Nicci

I am glad that you rescheduled your appointment just to talk. You are still not committing yourself, but you are getting informed, and that is the best starting place. If you decide not to get the sleeve, at least you know you have done your research.
I was 31 when I got my surgery. I also had ZERO healthy issues. My cholesterol was low, my blood pressure was low, my blood sugar was normal, other than being overweight, I was normal. However, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart problems ALL run in my family. I knew it was just a matter of time before it would probably happen to me. My mom was in her thirties when she developed high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. I didn't want to wait until I already had problems, I wanted to prevent them. I had 2 very young children (14 months and 3 yrs) when I went to have the surgery done. I was scared leaving them, what if I didn't some back...but deep down I knew this was the right thing to do. I have not regretted it for a moment since I had it done almost 2 years ago. I am healthy, and, for the first time in my life, I am happy with myself. Yes, I also got it done not only for my health, but also for my self-esteem. I wanted to look better too. I didn't want to be stared at and made fun of walking down the street. I wanted to shop in normal stores, I wanted to feel normal.
Like others have said, continue to research. Read all the positive stories on here too. All the NSV's. Of course there are risks and complications, and despite them being very low, they can happen. So you have to go into this with open eyes. Whatever decision you decided to make, just make sure it is the right one for you. Best of luck!

I'm so glad you posted this. I'm waiting on the insurance company but after reading post op stories started to think about backing out. But I don't want to keep living this way either. I am going forward, but well-informed and fully aware of the challenges ahead. Thanks everyone!

It seems so much more dangerous to makes decision then just let things ride, doesn't it? Try phrasing it this way instead, "I've done the research and looked into the side effects of obesity and remaining the size I currently am or continuing to get larger and decided that its the safest option long term"
Everything is a decision, choosing to stay on the course your on is not "not making a decision" it is also a choice. I understand why you're scared, I'm scared, and last week I read some of the really bad horror stories and couldn't sleep, literally, so the next day I went to my dr, and asked him about all the horror stories. It helped.
Do that before you make the decision to stay obese.

Hi there! Just to let you know, I chickened out also. My surgery was tentatively scheduled for 9/11, and I cancelled it. I am terrified!! I decided then to exercise and try a 1200 calorie low carb diet. Have I done that yet..... NO! I have 90 pounds to lose to be at my perfect weight. I'm 34 years old, a mother of 3 kids under 13 years old and I am terrified of having something go wrong with surgery. This sounds silly, but I gave thin hair, and I'm terrified of the Hair loss as well. I keep saying to my self "what it". What if I'm that small % that has a problem. Other than being fat, I have zero co morbidities. What if I have problems from the surgery?? I do not know what to do. I know EXACTLY how u feel. In fact, I'm following another sleever on the site named Iggy. She's had a horrible time. Her posts helped me in chickening out.

Thanks guys...I am listening to ALL of you At 4:45pm I called my doc's office back and admitted to them I am scared and my fear was the reason I canceled. IDK if this is a "sign" of any kind BUT the receptionist totally understood and said that my appointment time was still available if I wanted to re-book it.....so I did. Tomorrow at 9am I will be going in to talk with the surgeon about all of this and letting her know all of my fears. The last surgery I had was just this past April, I had to have my ankle re-fused because it didn't heal right the first time. When I woke up in recovery my heart started to race on me and my nurse kinda scared me with the panic I could hear in her voice (she was yelling to the others "This one is going tachy! Mine is going tachy on me!" I kept asking her who was going tachy, if it was me? Finally she told me "Yes, you." so I bared down and took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds and released it and my heart rate came back down to normal before she ever had the chance to get me any sort of meds. Not sure if that was just like that I came back to normal on my own or what but it freaked me out pretty good. Later I asked the doc about it and he said no one had mentioned it to him but that maybe I was just having a slight reaction to one of the anesthesia drugs? He wasn't completely sure what could have caused it....but this was orthopedics not GI).

I can tell you my experience I have had guys chasing me but after I lost weight they are no longer interested because they are chasers but I know that I did the surgery for me
I had to do it for health reasons. I feel so much better after I lost the weight my blood pressure is normal no meds my feet ankles and knees don't hurt I have more energy I sleep a lot better
If someone wants me they want me for who I am not what I look like fat or skinny.

LOL! Hell yeah. Misery loves company but I'm NOT RSVP'ing to that party. I don't care if I weighed 800 pounds, I'd still be as fly as an 800 pound person can be. Guinness Book...World's Flyest Woman!
Nicci, glad to hear it went well for you.

