The Point Of No Return

[UTGal99 327]

Well, folks...I have arrived at that moment - the point of no return! I am scheduled for surgery Wednesday, October 3rd. I am having the VSG in conjunction with a hiatal hernia repair.

Today, I had my pre-op appointment with the surgeon and signed all the paperwork that literally makes you want to run for the hills. You know the stuff I am talking about....the paper that says you are aware of the complications including leaks, strictures, internal organ damage, blood clots, etc. up to and including death! I understand they have to make you aware but honestly I don't need it to be me that has the complications or heaven forbid dies on the table.

I know I should be scared and nervous but I truly am. Any advice from others on how to get past the anxiety. What I am really worried about is being so nervous and scared that the day of surgery my body will create tons of stomach acid due to nerves and I will have lots of vomitting and nausea. Any tips?

And for those that have already had the surgery. How long after surgery did you know this was the right decision? My surgeon says just about everyone has buyer's remorse for a little while due to the drastic change to their life.

[kimmy*custis 276]

Congrats on your upcoming surgery! It is completely normal to be nervous and scared! I honestly was very calm the day of surgery, I had to be at the hospital at 5:30 in the am ( 1/2 hour from my house) I got there, checked in and was completely ok so maybe you will be too! If you just read up on all the successes on this site maybe that will help. I have absolutely no buyers remorse, I had no issues whatsoever! I knew I had made the right decision an hour after I got back to my room. I was up and walking the halls!!! Best of luck to you on a speedy recovery!

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I was terrified in advance, and never had a moment's regret after. I had read enough on these forums to know what to expect and so no suprises there. The first weeks after are hard, but do-able.

Hang in there and it will be just a distant memory before you know it!

[Mschristmas 9]

I tried to keep myself by reminding myself that the complications of remaining morbidly obese are just as bad as the possible complications from surgery. Without surgery the complications from morbid obesity were certain to get to me eventually and probably kill me. With the surgery the risk is actually quite low, just a fraction of a percent.

I knew right away the surgery was the right thing to do. I was sore but I could tell I was improving rapidly.

[sramos89 260]

I just kept reminding myself that, I could call the whole thing off but how would I feel in 6 months or a year when I was still struggling and others who had gone through with the surgery were done or almost done with the hardest part. I knew I had to do it and just sucked it up. The odds are with you. I was sleeved on the 17th, the day of surgery and day after were not fun but by the 3rd day I was feeling better and each day since has been better and better and I know that I have a lot to look forward to. I have lost over 20 lbs and even a size smaller. So far no complications and no problems, I am bored with my food choices and ready to move onto a more normal diet that includes some meat but I know that will come. Good Luck! You can do this!

[AliveAgain 283]

The anxiety and nervousness won't be as bad as you think. Of course I was thinking about it non-stop, but was amazingly calm the day of surgery. Accepting that you've made the right choice, saying some prayers (if that works for you), and putting the rest into the hands of your surgeon. I know that sounds way too easy, but I find it easier to just "accept and move on" than to question it too much. I know I had some remorse in the first month, even a little in the second month. But that was just me working through emotions without the crutch of food. It was about 6-8 weeks out before I knew I had made the right choice, and I've never looked back since!

[Seven7 19]

I had my sleeve last Friday, exactly one week ago. I was nervous too, I had never been under any kind of anesthesia. I just thought of the harm I was doing my body by carrying all this weight when I thought of the risks of surgery, and like someone else said earlier, the complications rate is so low that I thought my odds were better with the surgery. The first two days were the hardest for me, but even at that they were not that hard. Learning to take the small sips was key, and make sure you find a Protein Drink you like pre-op. I did not and should have! After the third day I was feeling somewhat normal, and even returned to work on Wednesday! Getting back in the routine was just what I needed. Today has been the best day so far, and I feel better every single day. My surgery has not been painful. I've felt much much worse when I had the flu or even a bad cold! And, by the way, I am 56 years old, geriatric almost compared to some of the others here. Good luck to you and I hope everything goes well!

[ashleytn 48]

We have the same surgery date! I'm anxious but so excited! We have made the right decision. Are you prescribed an anti-acid? If so, ask your dictate if you can take it the morning of surgery. I can with a small sip of Water. We are going to do great!!

[getnsknyntx 11]

I was sleeved 9/25 and I can honestly say at this point the worst part was not being able to have anything by mouth until after the next morning and I passed the upper gi. Worst case of dry mouth ever!! Also don't worry if you have some dry heaves it passes!! Good luck and just remember this is going to be a whole new life for you!! You can do it!!