On Day 1 (12/21) I thought, "What have I done?" Day 4, Christmas Day, was rough - tears, etc. - but I got through that. It's been exactly one week since my surgery and I'm doing really well. Incisions are healing nicely, Vitamins are going down well, Protein targets are being hit almost every day...couldn't ask for more, right?

Then why am I still in tears at random times and filled with regret? I want to get some potato skins at happy hour with my husband. I want to eat a real dinner with him. I want a Coke on ice.

I am filled with regret over what I have done to my body (i.e. removing the majority of my stomach), especially knowing I lost 13 lbs on the low carb, high protein diet I did for two weeks prior to the surgery. I am kicking myself thinking that even though I was in a gown and they were ready for surgery when they did that weigh in, I should have called it off and just continued down the weight loss path myself.

Again, I'm filled with regret, even though I am doing very well by all standards. I didn't get it. I didn't get how the nutrition changes could help me lose weight yet still feel fulfilled. I didn't get until now that my caloric intake will always be extremely low. I'm terrified for what this means for the rest of my life.

Anyone else feeling like this?

I am three months post op and definitely went through that. One day almost a month after surgery I had a HUGE meltdown. I was sobbing and screaming and everything. Questioning why did I do this and the fear of my regret was huge!! I was questioning how I was going to live like this after all, I was just frustrated! Everything went uphill from there. IT WILL GET BETTER!!! Once you are on a steady diet of solid food, you will feel better too.

I didn't want my surgery too close to the holidays because I expected to feel like you do. Thanksgiving was 2 months out and Christmas was 3. I was able to eat, just very small amounts. I have found that having a "taste" of something is far better that not having it at all. I had a small teaspoon of mashed potatoes and stuffing. Didn't need any more than that, couldn't finish it all. I was a Coke drinker too, I tried a sip the other day, hated it! I was astonished at that. Always remember to eat your Protein first and you'll do great.

I'm down 60 pounds and 4 pant sizes in 3 months, I may not be losing it the fastest but I am so happy I did this!!! I hope that you find that you will be happy with your decision too!!! Does your doctor offer a support group? I havent' gone to mine, I haven't felt the need to but I am glad I have that option should I find that I need it down the road.

Good Luck!!!

Take this time to re-address your relationship with food so that when you are healed, you don't go back to the "old way."

I enjoy a meal with my family. Most days we eat the same thing. I just focus on Protein and only nibble a bite of the starch, if there is one. We go out to eat. I had 3 Texas fries the other night (fries with cheese and bacon) and then focus on my beef fajita strips. But, I STOPPED at 3 which is NOT the way the old me would have done. The old me would have ordered my own plate and not shared with anyone AND eaten a full entree. I now share my entree with my 7 year old son or take leftovers home.

For the first time ever, I'm learning to control my food. It still wins sometimes (damn Christmas cookies). I can eat a bite or two of something that's not so healthy and then stop. I feel like a normal woman. I was always amazed seeing dessert left on a plate or a few bites of a yummy looking appetizer. Now, I can do that! There is no need to scrape the plate clean every time.

You had surgery at a super hard time of the year (it's always hard). I hope it gets easier soon and you don't regret your sleeve. I love mine. I've never lost weight with any long-term success in the past. 7 months... 110 pounds... and still losing.

I know how you feel. I absolutely had my mind made up before surgery....then the day after surgery, it hit me! I did have a sense of "OMG, what have I done? This is permanent". Since then I just work on getting through a day at a time. I feel certain it will get easier once we can eat a more normal diet, but it has been difficult through the holidays. I just keep telling myself I got a jump on my annual New Year's resolution to lose weight - and I'm thinking I might actually achieve it!!

I am pre-op and expected to be sleeved in Jan. I loved this thread because I felt it addressed what I fear the most - having regret. I'm terrified but with a BMI of 51, I think this is the o ly chance I have. I must also admit that I've lived a very sedentary lifestyle for most of my adult life which is what at least partly caused my weight problem. I've never lost a huge amount of weight. I've just steadily put it on over the years. Whenever I tried dieting, I give up on myself way too soon. I'm looking at this surgery as the push I need. I don't want to feel regret - I'm scared of feeling that way. I'm scared of failing this or giving up way too soon. Ugh!!!!

I just wanted to thank all of you for your posts. No tears in 48 hours - lawd, it's a miracle! At the end of this week I can move to soft foods, allowing me to add eggs, low carb tortillas, cottage cheese and soft veggies, among other things. While I'll still have to rely on at least one protein shake a day, I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Yes!

Hi,,

I'm a Dec. 19th sleever as well. I'm still working thru the same feelings. This is hard stuff mentally and emotionally. I was thinking the surgery might be more physically challenging for me but luckily and thankfully so far it has been the easy part. I have bad arthritis which has made my life miserable in addition to lumbar disc problems. I was not as obese as many and got some strange looks. You know that "well, you carry it well" comment. I had the surgery to try and get my life back. Less pain hopefully and easier mobility. I'm only 44. I don't want to be a huge burden on my spouse or kids. At least if I am smaller life will be longer and easier on all concerned. You have most likely prolonged your valuable life by having the surgery and given/gained time with your loved ones. Just make life about each other and not food. Remember you only need to eat to live but not the reverse. It will get better. You are just normal and need time to adjust. Best of luck. You will be alright! Better than alright in time!

I feel your pain sleeved 12/20/2012. The day my life changed. I wish that i could have my old stomach back. I never experience this much pain. It is very hard to see family and friends enjoying food. I pray that it gets better for you:-) I did not realize how much food gave me comfort.

love this thread. I am 6 weeks out. I was an emotional wreck before the sleeve. I kept crying I mean why couldnt I do it on my own? My hubby was great at listening to me. Every food I ate I wondered will I be able to eat this again? When I was sleeved a week later was thanksgiving and my birthday, then Chirtsmas. Everyone tried to get me to wait but felt like if I need to eat through another holiday maybe I should not be doing this. Once I decided to do it everything happened so quickly 2 months. After the op for several weeks I thought what did I do? But I am so thankful my procedure went so smooth I am on the up and up and trying to adjust to my sleeve. I miss diet coke I miss sushi but I do not miss the 32 poinds that are gone. I dont miss nothing fitting me, Each day gets better Its okay to regret things we have to learn to change our mind set I love the honesty that people are posting.

When I moved to soft foods and ate cottage cheese for the first time it tasted like the best food on the planet! LOL baby steps and day by day is how we will get there!

This will change. You will not have buyers remorse forever.