FluffytoFab

I had similar fears. I was 290 when I started, highest weight a few months earlier than that was 295. I was constantly tired, HOT all the time and out of breath at even the slightest activity. My legs rubbed together, and all my clothes felt tight. I lost some decent weight pre-surgery, because I started the process in April of 2015 and didn't have surgery until 8/17. I don't have a lot of vacation time at work, and I had to make the appointments as late in the day as possible.
Surgery was 8/17. I went home the next day. I was readmitted the next day because of some complications I had with severe nausea and retching. I was in the hospital another 3 nights, 4 days.

Fast forward to now. I've lost almost 92lbs. I am down from a TIGHT size 22W to a 14. I can cross my legs (and I do frequently!) I can "fit" into any seat. I can walk without being out of breath. I am way more active. I'm no longer hot all the time, in fact right now as I'm typing this my feet are cold!
IT WAS SO WORTH IT. Even with getting readmitted to the hospital I would do this again in a heartbeat. Was it always EASY??? No. But it was worth it.
You can do it.

I am getting my sleeve on February 22nd. I'm terrified to leave my 2 year old for 2 days. I'm afraid if all the extra skin I will have. But most of all I am scared that somehow I will fail. That somehow I won't lose enough weight to make any difference in my quality of life. I guess I am just so used to being this way and so used to diets eventually failing that even with this surgery I feel like I will still be fat. I want to ride a bike with my son. I want to hike and ride roller coasters with my husband. I want to walk and not be out of breath. I haven't seen many stories of people failing. But I need some reassurance. Can I have some people give me their success stories? Tell me about how you got the weight off, are keeping it off, and can finally do the things you wanted to but couldn't.

@@tera1982 and @@Half of Bri - I am so glad to hear I'm not the only one to think like that. I keep thinking that the risks are low, but SOMEONE has to be in that percentage! How do I know it won't be me? I am doing this so that my kids have me around for a long time. It would really stink if this surgery was the thing to take me from them. But then I remind myself that I am fully trusting God to see me through and He is in control. I'm doing what I'm supposed to do. Thanks for sharing everyone! I feel much better now.

I'm Jan 25 - and don't have to start my pre-op until Jan 18. I have started giving things up this week - pop, sweets, etc - to make it a little easier. I hope to keep my anxiety in check and not get shingles this time. I was set for Oct 2015 and had to reschedule - so fingers crossed that I stay healthy

I am 6 days post op and I can say I honestly would do it again! I have had no pain no nausea - I've even questioned did I really have the surgery? I know I did due to all the incisions on my stomach. My recovery has been great - the key is walk walk walk and sip sip sip - My husband took me to all my favorite stores after my surgery - It was too hot to walk outside so he had me in stores walking and I truly believe that helped me the most!
Your life is going to change for the best - yes you are going to have to give up things just as you would if you were on a diet - I know in time I will be able to have a bite of something I'm craving - and not consume an entire plate - It's a tool - you have to listwen to your body - I have to listen to my tummy everytime I sip and when I have Jello - It's a new lifestyle. I was not heavy my doctor expects me to loose 70-90 pounds and yes I could of probably have done it alone - but I'm 37 and wanted a tool to assist me and I have no regrets!

I know it's hard, but PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE.
You didn't gain all the weight overnight, and you certainly aren't going to lose it overnight. These things take time. Yes, even with WLS. Put your nose to the grindstone, keep working your program, and it will come off. I promise.
Our bodies are weird. You would think barely eating would cause the weight to fall off, but it just isn't as simple as that sometimes. With the surgery comes trauma, hormones going crazy, etc...it's not all about "calories in, calories out" right after surgery. It's so much more complicated than that. Here's why you either don't lose a lot or stall so early out:
A "stall" a few weeks after surgery is not uncommon, and here's why.
Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs. of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when a patient is not getting in enough food, the body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. Then when 2 lbs. of glycogen is used a patient will also lose 8 lbs. of Water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs. that most people lose in the first week of a diet.
However, when the body stays in a caloric deficit state the body starts to realize that this is not a short-term problem. Then the body starts mobilizing fat from adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But the body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. As it puts back the 2 lbs. of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs. of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though the patient might still be losing energy content to their body, the weight will not go down or it might even gain for a while as the retention of water dissolves the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

I have been thinking of making some signs to hang on the bulletin board in my hospital room depicting all of the things this surgery will allow me to do, then when I'm discharged placing them in a "my journey scrapbook", does this sound corny?

