madeformore

6 MONTHS?! Wow.... That gives me hope! You rock!
Thank you for posting!

6 MONTHS?! Wow.... That gives me hope! You rock!
Thank you for posting!

I am pre-op, so I hope that I will be glad that I made the decision to have the surgery.
I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who gave their honest reply to this question.
THANK YOU to those of you who are glad you had the surgery.
And THANK YOU to those of you who do regret having the surgery. I feel your input here is valuable and what you have to say matters.
From my brief experience, it seems that most people on VST have had positive experiences, but that does not mean that people who have had less than positive experiences to share should be unwelcome.
VST has been a valuable resource for me, and I appreciate the information that is shared here.

I just wanted to come back and post an update. Only one person replied, but a few people have looked at it...
My surgery was scheduled for May 7. I really never felt that I 'should' or 'should not' have the surgery. I went to all the appointments, did well on the six week pre-op diet my doctor required, and did everything else I was supposed to do.
I went in for my surgery appointment. Everything went really fast once I arrived, and I was glad for that. Next thing I know I'm waking up from anesthesia, very grateful that I made it through the surgery.
A few minutes later my husband was telling me that the surgeon did not perform the surgery. On the initial scope he found that my stomach was too red and inflamed and he told my husband that could prevent proper healing, so he had to call off the proceedure. A biopsy later confirmed gastritis. (I'm glad the surgeon made the decision he did. It might be difficult for me, but I would rather that he end the proceedure than proceed and have complications.)
He had seen redness on my initial scope and put me on prilosec, but it still didn't work out. I think the stress and anxiety I had prior to the surgery caused the inflamation.
At first I was happy I didn't have the surgery but then I realized I would have to go back into decision making mode about what to do now. That was hard and depressing for about a week.
Now I have a plan and an accountability partner.
I might still end up having the surgery once the gastritis has gone away... or I may not... I don't know, yet... But either way my main question - After working on a lot of my emotional issues that have gotten me into the position of 'needing' surgery, could I do it now without the surgery - will be answered. I'm thankful for that.
Best wishes to everyone!

I just wanted to come back and post an update. Only one person replied, but a few people have looked at it...
My surgery was scheduled for May 7. I really never felt that I 'should' or 'should not' have the surgery. I went to all the appointments, did well on the six week pre-op diet my doctor required, and did everything else I was supposed to do.
I went in for my surgery appointment. Everything went really fast once I arrived, and I was glad for that. Next thing I know I'm waking up from anesthesia, very grateful that I made it through the surgery.
A few minutes later my husband was telling me that the surgeon did not perform the surgery. On the initial scope he found that my stomach was too red and inflamed and he told my husband that could prevent proper healing, so he had to call off the proceedure. A biopsy later confirmed gastritis. (I'm glad the surgeon made the decision he did. It might be difficult for me, but I would rather that he end the proceedure than proceed and have complications.)
He had seen redness on my initial scope and put me on prilosec, but it still didn't work out. I think the stress and anxiety I had prior to the surgery caused the inflamation.
At first I was happy I didn't have the surgery but then I realized I would have to go back into decision making mode about what to do now. That was hard and depressing for about a week.
Now I have a plan and an accountability partner.
I might still end up having the surgery once the gastritis has gone away... or I may not... I don't know, yet... But either way my main question - After working on a lot of my emotional issues that have gotten me into the position of 'needing' surgery, could I do it now without the surgery - will be answered. I'm thankful for that.
Best wishes to everyone!

The photo at the top left is me at my heaviest (489lbs) and the photo on the bottom right hand corner is me today at my current weight of 260lbs.

Yes! Yes! Yes! This surgery saved my life. At 50 years old I found myself with uncontrolled diabetes, (on 3 meds just for that alone). I'd had a heart attack at 46, and saw my life as being very short, with very little quality to it. At 6 months out, I'm not at goal yet, still have another 25-30 lbs. to go. But I'm off all diabetic meds now and getting healthier every day.

Yes, yes, yes. Did I mention, yes?! 7 weeks out only 13 pounds away from onederland. I feel better, eat better, and look better. I move better and am more active. Just got cleared to exercise and now am checking out gym memberships. Tonight I had some Soup and a piece of cheese for dinner and was full. Love it!

