MSG0310

Hi everyone, I hope I can get some support from this page because I’m lacking in it everywhere else. I have a HUGE family (both physically and quantitatively, lol) and it seems that no one is 100% supportive about my surgery. It’s making me question my decision.

A little about me, I am about to turn 27 and I am 5’1, 247 lbs. I have PCOS and a history of diabetes and heart attacks in my family. Every day I fear I’m closer to death with my lifestyle. I have tried everything under the sun: specialized obesity clinics, endocrinologists, low carb diets, ketogenic diets, juicing, and even physician-supervised phentermine plan (I got heart palpitations as a result of the phentermine drug and never went back).
All my family keeps telling me is that I can do it naturally, and I shouldn’t take such a drastic step. They are also extremely worried about me going to Tijuana, Mexico, even though my own family OB-GYN referred me to this surgeon because she got the surgery herself with the same doctor. I figured if my own family surgeon is comfortable enough with this doctor then why shouldn’t I be?
2 years ago when I first started researching I had a different insurance which would cover the surgery here in the US. I got all the preliminary appointments out of the way except for the endoscopy. My current plan won’t cover it, and I have the money for the surgery and I would like to get it done. But- They keep putting doubts in my mind, to the point where I’m fearful of a few things:
1) I’m afraid of dying on the table. I know the surgery is laparoscopic and has a high success rate, but my family is so afraid of surgery that I’ve gotten extremely bad anxiety about this. They think that because I’m going to Mexico, the level of care will be low. The fear of this wakes me up at night.
2) Fear of depression because of lifestyle changes. They tell me I can’t handle not being able to eat and drink at the same time, or not being able to gorge on food, or use food as a crutch. I personally believe I could deal with all of this, if it meant I could be happy and healthy in my body for once in my life.
I have been researching this for 2.5 years since 2016, and I still don’t know what to do.
Has anyone dealt with this kind of problem? And if so, how did you deal with all of the doubts, fears, worries, and risk of going out of the country?

This makes me feel so much better. I’m starting preop liquid diet in 9 days and I’m dying of anxiety. Never had a major surgery before in my life! Only wisdom teeth under general anesthesia in 2015.

This makes me feel so much better. I’m starting preop liquid diet in 9 days and I’m dying of anxiety. Never had a major surgery before in my life! Only wisdom teeth under general anesthesia in 2015.

This makes me feel so much better. I’m starting preop liquid diet in 9 days and I’m dying of anxiety. Never had a major surgery before in my life! Only wisdom teeth under general anesthesia in 2015.

So man. What a day! Surgery went text book according to surgeon. I was on the table for 55min. He told me it was obvious that I had rocked the preop diet, as he could have likely done the surgery without a liver retractor.

I was in recover for about 2 hours because I kept going apneic on the pain meds, so they had to keep the doses low, which sucked.

Once I got back to the room, and got on my personal CPAP machine things progressed much better. I’m on icechips only until tomorrow morning. Let me tell yah. The dry mouth is no joke! I did 10 laps around the floor I’m on 1 hour after arriving to my room. Since then I’ve done between 8-15 laps every hour I was awake. (I slept for a few hours) All the people that told you walking is the only thing that helps gas pain? Listen to them!

I’ve attached a pic of my ugly mug after walking the floor for 15 laps.

Best wishes to everyone! I’ll update when They advance my diet.

Hey everyone! I’m finding it hard to find someone who looks like me anywhere online, just to see what I may look like without all this fluff on me! I’m 5’1 and 246 right now. I have a really long torso and very short legs and I hold most of weight right in my belly area. My thighs, calves, arms, are pretty thin, but I also have a rather large chest, lol. Anyone have any progress photos along with how long it’s been since your surgery so I can have an idea of what to look forward to?! Thanks! I’ve made an Instagram for my weight loss journey @LookStraightVSG but haven’t posted anything yet! Would love to follow you guys too!

Hey everyone! I’m finding it hard to find someone who looks like me anywhere online, just to see what I may look like without all this fluff on me! I’m 5’1 and 246 right now. I have a really long torso and very short legs and I hold most of weight right in my belly area. My thighs, calves, arms, are pretty thin, but I also have a rather large chest, lol. Anyone have any progress photos along with how long it’s been since your surgery so I can have an idea of what to look forward to?! Thanks! I’ve made an Instagram for my weight loss journey @LookStraightVSG but haven’t posted anything yet! Would love to follow you guys too!

Wow! I’m excited!! I’m really worried about loose skin because most of my weight is in my belly but hopefully it won’t be too bad! You both look amazing

Hey everyone! I’m finding it hard to find someone who looks like me anywhere online, just to see what I may look like without all this fluff on me! I’m 5’1 and 246 right now. I have a really long torso and very short legs and I hold most of weight right in my belly area. My thighs, calves, arms, are pretty thin, but I also have a rather large chest, lol. Anyone have any progress photos along with how long it’s been since your surgery so I can have an idea of what to look forward to?! Thanks! I’ve made an Instagram for my weight loss journey @LookStraightVSG but haven’t posted anything yet! Would love to follow you guys too!

