Did anyone else feel like maybe this won't be successful? I mean like you couldn't follow through? Did you feel that maybe you mentally couldn't handle it because of your past habits? I'm very scared that I will be miserable after surgery or not gain the will power. I don't know what to do or think anymore and could really use some advice. Thank you.

The surgery works wonders and will work for you. . . but you are very right, it's your thought process that needs alot of adjustments! I posted on another thread that it makes me wonder if it really was our tummies that needed surgery or our heads. Our self talk is amazing and it's amazing how badly we can punish ourselves by just "thinking" stuff. . . we "think" we are hungry, but are we really? You'll have to be really ready mentally for this surgery, it's hard but the tool we are given is really a god sent and will work with you if you work with it. . . i don't know if this helps any, but good luck! You'll make the right decision for yourself!

I'm just 1 week post op today, and having a very hard time! I keep thinking about a cheeseburger and fries, keep saying "why did I do this to myself" ! I'm so hungry! I just say do alot of research and this group is Awesome!!!

I can now seem to drink fluids freely after only five days. If this happens when I'm back on "solids" then all I've achieved is a calorie controlled diet after all. Could I have stretched my new belly already with liquid ??

I am 1 1/2 weeks post op and the head stuff is there and real. You have to really wrap your head around this before surgery. I only had a 3 day pre-op diet that I did not cheat on at all, because I was terrified my Dr. would open me up and my liver would be too large and close me up without doing the surgery. While this was not really likely, it does happen.

Now, post-op, I stick to the diet because I DON'T WANT TO DIE! While, again, this is not likely, but I don't want to do anything to risk damaging my new sleeve.

And, get this, today I FORGOT TO EAT! I have heard of this happening, but I couldn't believe it happened to me today. I just got so busy cleaning up around the house (a bit neglected since the surgery), next thing I know, it was 4pm!

This surgery works and is a wonderful tool to get you to a healthier, slimmer you.

Bigfluffsmom,

Glad you posted your question, I look forward to hearing what folks say, thanks!

You're not going to stretch your sleeve with liquids only, so long as you don't keep drinking until you're in serious pain. Then you wouldn't stretch it, the damage would be much worse.

I keep saying that I think we should all be required to have some mental therapy before and after surgery because there is so much mental work to be done after any WLS. Not just about food, but about body image and how to deal with other people.

I seriously ate my problems before surgery. Now that I can't do that, I'm getting feedback from some of the problem-causers that I have an attitude problem. I've been talking to a therapist about this, because I try to be pleasant. What I'm learning is that pleasant does NOT have to mean doormat. That's just as an example of what I'm talking about above.

We don't have a lot of choice but to deal with the issues that we used food to self-medicate before, unless we want to step into crossover addictions like drugs and alcohol. I've always wanted a clear head, so I'm having to really work on my issues. However, the work is worth it in the long run.

As for being successful, you'll be just as successful as you want to be. There is definitely work to be done post-op, though. There is nothing easy about WLS, IMO.

Think about it. Would these surgeries have EVER been approved if we could stretch out our stomachs by drinking a little too much, or over eating by accident or drinking a little bit of soda. No, of course not. And especially now, so soon out of surgery you can't possibly take in that much. I'm only a month out myself but I'll tell you, that it does get easier. I'll tell you, this was truly the LONGEST month of my lliiffeeeeeee! It's does get easier. Don't be afraid or liquids right now. They are the only things you can have, so be friends with them!! They will be your life saver, literally. Hang in there.

Im 8 days post op....this is really hard. I had the lap-band several years ago (it slipped 1 yr ago had to have emergency surgery to get it removed) and it was not this difficult at all. I remember the progression from that surgery and I feel I am ready to progress to food with a little substance, but Im afraid! I won't be able to chew until week 5. Week 3 I get mushy food. I feel that my body needs nutrients. The protein shakes just slide on through. I can't wait to eat something with substance like oatmeal! Very Hard!!