LindafromFlorida

I don't want to be a wet noodle, but I'm with your doctor on this one - your bariatric surgeon is NOT a heart surgeon. If there is a such a strong possibility of having a heart attack, I'd rather it happened in the cardiac unit where they specialize in that than on the table during another surgery. The point of having the sleeve is to prolong your life. Whats the point if your doctor is so concerned that you could die on the table? Considering the risk of that during the test, I don't think the doctor would suggest it if he didn't think that there was at least an equal risk of it during the sleeve surgery. Please think about it!

Hey Sassy, you have made up your mind to have the surgery and I am so happy for you. Just keep a positive mind and do not listen to any negativity, that is what I had to do too. You sound a lot like me so I really do understand where you are coming from. Has the doctor set a date for your surgery? Once you have a date believe it or not you will feel better. I know I did. I went to my local support group last Thursday and a woman walked in on a walker and sat down beside me. We talked a little since it was my 1st time at support. During our support session the nutrionist called out her name and told everyone that when she first met Mary that she was in a wheelchair and now she is walking with the assistance of a walker. Mary stated that she is walking all over her house room to room and have even ventured out doors to walk about 5 minutes outside and she also stated that in 4 months she will be off the walker that is was her goal. I know she will do it just like you will. You have pushed the GREEN button and you are on your way.
I'm liking the SassyChill.
Take care and keep me posted.
Cheryl

No, there's no decision to make. I'm gonna get the sleeve, even if it kills me! LOL. Like you, and God knows how many others, I have no quality of life left. I am bedridden - my choice - to prevent falling and because there is no furniture in my place that I can get up from.
I appreciate your replying! So, thanks! It helps. My fear of dying on the table or from a deadly complication is real. All doctors tell me this. I had to come to grips as to whether I wanted to live the rest of my life like I am now. And the answer is definitely not. Everything is so difficult because I can't do anything.
I am supposed to be getting an electric wheelchair soon, so that will allow me more freedom. But I just don't want the life of an invalid. If I had to live this way for whatever reason, I would accept it and soldier through. But I don't have to live this way. There's is an out. It's called VSG, and I'm gonna take it, come what may.
My biggest consolation is the surgeon I have. He is so well known and highly regarded that many of the other surgeons I saw who didn't want to take me on, referred me to him. One Dr. was over the moon with how wonderful my Dr. is. Seems that doc had studied under my guy, Dr. Provost, when he was a professor at a local Medical School. In fact, my surgeon taught (proctored) many other surgeons in this area how to do this surgery.
So knowing, I have the absolute best surgeon is at least 60-80% of why I'm going through with it. I went through a similar and even scarier time when I had surgery for the first time. It was 1999, and I had ovarian cancer, which has a 25% survival rate. You can only imagine the terror I felt, not knowing whether the cancer would kill me or if I'd even make it through the operation. I had had a heart attack a year earlier and no one knew how I'd do. My doctor thought I was a goner. Didn't think I'd survive the cancer and wasn't sure how I'd do in surgery. But I came through with flying colors.
Health wise, I have always been blessed, no matter what was wrong with me. I've made it out of many dark situations smelling like the orchid that I am.
I have a philosophy: There's no point in worrying or getting all worked up about something that may never happen. I'm sure that by the time of my surgery, I will have turned that philosophy button to green. In fact, I think I'll start now. Why wait?
I'm pretty chill -- not at all a worrier. Heck, after what I've been through there really isn't anything much worse than what I've already survived.
Maybe I'll change my name to SassyChill!

Sassy, I too had so many fears going into this surgery. As I have stated before it took me 3 years to decide. I have talked to many people who have had this surgery, those who would do it again and those who would not. Like yourself I could no longer go down the road I was going down. I could feel myself losing this battle. I had/still have sleep apnea, high blood pressure, incontinence, bad knees(still do) out of breathe everytime I walked. It was just an effort to get out of bed every morning and get thru the day. I had no quality of life and the kicker was my very last blood test before surgery showed I was diabetic. OMG what would be next?? I even prayed about my decision to have this surgery. One day at home all alone I just stared out my backyard window and cried, how did I get to this point? What made me so fat, why can't I get this weight off by myself? What is wrong with me that Weight Watches did not work? nutrisystem did not work, Jenny Craig did not work. I had spent thousands of dollars trying to get rid of this fat. Weight loss has been an effort for me over the past 15 years. I have a slow thryoid and take synthroid. I became so depressed and my depression meds dosage kept going up on every doctor visit. I was told be so many people to not have this surgery but I hated looking at myself in the mirror everyday. By this rate I will be in a wheelchair in 3 or 4 years so after I was done crying and to the surprise of my family I decided to have the surgery knowing I could die on the table. At the rate I had been going I just saw a short life ahead of me anyway. How can I be good for anyone when I cannot be good for myself. I had the surgery on March 11th and I was so scared and all I did was pray that this was going to work out. My nutrionist told me I would be OK, my surgeon told me of all the could go wrong and that he would do everything possible to make sure there would be no problems and I would be OK. The nurses getting me ready for surgery told me I was in good hands and to relax. One nurse told me she had the same surgery 4 years ago and my doctor did her surgery. She lost 200 pound and has kept it off. I knew then that I needed to make peace with myself and God as I was wheeled into surgery. I prayed for all those having surgery in March and for those who had surgeries earlier in the year for all of us to have successful recoveries. I know you will have to make up your mind about what to do next and it does sound like you have an outstanding surgeon. I still do not like reading about horror stores since I am still only 7 weeks post op but things can happen. I took a chance and thanks to God and a great surgeon I made it thru so far. I pray for those who still have issues and hope that their problems can be corrected over time. Whatever decision you make I will support you.

