Worry/regrets

[MicheleH 1]

I met with the nutritionist yesterday and have been thinking about the liquid and purée diets in my near future (surgery July 20)... I'm worried that I won't be able to do those diets and won't be able to stick to such tiny and restrictive portions after... I have this fear of waking up in the hospital post op and realizing most of my stomach is gone and I'm screwed for the rest of my life. Anyone else have these fears? Do you know of anyone who has regretted having the sleeve? I'm pumped about having more energy, getting off most of my meds and actually liking what I see when I look in the mirror, but I'm worried at the same time. Help?!

[justmeandmysleeve 91]

I met with the nutritionist yesterday and have been thinking about the liquid and purée diets in my near future (surgery July 20)... I'm worried that I won't be able to do those diets and won't be able to stick to such tiny and restrictive portions after... I have this fear of waking up in the hospital post op and realizing most of my stomach is gone and I'm screwed for the rest of my life. Anyone else have these fears? Do you know of anyone who has regretted having the sleeve? I'm pumped about having more energy, getting off most of my meds and actually liking what I see when I look in the mirror, but I'm worried at the same time. Help?!

I am on day 3 of liquid Protein and veggies. I am not going to lie day 1 was miserable, I had a killer Migraine and felt like I was literally detoxing from drugs. Good news? Today I feel much more myself. It isn't easy sticking to Liquid Protein and veggies, but I figure I can endure a month of discomfort (pre and post op) in order to change the rest of my life! Everyone I've talked to has nothing but good things to say. Sure it is a HUGE change, but the good news is you can still eat just small portions. I think post surgery will be much easier as far as Portion Control. Going cold turkey has been so difficult.

I can only speak from my experience, but I was terrified to start the liquid diet because I've only failed at diets in the past. The difference this time? I have to succeed. I want a different life and I am not willing to give into food just because it's easy.

Good luck, I truly believe we will all be much happier and healthier!

[Marykatherine 38]

I felt pretty ok the day of my surgery in terms of making the right decision. But the day after surgery, boy. I felt like I made the worst decision I've ever made. I went into an immediate depression and for about 20 minutes I thought about suicide. I hate to be so blunt but that was the way it was for me.

I am 20 weeks out and I have not regretted the decision since. I've lost 64 pounds, I have great enegy, I'm off cholesterol meds. I am able to keep to the small portions because that's all I can eat. It is great.

But for that little bobble at first, which my surgeon says is common... go for the surgery. Call friends or partner for support, and do it.

[Minckle 87]

Personally, I find it pretty easy to stick to the post-op diets because the alternative is: a) being very sick or b ) rupturing my new stomach. "Cheating" on this diet isn't like cheating on diets I've done in the past. There's a lot more at risk.

If you really feel that you are that addicted to food, I would highly encourage you to go see a therapist before your surgery. If you think the need for a cookie would overwhelm the danger of eating it, you need to go see someone.

[MicheleH 1]

Thanks for the support. BTW, it's not about having "a cookie" - it's about making a change that impacts the rest of my life and wondering if I have the willpower to follow through. I don't really appreciate your suggestion to "see someone" because I'm having these thoughts.

[topgun 63]

Michelle, this is truly a journey and...in this case...getting there is NOT half the fun! Being sleeved is major surgery with lifelong implications. As you read through all of the posts, you will see that you are going through a very normal phase and many, many of us did the same thing. Keep your eye on the goal and it will help you through the hard times.

[Minckle 87]

Just trying to help - there are many folks out there that have benefited from their insurance-mandated counseling. I found talking to a food counselor really helped me get the questions you asked answered, especially around willpower. For me, it came down to decisions as simple as having a cookie or not.

So should I be insulted that you don't appreciate my suggestion? Since it implies that there's something wrong with "seeing someone" and that's exactly what I did?

My point is that when you ask for people to help you on this forum, they are going to give you advice based on their personal experience. My advice is to talk to someone about your long-term concerns. That's based on my personal experience and not intended to be insulting, just as I'm sure you didn't mean to be insutling. Right?