That would be me back in 2012. I planned to get the lap band, and started the 6 month pre op diet. I lost about 25 pounds during the first 4 months and talked myself out of the surgery. I justified that WLS was just too extreme.
From 2012 until December 2014 I continued to surf this site and research WLS. I attempted Qsysmia (spelling?) during that time, but gained the weight back when I couldn't afford the pills. I knew then that I would need a tool that stayed with me. A constant reminder.
Fast forward to 2014 and 40 pounds heavier, I was still unable to keep the weight off. The reality hit me that WLS was no more extreme than being 120 pounds overweight. I went back to my surgeon and listened that what he had originally recommended to me - sleeve. I started the journey again with a resolve that this was the right choice for me. There are days I wish I did not wait from 2012 until 2014, BUT I know that I was not ready. So, if there is doubt then maybe you are not ready. Take your time and wait until you know it is the right thing for you to do.
My surgery is scheduled for 9/30/15 and the battery of tests and visits that are required by my insurance has left me with the best possible picture of my overall health going into this. It has really turned out to be a good thing.
Good luck to you on whatever you decide.

I think many of us lost weight while waiting for surgery but most of us know what you likely already do. For someone who has the disease obesity, losing it is the easy part. Keeping it off is where we all fall down.
Having weight loss surgery gives us another tool in our tool box to help in not gaining it back.
You will absolutely work your behind off to lose this weight. In the end every pound that comes off, comes off for good if you follow the plan.
My biggest fear is gaining my weight back. I know that I can never have the same eating habits I once did and be successful. The time you take now to change those habits will make things easier for you post WLS.
Trust me, slipping back into old habits is not easy to break but having the tool definately makes it much easier. I would have already gone off plan and started gaining back if it were not for everything I have learned about nutrition and had my grouch pouch kick my butt if I misbehave.
Good luck to you as you figure out what you are going to do. For me, I wish I would have done it 15 years ago before I damaged my spine and joints.
I would definately not have WLS if you are truly not ready. You will only be disappointed.

I totally understand on how you feel! One big reason I am doing this is for my two little boys - I want to enjoy activities with them without feeling that I am being judged for being a "flufffy" mom! Good luck

I'm not anywhere near the pre-op phrase but I have been reading and preparing myself for this. It is pretty common to go through the "grumpy all day" period. From what I've read it only last a couple of days and when your body adjusts it does get better. It's good to recognize that you're being like this. I'm sure my "grumpy all day" will be horrible because I get Hangry now lol

I have been second guessing myself, too. Both my parents have had WLS and I have seen the positive results but I am worried that I will fail at this.
You have to remember that this is a tool and that you have the power to see this through by using the tool since you have already taken the first step. That first step is the hardest. Use this site, as it is a wonderful support system and they have your back.
Good luck in your journey!

I have been second guessing myself, too. Both my parents have had WLS and I have seen the positive results but I am worried that I will fail at this.
You have to remember that this is a tool and that you have the power to see this through by using the tool since you have already taken the first step. That first step is the hardest. Use this site, as it is a wonderful support system and they have your back.
Good luck in your journey!

Virtually anything is better than nothing, but I really like this guy...http://www.coachcalorie.com/ Here is a good starting article to whet the appetite:  http://www.coachcalorie.com/benefits-of-weight-training-for-weight-loss/
Just take it slow to start and remember to increase your Protein as you move into heavier weights. Since you had your surgery in April you should be fine internally, but you don't want to hurt yourself. If you are brand new to weight training, get a trainer for one or two sessions to have someone coach you on the proper form and range of motion for lifts. This is especially true with compound moves.
I found that if you master the mechanics of lifting with the lighter weights, and get good form, you will be ready for the heavier stuff which will give you the most gains in a 4-6 weeks.
I hope you enjoy it. The benefits are tremendous, not only does weight training build the muscle which will minimize some of the lose skin issues, but also strengthens your bones. Pick up 20 pounds and realize that's what you used to carry 24/7. Your body is under a reduced load and will reduce resources going to bone development unless you stress that system. (NOTE: This is an oversimplification/summary of complicated medical research, but if you need the science behind it, GOOGLE IT). Good luck.

Good for you...congratulations!
I am 63 years old, and have experienced what you are experiencing dozens of times...only to gain it all back, and then some.
It was frustrating to say the least. I simply do not have the self discipline or will power to make it stick.
Lets face it...that's why I was obese in the first place....
So, I had Weight Loss surgery...to do what I was incapable off doing myself...and this is permanent!
I have no fear of ever gaining it back, nor do I have to work hard at maintaining it. I don't have to count calories nor follow any specific diets. No more "White Knuckling" it.
I have many friends who eat right, go to the gym, and live healthy, fit, and skinny lives, and they did not have WLS....so it can be done.
But for me, this is exactly what I needed!! And this is what worked for me.
Just like my skinny friends, I eat right, go to the gym,,and I am healthy, fit, and skinny....BUT in the background, the Lap band is there quietly doing it's job for me.
Again..,congratulations....
BTW, I had to do a medically Supervised 6 month pre-op diet....I did very well for about 4 months, then started to slide back, then failed...
Just Like every diet I have been on, and also proving to my Insurance, for the record, Diets do not work for me.

