algarf

Just got approved for surgery on March 6!
I am very excited but also nervous (mainly about the anaesthesia and my chest; and pain afterwards!). I've never been under or had any surgery so don't know what to expect. My weight at the moment is nearing 500lbs so I am expecting the surgery to be tough.
But this is great news....I saw a candid picture that was taken of me yesterday and I couldn't believe that person was me and I was dumbfounded that I had gained so much weight and not even fully realized how big I've gotten, even though the number on the scale is the highest I've had in my life.
I can't wait to start my journey towards a more healthy me!
Wish me luck, all

Just got approved for surgery on March 6!
I am very excited but also nervous (mainly about the anaesthesia and my chest; and pain afterwards!). I've never been under or had any surgery so don't know what to expect. My weight at the moment is nearing 500lbs so I am expecting the surgery to be tough.
But this is great news....I saw a candid picture that was taken of me yesterday and I couldn't believe that person was me and I was dumbfounded that I had gained so much weight and not even fully realized how big I've gotten, even though the number on the scale is the highest I've had in my life.
I can't wait to start my journey towards a more healthy me!
Wish me luck, all

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this wonderful community and wanted to say a big hello all the way from the Middle East!
At the age of 29, I have finally decided to have the VSG surgery. Last year was tough, and my weight, which I have always struggled with, is now almost 490 lbs ( around 222kgs for those like me ) I can feel myself dying, and surgery is my last resort. I will be paying out of pocket because insurance companies in the country I live in still consider bariatric surgery cosmetic (what rock are they living under?) And to wait for a government subsidised surgery, and pay much less, might mean waiting for another year or more. I just don't think my body can afford to wait that long.
My doctor said that if I quit smoking and try to shed around 20kgs, I would go ahead with the surgery. I am hoping for a late Feb surgery date and I am very excited.
Anyway, my questions are....has anyone here had surgery with their starting weight being so heavy as myself? What was your experience like?
Secondly, I've been struggling with depression and anxiety over the past few years. Unfortunately it doesn't seem that there is much psychological support for bariatric patients where I am at. I was wondering if anyone could recommend tips or books about dealing with emotions and mental health through thia journey? Obviously, like many of us, food was my go to comfort and I want to prepare myself. I know my quality of life will get better after the surgery, but I am always reminding myself that losing weight isn't going to be the answer to all my problems.
Thirdly, I have pretty bad acid reflux and I heard the sleeve could make this worse. My surgeon said he could strengthen some muscles to help while he is doing the sleeve (I forgot its name, it's the muscle that helps control upward flow of acid). Has anyone else had this issue?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you are having a fantastic day!
-Mohamed

Thank you so much for your insight! Throughout these forums I've found you both inspirational andentertaining Yes, I am doing my best to drop as much as I can pre-op. Fingers crossed! Thanks so much again! Sent from my SM-G928C using the BariatricPal App
Great! Will definitely check it out - thanks so much! Sent from my SM-G928C using the BariatricPal App

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this wonderful community and wanted to say a big hello all the way from the Middle East!
At the age of 29, I have finally decided to have the VSG surgery. Last year was tough, and my weight, which I have always struggled with, is now almost 490 lbs ( around 222kgs for those like me ) I can feel myself dying, and surgery is my last resort. I will be paying out of pocket because insurance companies in the country I live in still consider bariatric surgery cosmetic (what rock are they living under?) And to wait for a government subsidised surgery, and pay much less, might mean waiting for another year or more. I just don't think my body can afford to wait that long.
My doctor said that if I quit smoking and try to shed around 20kgs, I would go ahead with the surgery. I am hoping for a late Feb surgery date and I am very excited.
Anyway, my questions are....has anyone here had surgery with their starting weight being so heavy as myself? What was your experience like?
Secondly, I've been struggling with depression and anxiety over the past few years. Unfortunately it doesn't seem that there is much psychological support for bariatric patients where I am at. I was wondering if anyone could recommend tips or books about dealing with emotions and mental health through thia journey? Obviously, like many of us, food was my go to comfort and I want to prepare myself. I know my quality of life will get better after the surgery, but I am always reminding myself that losing weight isn't going to be the answer to all my problems.
Thirdly, I have pretty bad acid reflux and I heard the sleeve could make this worse. My surgeon said he could strengthen some muscles to help while he is doing the sleeve (I forgot its name, it's the muscle that helps control upward flow of acid). Has anyone else had this issue?
Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope you are having a fantastic day!
-Mohamed