Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Scared Myself With Websites



Recommended Posts

Couldn't sleep tonight after I scared myself silly with websites about bad outcomes. I wasn't worried until I got my date last week (Oct 31) now I can't stop worrying that I could end up never feeling ok again.

Any advice how to get past this fear?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I think everyone has pre-op jitters. I was a total wreck!! Some things to keep in mind are that every type of surgery has its share of horror stories and hardly anyone writes about a non eventful surgery. Yes, bad things can happen but it doesnt mean they will. Has your surgeon discussed his history with VSG? Do everything in your power to make the surgeons job easier...liver shrinking diet, no smoking, etc.

best of luck to you!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Ultimately, it's your choice. It's a matter of risk assessment. There are risks with this surgery, but there are risks if you remain overweight. You have to be sure you are committed to the program, even if you have no complications this surgery is just the beginning of your new life.

It seems everyone has their doubts, I still have mine... But go back to the beginning and why you made this decision... Do you still feel the same?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Hey....i was exactly the same pre op...i stayed u all night looking up possible complications and getting scared....but then i just compared the odds of complications with WLS to the obesity related complications...hypertension,diabetes,osteoarthritis, i already had pcos... Recently a 25 year old obese friend of mine suffered a heart attack which was nearly fatal.... Well that made my decision more firm...

Ps: stop psyching yourself out....everythings going to be great...dont worry!

Sent from my GT-I9100 using VST

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Me too! My date is 10/11/12 - next week, already! The way I'm trying to "unscare" myself is this rationalization- the odds of the same horror story happening again (sorry for the people who do have complications, of course!) are slim. So....why keep "going there". In reality, as far as obesity related deaths, etc. I just found out I have severe sleep apnea (I thought it was harmones-menopause, etc. And asthma/allergies) I could die or have a stroke anygiven night! So..... I need to try to be excited not terrified (a fine line separates)! Good luck, everyone!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I did the same thing....I work at a hospital and the RNs I work with told me, "For God's sake stay off the internet"....you will find positive and negative for all things, whether you're looking to buy a used car or having surgery. Just listen to your doctor....BUT in my opinion, it's going to be awesome...just wait and see. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

When I went to my surgeon at the pre-op with my list of concerns based on reading, he pointed out that the people who post on boards are often those with fears and complications... but there are countless numbers of people who do well and have no complications who don't comment... because all is well. I found that comforting.

For the record, at six weeks out... I've had no complications. I didn't even have gas pains. I figure they must have rolled me with a rolling pin before they closed my tiny incisions. Ha!

If you believe in signs and synchronicity... pay attention to what the universe is telling you. If all has gone smoothly to this point, it seems that you are on the right path. There is a greater chance that all shall go well for you, than not. The risk of a better future may just be brighter than the risk of staying the course. Wishing you WELL!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

your choice. matter of risk assessment. risks with this surgery, risks if you remain overweight. You have to be sure you are committed to the program, if you have no complications, this surgery is just the beginning

dadici

I love the above post by Cookeeeez :)

its worth showing again!!!!

jitters before WLS - a life changing procedure,are fine, normal

post surgery you can look ahead to a brighter, healthier, happier life

think about the positives one night you can't sleep :)

good luck

BTW - WLS on Halloween - hmmmm, thats enough to scare anyone :o;)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone, I had a long talk with my surgeon and asked some specific questions I had neglected to ask earlier. It turns out that in over 500 vsg procedures my doc has never had a leak or a death, so that went a fair ways to easing my fears. My new mantra is that deciding to stay this size is still a decision, so I'm not decoding whether or not to make a choice I'm making a choice either way. I'm still scheduled for the 31.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

My mantra (related to sciatica) "I FEEL SAFE TO MOVE IN NEW DIRECTIONS"...

It helps a lot :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

many of the so called horror stories are really about people who did not do as told, not following the eating plan, fail to diet before surgery drinking and eating at the same time etc. All surgeries have risk ,but most can be prevented if there is good communication between dotor and paiteint. My surgery was a breeze with no complications, there was some vomiting after but is was due to sedation issues not the surgery itself. I pray you go foward and get as healthy as possible.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Couldn't sleep tonight after I scared myself silly with websites about bad outcomes. I wasn't worried until I got my date last week (Oct 31) now I can't stop worrying that I could end up never feeling ok again.

Any advice how to get past this fear?

Why would you read those--- I have WAY more good outcomes than bad. And probably if you knew the truth those bad outcomes were that persons fault for not following doctors orders!!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Just remember the horror stories of staying in the condition we were all in... The condition that led us to even contemplate this surgery in the first place... Was I sore after surgery? Sure, who the hell wouldn't be?.... Do I miss food? Sometimes.. I miss warm weather by mid December too but it's all good... You will find that you get to eat again... one day. It took us years to get to this position and it won't get fixed overnight... but I can assure you, you will be so much happier in the end... You will also be healthier AND live longer...

To me the alternative was jut not acceptable...

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×