No problem, if you ever need anything to vent ask questions you can reach out to me. I haven't been sleeved yet but have been looking around a lot and doing a lot of searching so I am willing to help if I can.
It is unfortunate how some people just will not be happy for the new you, it is a shame but at the same time hey, that is 'extra weight" that you no longer have to carry around
You know, honestly no one can make this choice for you it is something only you can do. We can offer you our opinions, advice and just share our experiences to help you see all sides. Anyway you look at it we are here to help support you ( I love this board , just like a big family)

Nicci I did too! I read iggychic thread and I chickened out:( I just pushed my date back til January
Sent from my SCH-R530U using VST

Thank you soooo much for your support and encouragement. It truly means a lot to me, I have a lot of negative people in my life which I am assuming will change when/if I do go through with the surgery, I have heard of many people whose friends turned out not to truly be their friends but in fact their frenemies, or significant others whom just couldn't handle the new and improved partner. It's a breath of fresh air to come on here and actually be supported and encouraged no matter what decision I make!

I am glad to hear it went well And thanks for the info I had no idea about the swedish studies.
Just keep with it girl and when the time comes you'll know what you need to do for you. I say keep researching , asking questions so that you are prepared should you go through with it.

No, I (knock on wood) have never thrown a clot before, but there is a first time for everything and given my current weight (which is the largest it has ever been) I'm sure my chances are increased. As far a Varicose veins go I have never really seen them in someones foot before, mainly just their calfs, hands and arms....so I wasn't sure if a foot one, which constantly has pressure placed on it while standing/walking, would bare any increased risk.
I did mention that I have PCOS, which honestly other than cosmetically, hasn't impacted my life (oh and I had to use fertility medication to get the child that died an hour and 10min after his birth, as well as my twins). It's more preventative measures in my mind, not that I have to explain my reasoning for even having an interest in this surgery to you or anyone else. I think it would be great to FINALLY know what it's like to be average to slender in size, and at 30 I still have plenty of life to live and cute clothes to wear (well not at my current weight, clothing options are limited and tend to age a person or just be down right gaudy!). So yes, I would like to look good. I would like to know what it feels like, just once in my life, to have a man literally sweep me off my feet, I would like to go to theme parks and be able to ride the rides without fear of embarrassment of not fitting in the seat or possibly breaking the cart off of its hinges, to be confident and comfortable in my own skin and not feel as if I am being judged based on my appearance but to know any judgement being cast is based on my character! I would like to go white Water rafting or mountain climbing with the girls. I would love to be more actively involved in play with my children and possibly even coach one of my daughters softball teams instead of sitting on the sideline and trying not to draw attention to myself. I would like for my 6y/o not to cry when people tell her she's just like her momma because she thinks that is their way of calling her fat (which shes not). I am entertaining the thought of possibly having this surgery simply because I can!
Thanks for asking It went pretty well and the surgeon agreed that this is probably in my best interest, given all the attempts I have made in the past (she laughed when I went as far back as Richard Simmons Deal-A-Meal plan and his sweatin' to the oldies routine). She gave me a book entitled "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies" and she said it's informative yet entertaining I am optimistic at this point. She wants me to continue to jump through the hoops, and she continued to remind me that I am not obligated to commit to this and even once the surgery is scheduled I can cancel it at any time, even the day before the surgery if my feet get too cold Apparently Sweden has done studies on people whom are 20+ years out and they have a significantly decreased death rate from cardiac related deaths and incidence of cancer. I would love to read some of these studies as so many people in my every day life tell me that this is so new, blah blah blah, we don't know what it will do to you 10 or 20 years down the road. I'd enjoy battling them with the Swedish statistics and show them that yes we do know and this is why.

No, I (knock on wood) have never thrown a clot before, but there is a first time for everything and given my current weight (which is the largest it has ever been) I'm sure my chances are increased. As far a Varicose veins go I have never really seen them in someones foot before, mainly just their calfs, hands and arms....so I wasn't sure if a foot one, which constantly has pressure placed on it while standing/walking, would bare any increased risk.
I did mention that I have PCOS, which honestly other than cosmetically, hasn't impacted my life (oh and I had to use fertility medication to get the child that died an hour and 10min after his birth, as well as my twins). It's more preventative measures in my mind, not that I have to explain my reasoning for even having an interest in this surgery to you or anyone else. I think it would be great to FINALLY know what it's like to be average to slender in size, and at 30 I still have plenty of life to live and cute clothes to wear (well not at my current weight, clothing options are limited and tend to age a person or just be down right gaudy!). So yes, I would like to look good. I would like to know what it feels like, just once in my life, to have a man literally sweep me off my feet, I would like to go to theme parks and be able to ride the rides without fear of embarrassment of not fitting in the seat or possibly breaking the cart off of its hinges, to be confident and comfortable in my own skin and not feel as if I am being judged based on my appearance but to know any judgement being cast is based on my character! I would like to go white Water rafting or mountain climbing with the girls. I would love to be more actively involved in play with my children and possibly even coach one of my daughters softball teams instead of sitting on the sideline and trying not to draw attention to myself. I would like for my 6y/o not to cry when people tell her she's just like her momma because she thinks that is their way of calling her fat (which shes not). I am entertaining the thought of possibly having this surgery simply because I can!
Thanks for asking It went pretty well and the surgeon agreed that this is probably in my best interest, given all the attempts I have made in the past (she laughed when I went as far back as Richard Simmons Deal-A-Meal plan and his sweatin' to the oldies routine). She gave me a book entitled "Weight Loss Surgery For Dummies" and she said it's informative yet entertaining I am optimistic at this point. She wants me to continue to jump through the hoops, and she continued to remind me that I am not obligated to commit to this and even once the surgery is scheduled I can cancel it at any time, even the day before the surgery if my feet get too cold Apparently Sweden has done studies on people whom are 20+ years out and they have a significantly decreased death rate from cardiac related deaths and incidence of cancer. I would love to read some of these studies as so many people in my every day life tell me that this is so new, blah blah blah, we don't know what it will do to you 10 or 20 years down the road. I'd enjoy battling them with the Swedish statistics and show them that yes we do know and this is why.