One Year Surgiversary - 10/2/12 - 10/2/13... it's been 1 year, and it's been incredible. Not only am I off all meds, and down 123 lbs, I'm healthier, more confident and I have more energy. I feel absolutely amazing. To anyone out there on the fence, you have to decide for yourself if this is the route you want to take. I was one of the lucky ones. I had no issues from day one. I hit the ground running ... well walking ... the afternoon of surgery, and I kept going, doing everything I could to maximize the 1st year of weight loss. I still have days when I’m hungry -- I deal with it. I’m not perfect at all, not even close. But I know what works for me. It may not work for everyone, but one thing I’ve learned here and other sites is EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. DO NOT COMPARE YOURSELF WITH OTHERS. It’s a mantra I have stuck with this past year and will continue to. Everyone has to find their own way and what works for them. But taking that first step toward that way is the best thing you can do for yourself. You are worth it. We all are, so do whatever you have to do find your way. I did ... and I’m never going back. Happy Surgiversary to me, 1 year out. I love my sleeve, and I love myself!

So soooo excited! I've cried years of joy all day. My insurance approved me for my surgery. I will find my date out this week. I owe all thanks to god! I am elated to start my journey and find myself again!

Oct 3rd of last yr. down 200 lbs. congrats and good luck

Just had my surgery- everything went really well!!!

Hope everyone is doing good! Tomorrow will be two weeks since my surgery. I'm feeling good, some pain in my left side here an there. Doc said its normal that's we're my stomach is healing. I wish everyone best of luck. It's an amazing journey that has had challenges. The liquid diet for two weeks pre op and then two weeks post op is not easy. Just try to keep the faith and know it will all pay off. I get to move to puréed foods tomorrow and I'm excited for this next step. Just remember. We didn't put the weight on over night, and it will take time to see it come off. We will enjoy food again, just with smarter choices and smaller portions. I'm trying to stay positive and enjoy my journey! Best of luck everyone!

Well im about to go in . So nervous right now. Im so lucky to have a great dr. Starting weight 326 current weight 289.... see yah on the other side

I'm second day liquid diet. This is hard! 8.5 days to go.

Aggi, you have to be more descriptive. If your talking about the gas pain yes and you need to walk. If not call your doctor. I see some people on here have pain postop and some don't- I personally think physician technique may also play a part in postop pain since they all do things different. Plus we are all different and have different pain tolerance too so just saying I'm having pain is too general. I'm just about as far out as you and still having gas pain under my rib cage in my chest daily intermittently, especially noticeable when I wake up, but once I get moving, I feel better. And when I take my first sips of the day, my new tummy protests. If I'm in pain, my doctor cleared me to take Tylenol 3 times daily which totally works and is all I need (I measure an adult dose of the liquid children's form). But anytime you aren't sure about something, always consult your physician since no one knows how bad you feel but you. Sorry it's the nurse in me {)i(} Sent from my iPhone using VST {)i(}

Just did my first CHG shower and things are finally starting to get real... Surgery tomorrow morning, I have to be at the hospital by 6 AM. It's crazy, I have not been nervous until now. But I'm still not really nervous, because I know it's the right thing to do-- I only got a little freaked out as I ate my last meal... ( i've been allowed three Protein Meal Replacements and one meal per day) , while I know the liquids are only for a few weeks, The thought that I may not be up to eat some of my favorite foods ever again after that is terrifying!!! I feel really ready though, and I've such a great support system between my family and friends, and online boards-- you all have been so great!
Starting weight: 276, Current weight (after 2 week diet): 259, Goal weight: <175

I am so excited and keyed up, it is hard for me to think about much else! Come on 21st! Are any of you experiencing that?

October 21 is my surgery date and I am feeling all types of emotions.... But I am happy to get this done

Heading in to the hospital in a few minutes. I'm nervous and really excited. Good luck to all of the Oct Sleevers this week.

I am having surgery because I am 47 tired of yoyo dieting i need a knee replacement an will not get an gain 20 pounds.i do not want to wake up in my 50 or 60 an weigh 230 or more

All checked in surgery is in 2hrs. Fired up ready to go!

Good luck

Surgery went well in my room, pain level 4 to 5.

Yayyyyyy! I'm a future October Sleever !! October 18, 2013 is my date !!! I am so excited but too nervous !!!

My dr wouldnt even allow me to get the surgery unless my bmi was at least 40 or 35 with pre existing condition. So for 180lbs that would be 4'8" and 5'0" tall respectfully. I thought this was true for all surgeons, I dont really understand. I understand the band revision to sleeve but not all others. I had to gain 3 lbs at 265 just to be eligible for surgery at my height because I do not have a pre existing condition. Good luck with weight loss everyone!