Recently I decided not to tell anyone other than my family about getting the sleeve because I got tired of people telling me that's the easy way out and how many complications come with that surgery. HELP!!! I'm having second thoughts about the surgery for these reasons even though at the beginning I felt like it was a dream come true. I'm really scared because of complications and all these negative thoughts. Can anyone help me on this???

I completely understand how you feel. I had surgery 3/14/12. It was so much easier that I thought it would be. The only real pain I felt was in my shoulders immediately after surgery. No pain medication since the first day. My doctor has me on protein shakes and clear liquids for two weeks. I take things slow and have no problems with liquid intake. Since I'm 51 yrs old, I thought things might be harder for me, I'm pleasantly surprised how much easier it was than I imagined. The only thing difficult for me so far...is watching the scale (I know that's a No No - but I can't help myself). The day I was released from the hospital I was 4 pounds heavier than when I went in. I know they pump you full of fluids...but dang....I didn't eat anything. Been home for 3 days and I've only lost 1 pound of that weight. Trying to stay positive on that note though. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide.....you're worth it.

Just a little word of encouragement... remember that the more slowly you do lose weight, the better chance you have of keeping it off. No matter what, a few lbs of loss per week on average is the best for your body!! So don't fret! You'll be lighter before you know it!

I completely understand how you feel. I had surgery 3/14/12. It was so much easier that I thought it would be. The only real pain I felt was in my shoulders immediately after surgery. No pain medication since the first day. My doctor has me on Protein shakes and clear liquids for two weeks. I take things slow and have no problems with liquid intake. Since I'm 51 yrs old' date=' I thought things might be harder for me, I'm pleasantly surprised how much easier it was than I imagined. The only thing difficult for me so far...is watching the scale (I know that's a No No - but I can't help myself). The day I was released from the hospital I was 4 pounds heavier than when I went in. I know they pump you full of fluids...but dang....I didn't eat anything. Been home for 3 days and I've only lost 1 pound of that weight. Trying to stay positive on that note though. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide.....you're worth it.[/quote']

Thank you sooooo much it's harder when no one seems to like the idea because I'm 26 I'm not sure what does it have to do with anything, but thanks for the encouragement

adrimc,

I completely understand the fear. I am 31 years old and I have been overweight my whole life. The last four years I become obese and heavier than I have ever been. My BMI is 36 and I have done everything under the sun including HcG injections. I have lost weight and then gained it back plus some. I am a medical student and have been doing a great deal of research about the surgery. In all honesty the surgery its pretty safe compared to other medical procedures, what makes it more risky is your BMI, your ability to follow the pre-op and post-op diets and all of the directions from your surgeon. Also the level of expertise that your surgeon has. Do your research on anyone who you are wanting to do your surgery, do not settle for less. I am having my surgery in Mexico for a couple of reasons: 1. My Mexican Dr. has more experience than most american doctors, with very little complication rate. 2. My insurance will not cover the surgery here. Honestly after all of my research I would probably still go to Mexico for my surgery even if my insurance did cover it here. I wanted gastric surgery since I was much younger, people don't understand because they don't really know what it is like to be obese. Do what you know its best for you, regardless of what others think. Good luck!

What you are feeling is normal... I felt the same way!!! But, after being sleeved for 3 months, down over 50 pounds (including pre-op), down 3 sizes and able to do things I haven't done in over 2 years... It's so worth it!! .. Please continue to utilize the boards and read posts from others...

I've had few complications.. (acid reflux)... but it's being handled w/ medication.. I don't regret a thing... I'm sure you won't either... Blessings!!!

We all have these fears. The people that are giving you feedback about the surgery is talking from their fears and ignorance. They don't know anything about these medical procedures and are speaking out of turn.

This is not easy to do but very much worth it both physically and emotionally.

I've been keeping (more off than on lately) a journal for my son since I was trying to get pregnant with him back in 2007. The night before surgery I wrote to him telling him that I was doing this for us both because I love him so much and I want to be active with him and live longer with him. I also went and updated my will and living trust. All these actions were because I was afraid I'd be the 0.01% who don't make it out!

It's scary going under the knife. No matter how "safe" it is, we're human and it's a very real human response to be afraid and to avoid if at all possible. This is an incredibly personal choice and each of us is the only person who can make the choice for ourselves. For me it was absolutely, without a doubt the right choice. I've been lucky to have had a very good experience, great sugeon and I'm loosing weight in a way that I could have never accomplished on my own. Would I do it again - yes. Do I wish I'd been abe to do it 10 years ago when I first started really gaining weight - yes!

adrimc' date='

I completely understand the fear. I am 31 years old and I have been overweight my whole life. The last four years I become obese and heavier than I have ever been. My BMI is 36 and I have done everything under the sun including HcG injections. I have lost weight and then gained it back plus some. I am a medical student and have been doing a great deal of research about the surgery. In all honesty the surgery its pretty safe compared to other medical procedures, what makes it more risky is your BMI, your ability to follow the pre-op and post-op diets and all of the directions from your surgeon. Also the level of expertise that your surgeon has. Do your research on anyone who you are wanting to do your surgery, do not settle for less. I am having my surgery in Mexico for a couple of reasons: 1. My Mexican Dr. has more experience than most american doctors, with very little complication rate. 2. My insurance will not cover the surgery here. Honestly after all of my research I would probably still go to Mexico for my surgery even if my insurance did cover it here. I wanted gastric surgery since I was much younger, people don't understand because they don't really know what it is like to be obese. Do what you know its best for you, regardless of what others think. Good luck![/quote']

Wow this helped me a lot. No words but THANK YOU!!!