I had my surgery 4 weeks ago after 3 years of deciding to go forward with this surgery. This is major surgery and not meant to be taken lightly but have years of yo, yo dietingm wieght watchers, Jenny Craig, LA weight loss and a few others I made the decision to have this surgery.
I have had my ups and downs since surgery but slowly I am regaining energy and I am now starting a walking program for myself. I am just taking baby steps. I too have always used food for so many reasons and my social life always around food. I have passed up so many lucheons since my surgery but I don't care I need to do this for myself and if some of my friends don't understand than maybe I need to find new friends. I meet with a few friends at the park and we sit a talk, enjoy each other's company and we really listen to each of us has to say without worrying about food. I will go to the movies and enjoy the movie with a bottle of Water instead of a coke. I have joined a bookclub and look for discussion groups on a variety of subjects at local colleges. So there really is lots to do that do not involve food. I realized since my surgery there is no going back, changing my mind I need to move forward without the food being involved as the main attraction. Eating is so enjoyable with freinds and family but it cannot be the center of my world any longer those days are over, I get a little sad about it but when I get on the scale I am happy that I had this surgery.

ABSOLUTELY YES ...I'm almost 3 years out and I would do it again in a heart beat, I just wish I could have had it done 10 years sooner than I did.

She did say why already. It's in the thread.

Good:
My marriage is stronger than ever.
I learned my strength.
My support system is out of this world!
I have lost weight.
I have found hidden greatness in everyone.
I can move better in my body.
I am becoming a better me!
Each day of my life is richer.
I am leading by example for those around me.
Exercising is much easier and enjoyable.
Neutral:
I eat meat, former vegetarian.
I vomit if I consume high sugar.
I vomit if I consume high fat.
Bad:
Leaks suck!!
food is disgusting.
I don't know what I like or what to eat.
Complications of the leak are long and drawn out.
My journey has been rough.
Esophageal spasm.
I feel more disgusted than ever with my body.
I can't say if I would do it again. I relish in the greatest that has come from this. I value the changes I have made and am making. But the wounds of complications are still fresh.
Everyone says give it a year or two and you'll feel better about this decision. Until then I feel a deep sense of regret, but try to remain focused on all the good. Somedays it's hard to ignore the bad stuff though!! I do go to counseling. I am almost standing strongly on my own two feet again.
I read that so many of you would so this again in a heart beat. I hope to join you in this thought process one day!!

As for food addiction that several have raised in this thread, even when you think it is conquered, it is still there. Perhaps not in the same way. Wanting to eat and eat returned for me in a big way at month 6. However, I do not turn to comforts of the past. Instead, I will eat an extra ounce of Protein here an extra 2 ounces of Protein there. It helps.
Unfortunately , I have recently been having an extra Protein Bar in between meals. Need to be careful because even the low carb ones pack 150-200 calories. I suppose I have justified the extra calories because it still puts me at 1300-1400 and I an very active every day. However, eating Protein Bars "just because" I have an issue with eating the right number of calories is not helping me.
It brings back the worry in me that I might repeat the past. The eating to replacd dealing with issues. I do not think I have that issue any longer, but I must not let it occur because I put my life on the line for this last ditch effort at keeping food bondage at bay. I try and throw in an extra HIIT workout to counter it, but know this is not addressing the core issue. It is merely putting some distance between myself and a food issue.
I have been to therapy, but not specifically to psychoanalyze my eating and why it is different from a natural thin person. Do I need to? Not sure. I would not be here if I was like a naturally thin person. However, I eat fairly healthy now and try to only east Paleo if possible. It is the Protein Bars that I am concerned about.
Yes, I do struggle with eating, but I see no reason for this to be associated with regret for WLS. It is still a game changer for me.

I'm three weeks post op and I've been blessed with a perfect recovery so far. My sleeve has agreed with everything I've given her as I've advanced my diet.. No sliming, no pain, nada.. I have very little hunger. I have almost no swelling of my sleeve I can drink big gulps if I want. I can eat 2-3 ounces of meat or half a cup of cottage cheese, or one egg with cheese and 1/4 cup Beans... and I'm satisfied with these portions.. If I was one of those who could only eat a tablespoon of food, I think I'd be struggling more than I am, but I'm really happy so far with my eating and appetite and I feel great.
I did go through a period during the first week where I was like WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST DO?????? The permanence of what I had done was really sinking in but now I'm over the initial shock and am really happy with my limited capacity for food!

