I'm Out

[Look@meitsEmily 26]

I have gone through the 6 month insurance requirements, nut visits, and psych eval. I am on day 5 of my pre op diet and have lost 6 pounds and cant help but think this is the dumbest thing I could do to myself. Surgery, out of work for at least 2 weeks and recovery dont seem worth it. Especially if I have to have my gallbladder removed or excess skin. I'm not going to do this! I can lose the weight on my own and keep it off. Whose to say people dont lose the weight and put it all back on eventually? There are not enough long term sleevers out there to know where we'll be in 10, 15, 20 years after our stomach is removed. I think this was a quick fix and I have realized that during this awful pre op diet. I will change my eating habits now as though it was after surgery. You can still make bad choices with the sleeve.

Good luck everyone! I'm tired of reading about the leaks and life altering effects of this surgery.

[Tbrendon 36]

I just want to say that we all experience doubts in the final days leading up to surgery. I had a great experience, haven't had any issues and lost 20lbs in the first 9 days. I know 2 people that are 5 years out and healthier than they ever could have been. The risks of having this surgery are way less than the risks of staying obese.

Also this is pretty much the same surgery that people with stomach ulcers and stomach cancer have and they have lived long healthy lives. I had a client tell me about her mother who had 80% of her stomach removed because she had ulcers. She lived a long healthy life and just passed away at the age of 91.

Your experience also has a lot to do with your surgeon. How he preforms the surgery, how he leaves you stomach and what shape he leaves your stomach.

I would take some time and really think hard. Maybe in 2 weeks you won't be ready, but by 6 months you may.

Good luck

[isajck 229]

Yes anyone can regain weight after bariatric surgery as it is only a tool. It takes a serious change in habits, specifically where they related to food, to be successful. If you are not ready to make these changes and feel this strongly against surgery then you are doing the best thing by backing out.

[Delena2/11 59]

Emily, This is not something that anyone else can decide for you. It is a huge step and maybe you don't need to have this surgery. I hope that you have thought about this very carefully and you are not reacting out of fear because your surgery is near. Please don't throw this opportunity away unless you are very sure that you can do this by yourself. After all, if you could have done it alone wouldn't you have done so by now?

Best of luck to you! I know you will do what is right for you!

[5DoxieMom 87]

Emily, If you feel its not right for you, then you should not have the surgery. I don't think anyone would argue that with you. I think that TBrendon makes some valid points. For me, I had no other choice. I am older, and this was my last ditch effort to get my weight under control. I have not lost as much as I'd like, but it's under control, after decades of lossess and gains through traditional methods. I sincerely wish you the best of luck, you have youth and determination on your side!

[Scaredy Cat 92]

Ill be very direct (as usual). Emily, if you didn't want us to talk you out of quitting, you would have just left without posting. Think about it. I backed out 5 years ago (and 35 pounds ago) thinking like you. And here I am pre-op, jumping thru the hoops again. Good luck in whatever decision you make - we wish you nothing but the best

[lsereno 2,525]

Emily,

You are right that weight gain can occur post op. Surgery is a big step and very personal decision. My feeling is that if you're not 100% sure, it's best to not to do it.

The first step in the Kaiser program is a class that details what life will be like pre-op and post-op. And it describes other ways to lose weight, including other Kaiser options, such as a medically supervised liquid diet that is slowly phased back to a normal diet. They really stress surgery is not the best choice for everyone.

Best wishes on your journey.

Lynda

[juny 93]

You know. I can understand just about everything you've said, I've said them to myself. I've also said that I can lose weight on my own and keep it off...that was a couple years ago and no I haven't.

You wanted this a month ago, you wanted this 3 months ago, you knew this crappy 2 week pre-op was coming and all the other sacrifices that come with surgery. What makes these last 2 weeks different from the last 6 months? I'm not trying to change your mind or anything but the current situation sucks and its going to suck after the surgery but it will get better, loads of people on this forum are a testament to that.

Like the other posters i respect and understand your decision because no one but you can go through this. If you're not ready then you're just not and that's ok, I'm glad you're wise enough to know it and to hit the brakes.

I wish you the best either way

[Delena2/11 59]

I agree with Scaredy Cat! I would think that you would not have posted if you did not want help sorting this all out. Don't let fear rule your decisions. Please talk with us and see if you feel better. I am not saying you should have the surgery. I'm just hoping that you can be happy with your decision for the long haul. Best of luck to you Emily!