I've been keeping (more off than on lately) a journal for my son since I was trying to get pregnant with him back in 2007. The night before surgery I wrote to him telling him that I was doing this for us both because I love him so much and I want to be active with him and live longer with him. I also went and updated my will and living trust. All these actions were because I was afraid I'd be the 0.01% who don't make it out!

It's scary going under the knife. No matter how "safe" it is' date=' we're human and it's a very real human response to be afraid and to avoid if at all possible. This is an incredibly personal choice and each of us is the only person who can make the choice for ourselves. For me it was absolutely, without a doubt the right choice. I've been lucky to have had a very good experience, great sugeon and I'm loosing weight in a way that I could have never accomplished on my own. Would I do it again - yes. Do I wish I'd been abe to do it 10 years ago when I first started really gaining weight - yes![/quote']

Thanks so much this was an eye opening and I really appreciate it

We all have these fears. The people that are giving you feedback about the surgery is talking from their fears and ignorance. They don't know anything about these medical procedures and are speaking out of turn.

This is not easy to do but very much worth it both physically and emotionally.

Thank you Dorrie so much

What you are feeling is normal... I felt the same way!!! But' date=' after being sleeved for 3 months, down over 50 pounds (including pre-op), down 3 sizes and able to do things I haven't done in over 2 years... It's so worth it!! .. Please continue to utilize the boards and read posts from others...

I've had few complications.. (acid reflux)... but it's being handled w/ medication.. I don't regret a thing... I'm sure you won't either... Blessings!!![/quote']

Thank you soooo much people like you make this worth it

If you want to do it, absolutely do it. I'm 25 and was sleeved last summer. All those things crossed my mind, too, but I knew it was the right thing for me. Honestly, part of what convinced me was the fact that there really are NOT that many complications with the sleeve. Not saying they don't happen, but to me it was less invasive and risky sounding than bypass or RNY, where things are re-routed and there are issues with absorption, etc.

I didn't tell anyone except my mom, who came with me to help out with travel to/from Mexico. I didn't even tell my roommate. I just felt like it was my decision and it was personal, and nobody's business. I knew people would say I was "only 25" and shouldn't resort to surgery. I knew I didn't want to spend another 15 years battling my weight and just end up having it when I was 40 anyway. I had a few nervous days where I wondered what I'd gotten myself into, but I believed pretty strongly the whole time that what I was doing was worth it, and 10 months later I can say I was so right! It is AMAZING how much my life has changed, and I would recommend having this done 100%. Good luck!

If you want to do it' date=' absolutely do it. I'm 25 and was sleeved last summer. All those things crossed my mind, too, but I knew it was the right thing for me. Honestly, part of what convinced me was the fact that there really are NOT that many complications with the sleeve. Not saying they don't happen, but to me it was less invasive and risky sounding than bypass or RNY, where things are re-routed and there are issues with absorption, etc.

I didn't tell anyone except my mom, who came with me to help out with travel to/from Mexico. I didn't even tell my roommate. I just felt like it was my decision and it was personal, and nobody's business. I knew people would say I was "only 25" and shouldn't resort to surgery. I knew I didn't want to spend another 15 years battling my weight and just end up having it when I was 40 anyway. I had a few nervous days where I wondered what I'd gotten myself into, but I believed pretty strongly the whole time that what I was doing was worth it, and 10 months later I can say I was so right! It is AMAZING how much my life has changed, and I would recommend having this done 100%. Good luck![/quote']

I honestly have no words you just hit the nail cuz that's exactly how I think. I dont want to wait any longer and some people are close minded about this. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and I'm glad you're doing well.

I have had people tell me the same thing, that I really need to think about this because it is the rest of my life. I tell them that I will be eating like a normal person should and I will be taking care of myself like I should. They ask me don't you want to enjoy thanksgiving meal? I say to them yes and I still will, I will enjoy it even more:) I have to say I'm excited I have meet some people around my age on here. I'm 28 will be 29 in May. Not trying to offend anyone. Sorry if I did. It's hard for me because most of the topics on here seem from people not around my age. I hopefully will be having my surgery May or June in Portland, OR. Keep in touch!

I did too I had mine 11-17-2011 and it is the best thing I could have done so happy !!! I had awful surgery experiences so I was really scared and I was my Dr's first sleeve hes pro at bypass lap band so I was scared he was the best and so so happy loving my sleeve!

Good Luck!

I hope you decide that the sleeve is the best thing for you. I would encourage anyone young or old to look into the sleeve, it has truly been a blessing to me. I have had no complications from it what so ever. I didn't tell anyone except my husband and children about my surgery, I just didn't want to hear all their stories, I did my own research and made up my own mind. I have seen people the past 6 months or so and they always comment about how much weight I have lost. I go out for dinner and just order what ever I like and stop eating when I am full, honestly nobody really notices houw much you don't eat if you don't make a big deal about it. I have only had one person comment on the little bit of food that I eat and it was my mother in law who came to visit and STAYED with us, but she didn't even notice for the first week that she was here. I do like the fact that when you are out you can concentrate on the people and the food is secondary that is a huge plus for me. I know that you will choose what is best for you and believe me it is not the "easy way out" your whole life is ahead of you and you will be a much healthier person for it.