i will have an Atkins Advantage Peanut Butter Bar
this is my chocolate "fix" - have it once in a while as a meal - ummm ummmm good
calories
240
carbs
22
Protein
19
carbs are kindof high though

Chili dog minus the bun is still one I love and have at least once a month. I add cheese and onions to mine. chocolate is something I thought I would have a hard time with but I really don't crave it like I used to. And one little piece is more than enough and it's weeks before I even think about it.

I thought I would miss stuff a lot. There have been times when my brain has tricked me into thinking I do. The truth is that I really don't. I thought I wanted pizza for about six weeks. I finally decided I would try one piece a week or two ago and all it tasted like was greasy blah and made my stomach do turns. I loved candy pre-op. I used to eat a piece almost every day. I don't miss it and the further I get out from having it, the less I think about any of it. I still will allow myself treats here and there, but it's not as difficult as I thought it would be, at least not at this point.

Hi Nicci,
How did it go today?

I know this is to the OP but...
I'm the same way. I won't lie. I did it mainly because I'm fly and I wanted access to more fashionable clothing to "preserve my sexy," as P. Diddy says. My job requires me to be in the public and it's rapidly moving towards me having to become a public figure and I want to be fly as humanly possible.

Thanks guys...I am listening to ALL of you At 4:45pm I called my doc's office back and admitted to them I am scared and my fear was the reason I canceled. IDK if this is a "sign" of any kind BUT the receptionist totally understood and said that my appointment time was still available if I wanted to re-book it.....so I did. Tomorrow at 9am I will be going in to talk with the surgeon about all of this and letting her know all of my fears. The last surgery I had was just this past April, I had to have my ankle re-fused because it didn't heal right the first time. When I woke up in recovery my heart started to race on me and my nurse kinda scared me with the panic I could hear in her voice (she was yelling to the others "This one is going tachy! Mine is going tachy on me!" I kept asking her who was going tachy, if it was me? Finally she told me "Yes, you." so I bared down and took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds and released it and my heart rate came back down to normal before she ever had the chance to get me any sort of meds. Not sure if that was just like that I came back to normal on my own or what but it freaked me out pretty good. Later I asked the doc about it and he said no one had mentioned it to him but that maybe I was just having a slight reaction to one of the anesthesia drugs? He wasn't completely sure what could have caused it....but this was orthopedics not GI).

Sorry I hit enter to soon. Do not let that scare you. Just make sure the anestesiologist and your surgeon are aware that it may happen so they are prepared as there is a shot they can give you immediately to correct it if it does happen during surgery

Do not be afraid we are all in this together. I go in for surgery on Friday and I know that God is with me so I will not be discouraged.

You can still have a piece of chocolate or a chili dog every once in a great while as a special treat to yourself. Just dont make a habit out of it. Reward yourself for being good... give yourself something to strive for.

Not a food but POP! I havent had any since surgery and I plan to stay away from it, I use to be such a diet pop junkie, I know as soon as I had a sip I would be drinking them everyday.

I don't miss any food. There is no food that I can't eat.
One good thing is people say your tastes change. I still love chocolate, but not as much as I used to. I drink a Protein drink every day, and lately I have been loving my orange cream and banana pudding flavors more than chocolate. It's weird.

Thanks guys...I am listening to ALL of you At 4:45pm I called my doc's office back and admitted to them I am scared and my fear was the reason I canceled. IDK if this is a "sign" of any kind BUT the receptionist totally understood and said that my appointment time was still available if I wanted to re-book it.....so I did. Tomorrow at 9am I will be going in to talk with the surgeon about all of this and letting her know all of my fears. The last surgery I had was just this past April, I had to have my ankle re-fused because it didn't heal right the first time. When I woke up in recovery my heart started to race on me and my nurse kinda scared me with the panic I could hear in her voice (she was yelling to the others "This one is going tachy! Mine is going tachy on me!" I kept asking her who was going tachy, if it was me? Finally she told me "Yes, you." so I bared down and took a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds and released it and my heart rate came back down to normal before she ever had the chance to get me any sort of meds. Not sure if that was just like that I came back to normal on my own or what but it freaked me out pretty good. Later I asked the doc about it and he said no one had mentioned it to him but that maybe I was just having a slight reaction to one of the anesthesia drugs? He wasn't completely sure what could have caused it....but this was orthopedics not GI).