyway) for the next 70 years to have the quality of life one can only experience when they are no longer severely, morbidly obese (one of the prereq's for bypass to begin with) is far better than living a life restricted by the size and health concerns associated with being grossly obese. When times are tough, remind yourself that you may actually live to have healthy children and grandchildren. How many women don't get to have children because they are so overweight their bodies won't tolerate pregnancy or worse, suffer fertility issues because of their size? If that's not your thing, think about the traveling you can do now that it won't cost you two seats and hours of discomfort and embarrassment on an airplane... Think of the number of years and the improved quality of life you'll reap as a result of having the surgery. If it's easy it isn't worth doing.... Find a positive to focus on to get you through tough days.

I understand your point, but I don't think you understand mine. I wasn't posting to be critisized. I feel very fortunate for being able to be smaller. However, I had a baby since I lost the weight. I gained 15lbs in 2 days of water weight and could no longer walk because of swelling in my legs while I was pregnant. I don't have a problem taking the protein shakes, but it's a life or death issue for me. If I miss one, or don't absorb enough protein each day, my legs swell. Not only legs, but feet and all the way to my midsection.

My only point was, the gastric bypass saved my life in one way, but it has also put me at risk in a totally different way. No one, no doctors or anyone could or can prepare anyone for that. To anyone who has, or plans on having the gastric bypass, good luck. I don't regret it, I just wish I knew more beforehand.

I had grastric by-pass done about four months ago. I started out at 306 at the time of my surgery and am down to 245lbs (this is without exercise), due to a fractured fussion at the L3 and 4 level. I went into this with a very possitive outlook, I was a type II diabetic, high blood pressure, atrial fibrulation, asthma, and many other medical problems, I knew to take the surgery seriously, and that I would have to follow instruction to the tee, before and after or not doing so can cause problems, so I did. I followed everthing exactly as I was instructed, and I have not had any problems. Yes! I had to add protien to my meals for a little bit, but soon I was able to eat enough with my meals alone, the additional protien was not require. I only have to take two childrens vitamins, two tums (for calcium) all chewable and a liquid iron; no big deal, these are instructed and explained to you before you make the choice to have the surgery, no suprises. I have had such good results, I was on so much medication (12 different meds in the AM and 11 in the PM), I now only take 4 in the mornings and 3 at night. No more diabetes, blood pressure is great, as well as my asthma. My health is soooo much better it was the right thing for me to do. Everbodys reason and problems are different, but the one thing I can tell you all is be true to yourself if you choose to have the surgery make sure you listen, and follow all instructions, another words do as your told, there are reasons for what they tell you to do even if you do not understand what reason is. I have done so well, and feel so much better than I have in years. I have had no problems and I expect to live alot longer than what I would of if I had not had the surgery. My advice, pray-about the reason for the surgery, ask questions of your self and especialy of your doctor make sure you understand everything before making a decision. Be knowlegable whats required before and after your surgery. ASK, ASK, ASK. UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND!