pink22

I'm glad you posted this question. I am having my surgery 2 days before you and am also a teeny tiny bit jittery. I know it is the right decision for me and I have given it a lot of careful consideration, but it is an extreme measure. I know two people who have had the surgery and one is super excited for me and the other told me that I will wish I had done it sooner. I'm going to focus on their words of wisdom because they have been there, they know me and they are 3 and 5 years out and still thrilled with their choices. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think your feelings are normal and they mirror my own this close to our dates!

I took Naomi's approach as well - I'm telling everyone I see regularly. I figure that they will see me losing weight and I would rather be in the open about it. I am treating my obesity as a disease and my recovery as an important step in regaining my health. Really the only negative feedback I have had was from my best friend, my dad and my sister. I think they are worried more than anything. While on a hike I mentioned that I wanted to stop for an ice cream on the way home because I might not be able to eat it again after surgery. My best friend snapped and suggested I do a bit more research before taking such a drastic step. I realized she was processing things in her own way and was afraid for me. I explained all of the research I have done, the fact that it has berm a decision which was a long time coming and that everyone is different after surgery and that I may not be able to tolerate certain foods in the future. This helped a lot and since then things have been a lot easier. I suspect my dad and sister are a little bit annoyed I am ruining their Christmas. I have not taken the same time to educate them because quite frankly it is my body and my life. They have not been very supportive - they have grudgingly offered to look after my dog, drop me off at hospital etc. It is ironic because my dad has spent my whole life bugging me about my weight and my sister is also obese so she has her own issues and may not want me to be taking this drastic step because she will have to look more deeply at her own circumstances. Rather than dwell on their behaviour I am setting up a support system of my friends. Ultimately everyone else has been extremely supportive.

I'm in Ontario and have been a non-surgical patient at my clinic for around 8 years. When I made the decision in January 2015 I booked in - I couldn't make the Jan or feb info sessions so didn't do that step until March. I had my next appointment in May and the Nutritionist and behaviourist appointments on Sept 1st. My mandatory pre-surgery class was in October. I met with my surgeon in November. My surgery was booked for December 16th and I started my 3 week Optifast diet on November 26. Pre-op visit and admin check in on Dec 3 and now surgery next week. I think it went so quickly for me for a number of reasons: 1. I had a track record of weight loss efforts 2. I had implemented the behavioural changes - good diet, caffeine free, diet soda free, etc 3. I had quit smoking (6 years ago) 4. I had been seeing a therapist for over 5 years and had dealt with emotional issues 5. I was certain this was my path 6. I always said yes - to every appointment, challenge and directive 7. I checked in often for cancellations 8. I reminded everyone on the team that I was hoping for surgery as soon as possible 9. One morning a researcher called to ask if they could take a biopsy of my liver, muscle and fat during surgery and I said "yes, as long as participating in your study doesn't delay my date" - within 2 hours she called me back with my date because she had a cancellation and thought of me. Be positive, honest, enthusiastic and polite with staff - it makes a huge difference.

My surgery is on Wednesday Dec 16 - I have been on optifast since November 25th and my clothes are already a little bit looser. I'm not nervous but am having random thoughts about things I may never be able to eat again. I'm feeling great and motivated and excited about the future - 2016 is going to be an amazing and transformational year!