So I've done all the research (ok granted maybe a little too much) and I'm about 2 months out from my surgery date (April 15) and technically I'm still pending insurance approval but I'm taking all the steps and going through the process full steam ahead. I've definitely gone through a roller coaster of emotions since starting this journey, and I still get mixed emotions everyday. But I guess where im at now is the "fear" stage. I'm constantly thinking about complications, leaks, structure, infection, etc. I'm spending hours researching horror stories of things gone wrong and the aftermath of complications. I realize that with any surgery there are always risks and one must decide of the benefits will outweigh the risks. I guess that's the point I'm at now. I'm a lower bmi. I'm 31 years old, 238lbs and bmi of 37. I have a about 80lbs to lose to be considered at a healthy weight for my height. But I also have high blood pressure (for about 3 years controlled by medicine) and high cholesterol. My weight history has shown a consistent failure at conventional weight loss attempts and I progressively gain 8-10 lbs a year. So my fear is if I DON'T get the surgery I could end up weighting 50lbs more in 5 years. I know that this surgery is the answer (and I know it's not the "easy way out" and it takes work and the surgery is just a tool). I guess I'm just scared. Scared about the surgery itself and complications, leaks. AmI alone in this? Has anyone ever talked themselves out of the surgery before they hit the table? Is anyone else scared?

I am also a lower BMI (38) and I can honestly say I am not scared at all. Anxious yes, but not scared. It's natural to be nervous about the unknown, but it's just that-UNKNOWN. Why waste your time being scared of what "could" happen? You face "unknowns" every day of your life. Now I do believe you have to go into this completely prepared and educated, but I have wasted enough of my life being fat (10 years) and I refuse to waste any more of it! I am confident that I can/will be successful with the sleeve and I feel that getting heavier and unhealthier carries much more risk. Don't keep reading horror stories on the Internet. For every bad outcome you'll hear about 3-5 positive outcomes. Maybe my mindset is different because the first surgery I ever had I had at 20

(Sorry-posted too soon) And it was an elective surgery. I chose to do it and once I healed I knew it was the best decision I ever made. Hopefully I feel the exact same after being sleeved!

I am also a lower BMI (38) and I can honestly say I am not scared at all. Anxious yes' date=' but not scared. It's natural to be nervous about the unknown, but it's just that-UNKNOWN. Why waste your time being scared of what "could" happen? You face "unknowns" every day of your life. Now I do believe you have to go into this completely prepared and educated, but I have wasted enough of my life being fat (10 years) and I refuse to waste any more of it! I am confident that I can/will be successful with the sleeve and I feel that getting heavier and unhealthier carries much more risk. Don't keep reading horror stories on the Internet. For every bad outcome you'll hear about 3-5 positive outcomes. Maybe my mindset is different because the first surgery I ever had I had at 20[/quote']

That should say BMI is 38 not 3! LOL!

Hi, I am in sort of a similar situation, I have a BMI of 39, and weight about 289, I am a male, 49 tomorrow and orob sleeved in June. We alk think of the worst, we have to think positive and trust our surgeon.

I'm from south king county! Around Renton! Where did you have your surgery? How are you doing 8 days out?

I had mine with Northwest Weight Loss Surgery. They are in Everett.

I'm scared too!! I go in for it in less than 5 days!! We got this tho!! Right??!! Lol

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I am a few months from surgery, and I know that the more information I get the more I feel empowered. And in the same breath I am questioning myself every now and then until I think of what awaits me if I don't take this step. I am taking control of my life and this will help me do just that, take control. Stop listening to the bad take the information and YOU make the decision, no one else can only you. So if it takes you a little longer than most to get to the surgery and make that step it is ok, this is all on your time table no one elses. I have a lot more than you to lose, some would say that makes it easier for me, but I don't think so as it is the same change for whoever is doing it. And rest assured YOU will make the right decision for YOU. Best of luck

