My surgery is sceduled Jan 20th. I have turned to this site in hopes to gain insightful information through my journey. However, I have noticed the last several post regarding feelings of regret. Wow, this doesn't help my nervousness. I am scared of complications, pain, depression, etc. We all respond differently to various procedures. Any positive feedback that might help my nerves? On a positive thought I know in the long run it will be benefical.

FWIW, I had very little pain from this procedure, have not had one instant of regret, and didn't have buyer's remorse or depression -- I didn't even have the post-op gas pain or hormonal craziness. So there are also examples of very smooth processes. I'm sure yours will be fine as well, it's normal to be nervous and notice the scary stuff more before surgery.

99 percent ARE positive. I had my surgery done on Jan 18 2011 and have never looked back.

I do not regret one second of my decision. I was medicated for pain extremely well, recovered quickly, and had no complications. I followed my surgeon's post-op plan and reached my goal in 10 months. If you are not using food as a tranquilizer or an emotional crutch and if you realize that having this surgery is not going to fix all the problems in your life other than obesity then you should be okay.

I have zero regrets. Sure, the first few months are tough and it's definitely an adjustment to get used to the eating plan . . . but as the pounds drop, it makes it all worth it. I also did very well with my surgery and had a very quick and easy recovery, so don't be deterred by a few stories of complications, etc.

Not only do I NOT have any regret, but I actually feel relieved and happy. I just got sleeved 12/13/11, and I had good pain relief. The only annoying pain I felt was in my shoulder- which a heating pad greatly helped and which went away after less than a week. A week and 2 days out, I returned to work as a teacher. My Dr used a 40 French (bougie size), so I did not have the complications some people speak of. Also my Dr has been a WLS Dr for over 20 years, and has done well over 600 sleeves.(He used to do mainly RNY before sleeves, with some lap bands). My insurance is very good and my high BMI was enough for me to get approval, but he required me to get a lot of pre-op work (for ex: pysch /cardiologist/ gastroenterologist)and he spent time talking to me. Also, I attended a sleeve support group in person before surgery and I belonged to this forum (and others) pre-op. Pre-op he also put me on a hi protein low carb diet. After the surgery, he has also been supportive and so has his office staff. Prior to choosing him, I spoke to (or attended seminars for) at least 6 Drs (over a period of years) even Drs who were not on my ins., just to be sure I was making a good choice for me. The pre-op diet made me realize that my main triggers were stress, my mother and watching too many food commercials (so I was doing a lot of night eating), so I was already working on coping strategies pre-op. Also since I was already using protein shakes, after surgery was not so dramatic of a difference. (Pre-op I had 2-3 protein shakes and dinner, like steak, broccoli and potato). Don't rush into this, make sure your choose your surgeon wisely, get educated, and be honest with yourself. Are you ready to change your life? This is not a diet to lose 20 lbs before a wedding, where you can just white knuckle it. If you are not ready, be honest with yourself and do NOT do this. But I am happy that I will no longer be plus sized, have to use a seat belt extender, or can't wear my boots because I can't zip them. I was tired of the diet roller coaster and I want to make permanent, positive changes in my life, so I was ready. (For ex, I didn't get RNY because I knew I did not want to be required to take nutritional supplements everyday for the rest of my life. I am glad I waited for the sleeve). Good luck whatever you decide

You will find so many positive stories and incredibly helpful people within this community always quick to answer the smallest question or concern. I just had my sleeve Dec. 26th and honestly feel great. I went home the next day and have been pretty active since day 3 post-op. I am grateful, I had little discomfort or gas pains. I think what really helped me with any nervousness of the unknown is to be as prepared as I could be before surgery, including being informed about the surgery and lifestyle change afterwards as well as being in good physical shape (eating healthy and exercising) so the surgery would go smoothly. I told myself that whatever issues (pain, gas, nausea) I experienced after surgery was gonna be whatever they would be and I could deal with it because in the long run my impoved health was worth it. I think your concervs are common and it is great that you are dealing with them openly instead of pushing them to the side.