So I haven't been able to sleep and I've been up since 4 am. Reading all these horror stories on this website has me second guessing my Thursday surgery. Any advice?

For every horror story I bet there are a couple good outcome stories. I read them all before my surgery too, but kinda decided that its much like women telling their bad labor stories. Nobody tells the easy labor stories right? I was sleeved last Wednesday and have had zero problems. No gas pains after surgery. When the nurse asked me to get up and walk I said sure, hopped out of bed and headed down the hallway. She had to tell me to slow down lol. I haven't had any nausea, am able to easily get my fluids in every day. I asked for pain meds the day of surgery but by that night I asked for Tylenol only and haven't even taken that since I got home. I am so happy that none of the issues others have posted about have happened to me, but really I'm glad I read about those what ifs because I felt better prepared to deal with them. It's a scary thing we are doing to ourselves but in my opinion so worth it in the end. I hope your surgery is as uneventful as mine. Good luck to you.

Read it all and make an informed decision.

If you researched your surgeon and trust him/her and feel confident about their ability, and if you're educated about what to expect post op there is no reason no to go ahead.

Yes, complications can happen with this and any other surgery, major or minor. They are pretty rare but can always happen to any surgeon at any time. They're accidents - it's the unintentional thing that happens during the procedure, in most cases. Choosing a surgeon of experience and skill minimizes your risk, as does knowing what to expect post op - if any sign or symptom could be a leak so you get it addressed immediately. Following a post op diet to the letter is also important. You should do everything you can possibly do to minimize your own risk and diet is one of the few things you can control.

That said, complications really ARE rare with this surgery. They happen, and you should know that they happen, but for most people the worst thing they experience post op is gas pain or acid reflux. You'll be sore after surgery and that's normal. I hated having to sleep in a recliner, but really, that's a small sacrifice for my sleeve!

Make sure you're reading it all - not just the horror stories but the stories about people that came through fine. We're all here. It's good we can pool our knowledge and experiences for everyone else.

Choosing whether or not to do this is far too personal for me to try to sway you either way. But I can say that it's perfectly normal to have a bit of nervousness and also to wonder if it will work for you. I see people post about it all the time, but after a year of research the only feelings I had prior to surgery were eagerness to be on the other side and frustration that I had to travel so far for my surgeon!

Good luck whatever you decide,

~Cheri

I had complications--several--from my heart stopping on the table requiring them to stop the surgery and go back a week later to my drain causing me severe enough pain to have to be readmitted. I did regret the surgery in the middle of all of this. HOWEVER--I am now nearly 6 months out, down 69 pounds, and feel great. The sleeve is something I can live a normal life with that will help me control my weight. I am really glad I did this--despite the complications. Taking into account the full experience and the results--I have no regrets. Well, except maybe not doing this sooner. It is ok to be nervous. If you are not, then you have not researched enough to realize that this is a major surgery. Good luck whatever you decide.

So I haven't been able to sleep and I've been up since 4 am. Reading all these horror stories on this website has me second guessing my Thursday surgery. Any advice?

I am soo with you! My surgery is Thursday. too. I think I might just have to stay off of here until after surgery.

Every story is different. For every horror story there's a "things went perfect" story, or even a "things went okay with a few stumbling blocks" (like mine). My first couple months weren't easy, but even then I was still having great luck with weight loss and so I never really questioned my decision (it's not like that would have undone it anyway ). I knew that the issues would eventually resolve, but the weight loss assistance would be there for a long time

It's perfectly normal to get worked up prior to a major surgical procedure, especially one that's 1) voluntary and 2) a major life change and 3) removing most of a major organ! Just look at your history and ask yourself if there is, realistically, any other option. For me, who spent my entire life on one diet or another only to watch my weight go up and down like a rollercoaster, there wasn't. I had exhausted all my other options and I literally couldn't handle another round of extreme self-deprivation as I tried to starve myself skinny. I needed the tool that the sleeve provided in order to make it.

I had surgery Dec. 20th.. yes I read all the horror stories and even had one nurse tell me her sister in law had the same surgery and lost a bunch of weight and then gained it all back..not what I wanted to hear. Yes I was scared, I had the same thoughts.. what if that stuff happened to me.. But I wanted this badly. So I went on with it..and have not regretted my decision.. I have not had any complications from the surgery what so ever.. I was up 15 min after getting to my room and in the chair..and then in the hall walking in no time.. I did ask for pain meds for home because I wasnt sure of what the pain would be like.. glad I did... it helps ease the discomfort at night because I couldnt sleep on my side like I used to.. it hurt.. but hey.. Im down 33lbs in 3 weeks.. I had no issues before surgery other than being over weight... Just remember the important thing after surgery is to make sure you get your protein in and take your vitamins.. and walk, walk, walk. it helps so much.. Im sure you will be fine.. Best of luck to you. You will be soon a member of the losers club lol. you wont regret your decision. I havent.

If you have come to the point in your life where you feel that the surgery is needed vs. un-needed then why second guess yourself. Something has brought you to the point of " I need to loose this weight and can-not do it on my own for my overall healther". I never knew what it was to FEEL good and healthy until I got here because an unhealthy lifestyle was all i knew. I would never go back and never change my decision. It was worth it ...

So I haven't been able to sleep and I've been up since 4 am. Reading all these horror stories on this website has me second guessing my Thursday surgery. Any advice?

I am not second guessing my decision, but I am dreaming out and very worried about complications-- like internal bleeding. Surgery is Friday.

I too have read all the stories! Including the secretary at my son's school telling me her mother-in-law died!!

I went to my doc with all these thoughts and I trust him! This is what I want, to be healthy and at a healthy weight. The sleeve is my final attempt because nothing else has worked. I'm thankful for the horror stories that made me ask more questions and soooo thankful for the stories of success and happiness.

My surgery is Wed 1/16 at 3:00 pm and though I am a bit nervous I trust my doc and am praying for an uneventful, successful surgery!

You will be in my thoughts and prayers, whatever you decide all that matters is you!

Take care and God Bless

You will do great! I swear the worst thing for me was the heparin shots in my thigh. Those buggers sting! Small price to pay for a new life though.

Your mother in law died?? Oh, wow. I'm sorry to hear that. If you don't mind me asking, what was the cause? I trust my doctor too. Im just scared.

I am soo with you! My surgery is Thursday. too. I think I might just have to stay off of here until after surgery.

Yes please dont come on here a few days b4 surgery because thats the reason i was so dang on nervous when I went into surgery on the 8th! It was nothing like I thought it was going to be! Its the fear of the unknown that worries you! You will do fine Good Luck and God Bless!