I have some hard news for you: There is nothing about WLS that will STOP you from overeating, eating to numb emotional discomforts, grazing / nibbling all day, falling prey to environmental cues that lead you to overeat, or that will MAKE you go to work each day, walk or swim for exercise, go to the gym or even make your bed in the morning.
Nothing.
WLS does have many benefits for us who suffer from obesity (it's a complex disease, not a moral challenge). Depending on the procedure you choose, those benefits may differ. Those benefits may also vary from patient to patient in ways that medical fields are still comprehending. But yes, WLS offers the obese and formerly obese (that's pretty much all of us on this forum) many advantages we did not have pre-surgery.
Not everyone who has WLS is successful long-term, by which I mean they either reach their goal or lose a substantial amount of excess weight and maintain their weight losses long-term. Under the most generous definition of long-term success, only 50% of WLS patients lose / maintain a significant amount of excess weight loss.
The things that make the difference between those who are successful and those who are not is a big bucket of new behaviors that lead us to a different lifestyle than we had pre-surgery. Those involve what and how much we choose to eat, when we eat, what we eat first (protein), how long our meals last, moving lots more than we used to move, drinking more Water than we (probably) used to drink, taking vitamins/minersals/appropriate meds daily, etc.
After WLS, it's a lot easier to build those behaviors. For instance, I could barely move when I was at my highest weight. And now that I'm 90+ pounds lighter, I move it, move it, move it. I keep my house cleaner, travel more, walk more, go to the gym more, fidget more. That means that now that I'm in maintenance my body burns more calories (per pound) than it used to require.
Do I think most of us were personally complicit in creating our obesity? Of course, I do. Do I think some of us were dealt some unfortunate cards -- like slightly lower metabolism, medical conditions and diseases that exacerbated our obesity, personal traumas, poor nutritional education, tough life conditions, and worse -- yes. For many of us, we reached a tipping point beyond which it has been extremely difficult (impossible, many say) to get back across that point into the land where healthy people live. WLS is GREAT for helping us to get back across that point.
But on the way there and when we get there we have to change our lifestyles to be successful. WLS helps us get back across that tipping point. But WLS by itself won't fix us. We still have to fix us.
(I think I've been redundant here. Sorry.)

Imma say something blunt: If alcoholics can kick alcohol and diabetics can kick sugar, you can kick sugar, too.
I don't know everything you'll need to do, but here are some obvious changes to make:
* Don't buy it.
* Don't let anyone else in your house buy it and bring it home where you could eat it.
* Become more personally accountable and become more accountable to others, e.g., tell those you spend time with that you're not going to eat any more sugar.
* Invite the support of those who love you (see above) and ask them to support your new sugar-free lifestyle.
* If you really think you're an addict (you used that word, I think), then treat it like an addiction and get yourself into an addiction program, either out- or in-residence.
* Stop regarding and using sugar like a treat. If you're an addict, it's dangerous to you. Treat it like poison.
* Figure out what other activities or things you can use as rewards instead of sugar.
* Don't hang out with people who eat a lot of sugar.
* Identify all the hidden sugar in foods you are now eating that you think are sugar-free. I'll guarantee you there are some sugar-laden foods somewhere in your diet right now that you don't know about yet.
* ... and other things.
I know you know this, but the longer you go without eating any sugar, the less you will crave it.
Good luck!
I appreciate that you replied to my post and offered some tips. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but some of what you said reminds me of people who say no one really needs bariatric surgery. We just need to be more personally accountable and diet and exercise. Do you not see bariatric surgery as a tool for dealing with obesity and kicking the things that made people obese in the first place?

Ok, so I am trying to get prepared and have everything I will need at the house after the surgery. I have gotten some good ideas from this group and decided to make a post to get even more ideas!
So far I have,
Gas X
liquid Tylenol
Water
flavored water (non carbonated)
sugar free Jello
Sugar Free Popsicles
broth
juice - Non sweetened, Pulp-Free
I have more of course for the different stages of the diet.... pureed foods, solids etc. But this is my "starting list" for the liquid phase.
Any suggestions????

@@The Candidate
I used to do the same thing, lol. I'd have the same shirts but in multiple colors, lol. What's that all about??

I am glad that I am not the only one that has these feelings. I am in the last stages of approval from my insurance company and then will be able to schedule my sleeve surgery for the end of August or early September. I am scared that I will screw this up and end up right back where I am right now. So, thanks for sharing!

I am glad that I am not the only one that has these feelings. I am in the last stages of approval from my insurance company and then will be able to schedule my sleeve surgery for the end of August or early September. I am scared that I will screw this up and end up right back where I am right now. So, thanks for sharing!

I am glad that I am not the only one that has these feelings. I am in the last stages of approval from my insurance company and then will be able to schedule my sleeve surgery for the end of August or early September. I am scared that I will screw this up and end up right back where I am right now. So, thanks for sharing!