5'3". The 2015 photo is at about 300 pounds. The 2018 photo is at 157 last month. I'm still all boob. I'm at about 30% body fat. I haven't had plastics yet. I fence competitively and am nationally ranked in my age group.

I'm 5' 3"

I don't have progress pics since I'm just now starting this journey, But I'd like to see some as Well. I'm 5'2" And 243. I hold my weight about the same as how you described.

Absolutely normal! Heck I’m having RNY on Tuesday and has my preop class today and started getting cold feet BIG time! I just had to remind myself why I started this journey and calmed down. Perfectly normal feelings. Good luck!

The only words of advice I have are

Keep the end goal in sight and

Breath!

I think most people would agree that they had some anxiety before surgery! I know I sure did! And having an actual date makes it that much more tangible! I agree with the last comment - breathe and remember why you wanted to do this! Good luck!!

If Death was a definate possibility, would there still be so many posters on Bariatric Pal? Probably should be a large mural outside Wedding Chapels stating " Marriage May Be Hazardous to Your Health!"& do you think people would slow down their headfirst jog into the nearest one.?🎉🎊🍰💑

I reckon nearly everyone has some level of stress prior to surgery. In my case it wasn't the operation itself (coz of a variety of illnesses I've been under that many times I've lost count) but more the panic of what this will mean to be permanently unable to eat a family size block of chocolate in one sitting (I know, I know, priorities - right!)

Be kind to yourself! If you find yourself obsessing over it, try and break the brain cycling with a distraction. Come and read all the VET success stories here. You can do this - it's hard work but oh so worth it!

Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

Because I have insurance it was a very long process of getting required steps met in order to get a surgery date. But one I had a date set everything moved very quickly and I remember feeling excited and nervous or panicked at the same time. I think what you are feeling is very normal considering this really is a life changing experience. One day at a time and keep the end goal as a reminder why you started this process. My surgery was almost not approved and I prayed "Lord if this is your will for me then everything will come back approved and if it isn't approved I'll know to stop trying to get it done." This was my second attempt over the last almost 3 years. If you are Christian I'd say just keep praying and asking for peace with your decision to move forward and find comfort knowing you are in the hands of the Lord and he's not going to let anything happen to you. You can do it.

Hi everyone,

I just scheduled my surgery for December 26th and I’m a self pay patient. After I scheduled surgery I was bombarded with all the things I need to do in the next 7 weeks to prepare for surgery, including dividing my time and a full school schedule with my surgery requirements. I feel completely overwhelmed and was on the verge of a panic attack on the drive home! All of the appointments, nutrition visits, etc. as well as dealing with the reality that this is now a tangible thing in the very very near future that I’m investing a lot of money in. Did anyone have this feeling of dread and panic right after scheduling surgery? Luckily I was able to get into my local hospital rather than going out of the country, which eases my anxiety. Any words of advice to deal with this panic and severe anxiety? Thanks so much.

I understand what you are going through and everyone has a different experience but for me, my only regret is that I waited until I was 44 to do it. Yes, there is a lifestyle change but it may not have to be as drastic as you think. About 6 Month post op, I started drinking alcohol again, carrfeine, carbonated beverages. The biggest challenge is just learning to adapt to the new way your body tolerates your intake. Best of luck to you!

Like you I have been battling back and forth between getting VSG. I’m 26 and my primary care suggested it at 24. Honestly, when I think of all of the things I’m going to be missing out on, it does bother me for a little while. But then I realize that it is simply my food addiction talking to me. I have spent the past few months trying to really come to terms with my food addiction and mentally prepare myself for surgery. Food is currently a coping mechanism, a comfort, a means of control in a life where I do not feel in control in many other avenues. My advice to you would be to please, please, try to tackle the very debilitating issue of food addiction first before surgery. Therapy is a HUGE step in this. Additionally, Identifying thoughts and actions that are coming from your addiction rather than your better self is another step. Even if you are still currently going through the motions that your addiction dictates, just having that presence of mind to understand that you are buying this meal or drinking this soda etc because of your addiction is an important part of overcoming it. I am slowly trying to do this before I go in for surgery. If you are not mentally prepared, it will be a difficult ride. I can say though that your health is the most important thing in your life. More important than any of these doubts.

I will say that everyone I know who has had surgery in the past does not have a problem with consuming nicotine, caffeine, or any of that. I’m sure in the beginning it will be tough, as you cannot have these things. But hopefully spending that time learning about yourself and coming up with healthier coping mechanisms will allow you to treat yourself on occasion. You can do it!