This just sounds so unhealthy mentally. You want to commiserate with other folks who are wanting to go back to being in an abusive relationship. Another option might be to seek some counselling as to getting to some root issues with your eating disorder. This may be the scariest, healthiest thing you have ever done, but you may learn to love and embrace your new lifestyle as so many others here have done.

Well... I think, that is the root of your regret... Your feeling "Shame" and "embarrassment" has lead you to put yourself in some kind of isolation..
Don't you think??
You, in my opinion, need to tell someone!
You have done nothing to be ashamed of.

Laura - there was no surprise...I have been lucky I didn't experience many of the awful side effects I had read about, well, at least so far. My only 'surprise' if you want to call it that was the shame & embarassment I felt just days prior to my surgery. Everybody in my life knows I was preparing to have WLS since last May, but then, a few days before I decided to go ahead, alone & privately. I know me - I'd feel even worse about this new life of mine if a single friend or family member knew. I do miss my life, unhealthy or not, it was my life...now I go through the motions each day. And no, I am not craving any certain foods or anything, I am thrilled that I don't want to eat, but I know this can't last forever...
Again, I am so happy for those who love the surgery; I simply don't. I am hoping to find some support from this site from those who regret it.

PDX - Nope, you didn't sound belittling & I do appreciate your thoughts. I was trying to show support to the one person I've seen post on this site who regrets the surgery, albeit for different reasons. I am happy that 99% of the people on this site love WLS and are happy; however, there is a few of us that make up the 1%
Surgery is for some people; it isn't for others. Despite over a year of preparing, reading, & researching the sleeve, I thought I knew what I was getting into, but clearly for me, it isn't for me. Now it is too late. I have to deal with my decision and make the best out of my new life. I just hope to help those who are in the 1% to not go through what I am by speaking my truth.
I knew surgery is only a tool. I am fat, not stupid. I never thought this would be easy. I never thought I'd magically lose weight. I know you have to routinely work with your dr, your nut, your dietician, etc - and I am! Despite my mobility issues, I am walking daily & hitting the gym. I struggle with Protein & fluids, but I do better each day. Losing weight takes 2 things - eating less & moving more. I didn't lose 100 lbs three different times in my life without realizing that...I am a food addict & food lover. I use food. I abuse food. I was even dependent on food. I chose surgery because of fear of becoming bedfast because of my mobility. To do it again? I still say no...even though I have no hunger, no thirst, no cravings ...things I prayed for...I would not do it again! People can say what they will about the mental/emotional stuff & they have some valid points - but at the end of the day in my world - surgery wasn't for me...but living with it is my new reality...
I have lost 24 lbs my first month & been extremely lucky from everything I've learned since last May up to this very day on this site...and I think I will reach my goal one day in the next year or so (if I am lucky & don't develop problems)...but knowing what I know now...no, I'd not do it again...

PDX - I take full responsibility for the worst decision I've ever made. It is 100% my fault I had this surgery. I am totally accountable for my situation. I said nothing else!

Nope. I put my life at risk and now my marriage is at risk. Not worth it.

.... I agree 100%...I regret it every day. I think you & me are the only two on this thread that said no!

The first week is hell (well no fun anyway) but true regret?? That's the trend... Why?

How true! We do tend to forget about the 1st week of hell.
I had some respiratory complication and had to be in ICU for a couple days after surgery. O2 levels were between 75 and 85% for a few days. I could not eat or drink anything for about 4 days (still was in hospital). My heart rate was constantly around 40 during the day and 30 at night until 5th day in hospital. The little alarm was constantly going off so I had the nurse disable it so I could get some sleep.
I did not really realize the severity of it all until retroactively thinking about it months later. I was feeling well enough on day 5 to go home, but still took it pretty easy for 3 weeks, always working on my respiratory system with spirometer (sp?) and walking every day multiple times. They did not let me leave until I proved I could drink and pee on my own as well as keep my O2 90% or higher.
Sounds pretty rough, huh? I think it had to do with the anesthesia. My wife claims they had trouble waking me in the recovery room, but that is hard to think about. Took 4 hours for me to come to. What if I had not woken up?
However, it is a distant memory today and I would still say VSG is worth it 100%. Even when it was rough, I still did not regret VSG at anytime. Regret did not ever enter my mind. You see, VSG was my last hope. I wanted to have a more fulfilling life, did not want to be in chains as a food slave any longer and wanted to be there for my family.