Like you I have been battling back and forth between getting VSG. I’m 26 and my primary care suggested it at 24. Honestly, when I think of all of the things I’m going to be missing out on, it does bother me for a little while. But then I realize that it is simply my food addiction talking to me. I have spent the past few months trying to really come to terms with my food addiction and mentally prepare myself for surgery. Food is currently a coping mechanism, a comfort, a means of control in a life where I do not feel in control in many other avenues. My advice to you would be to please, please, try to tackle the very debilitating issue of food addiction first before surgery. Therapy is a HUGE step in this. Additionally, Identifying thoughts and actions that are coming from your addiction rather than your better self is another step. Even if you are still currently going through the motions that your addiction dictates, just having that presence of mind to understand that you are buying this meal or drinking this soda etc because of your addiction is an important part of overcoming it. I am slowly trying to do this before I go in for surgery. If you are not mentally prepared, it will be a difficult ride. I can say though that your health is the most important thing in your life. More important than any of these doubts.

I will say that everyone I know who has had surgery in the past does not have a problem with consuming nicotine, caffeine, or any of that. I’m sure in the beginning it will be tough, as you cannot have these things. But hopefully spending that time learning about yourself and coming up with healthier coping mechanisms will allow you to treat yourself on occasion. You can do it!

First of all, the decision to have surgery is all yours. It doesn't fall on your family, friends, etc. The success of the surgery is also all on you. You have to be both mentally and physically ready to make and accept the changes that are about to happen, understanding that the weight did not come on overnight and it will likely not be lost overnight as well.
I had my surgery in the US, but I've read plenty of successful posts from those that have had their surgeries in the Mx. Whether you have surgery in the US or Mx there will be fears and worries associated with it. It's natural. Making sure you set yourself up for success after surgery is key. Find a support group that you can join and have some people to speak with prior to and post surgery for additional support. You have a whole online family of support as well.
Whatever you choose, remember there are people behind you supporting you.

Hi! Apologies about the family stressing you out , we all would hope our supports would be supportive but not always the case. You've got us now!
I did not have my surgery in Mexico so I'm no help there... But there are a lot of threads of people's experiences if you search and this site even owns/is affiliated with a hospital in Mexico!
I can tell you eating/drinking at the same time is not a big deal (it's only 30 mins, you can start now to get a feel for it), the other lifestyle changes are not that hard if you are resolved to make it your lifestyle. Everything will be slightly easier (mentally) if you want it and are less resistant. Even complications will seem less heavy with a hopeful outlook (all aspects of life) because you are more willing to face them and win.
Surgery is a tool (exercise is a tool, proper diet is a tool) your body is the project. Maintenance is required to keep it in good form. You will have to work. It will not be easy, but it will be rewarding.
What ever you choose, we support you!

Hi everyone, I hope I can get some support from this page because I’m lacking in it everywhere else. I have a HUGE family (both physically and quantitatively, lol) and it seems that no one is 100% supportive about my surgery. It’s making me question my decision.

A little about me, I am about to turn 27 and I am 5’1, 247 lbs. I have PCOS and a history of diabetes and heart attacks in my family. Every day I fear I’m closer to death with my lifestyle. I have tried everything under the sun: specialized obesity clinics, endocrinologists, low carb diets, ketogenic diets, juicing, and even physician-supervised phentermine plan (I got heart palpitations as a result of the phentermine drug and never went back).
All my family keeps telling me is that I can do it naturally, and I shouldn’t take such a drastic step. They are also extremely worried about me going to Tijuana, Mexico, even though my own family OB-GYN referred me to this surgeon because she got the surgery herself with the same doctor. I figured if my own family surgeon is comfortable enough with this doctor then why shouldn’t I be?
2 years ago when I first started researching I had a different insurance which would cover the surgery here in the US. I got all the preliminary appointments out of the way except for the endoscopy. My current plan won’t cover it, and I have the money for the surgery and I would like to get it done. But- They keep putting doubts in my mind, to the point where I’m fearful of a few things:
1) I’m afraid of dying on the table. I know the surgery is laparoscopic and has a high success rate, but my family is so afraid of surgery that I’ve gotten extremely bad anxiety about this. They think that because I’m going to Mexico, the level of care will be low. The fear of this wakes me up at night.
2) Fear of depression because of lifestyle changes. They tell me I can’t handle not being able to eat and drink at the same time, or not being able to gorge on food, or use food as a crutch. I personally believe I could deal with all of this, if it meant I could be happy and healthy in my body for once in my life.
I have been researching this for 2.5 years since 2016, and I still don’t know what to do.
Has anyone dealt with this kind of problem? And if so, how did you deal with all of the doubts, fears, worries, and risk of going out of the country?