So I've done all the research (ok granted maybe a little too much) and I'm about 2 months out from my surgery date (April 15) and technically I'm still pending insurance approval but I'm taking all the steps and going through the process full steam ahead. I've definitely gone through a roller coaster of emotions since starting this journey' date=' and I still get mixed emotions everyday. But I guess where im at now is the "fear" stage. I'm constantly thinking about complications, leaks, structure, infection, etc. I'm spending hours researching horror stories of things gone wrong and the aftermath of complications. I realize that with any surgery there are always risks and one must decide of the benefits will outweigh the risks. I guess that's the point I'm at now. I'm a lower bmi. I'm 31 years old, 238lbs and bmi of 37. I have a about 80lbs to lose to be considered at a healthy weight for my height. But I also have high blood pressure (for about 3 years controlled by medicine) and high cholesterol. My weight history has shown a consistent failure at conventional weight loss attempts and I progressively gain 8-10 lbs a year. So my fear is if I DON'T get the surgery I could end up weighting 50lbs more in 5 years. I know that this surgery is the answer (and I know it's not the "easy way out" and it takes work and the surgery is just a tool). I guess I'm just scared. Scared about the surgery itself and complications, leaks. AmI alone in this? Has anyone ever talked themselves out of the surgery before they hit the table? Is anyone else scared?[/quote']

I was feeling like you at first. It toke me 2 years to realize that it was a good decision. I'm 27 a month away from my 28. 240 54 BMI of 40. I got because if I haven lose anything no matter what I do why not give it a try. Don't life in fears because we kmow when we got here but but not when we not. I'm 5 days out I was regretting after it but not because nothing bad happen it was because I was scar of the pain and didn't what to eat. But as you go along the road you would know what to do. Click on my username and see all my post you would see how bad I was regretting this until every one pick me up and gave me confer all over again. You never going to feel alone in this. You have us. Our other family your forow fam :-). Just how every ome said I could actually say know that I regret not doing it sooner. Read my post from feb/16 /17. You going to read different peoples story here that when I ask the same question after been sleeve. Good luck. Count on me!!!

My surgery is tomorrow morning and until today I had all the same fears. I spent hours researching complications making myself aware. I finally came up with this..... do as my doctor instructs me and I will be fine And sometimes complications just happen due to nothing you or your surgeon did. If a complication does happen it sounds like its a rough recovery but in the end you will meet your goal. TO BE HEALTHY

I had mine with Northwest Weight Loss Surgery. They are in Everett.

Hey lady! That's where I am having mine. That's where I had my band done, I've been a patient there for approx 4 years! Who's your doc?

Hey lady! That's where I am having mine. That's where I had my band done, I've been a patient there for approx 4 years! Who's your doc?

Wow! I would have thought you went with Puget Sound Bariatric since they are out on that side. My doctor is Dr. Montgomery.

Well, I did a ton of research before I had lap band, so I found and wanted them, and that was when I was 19, wasnt banded till I was 23ish. So, Its worth the drive for me.

I heard Montgomery is good! I have Dr. Chock. I wanted a woman doctor.

Well, I did a ton of research before I had lap band, so I found and wanted them, and that was when I was 19, wasnt banded till I was 23ish. So, Its worth the drive for me.

I heard Montgomery is good! I have Dr. Chock. I wanted a woman doctor.

I actually wanted her, but I'm not disappointed at all with Montgomery.

I feel almost guilty Saying this but I feel better that so many other people feel the same way that I do and that I'm not alone but it makes me feel guilty because I don't want other people to be scared like I am. Bit it helps to know that no matter what happens, we are all in this together and like Yiraini01 said above, we are a family and we all have each other to lean on through it every step of the way. I am overwhelmingly grateful for that.

Being afraid is healthy and normal. Honestly those who say "do it all right and it will be fine" are the people who will likely be a mess if they do have complications because they aren't prepared.

Use your fears to educate yourself. Write down each fear and then research what you can do about it. If it's a leak, look up symptoms so that if you have them you can be proactive and get help right away. Delay is what kills with leaks. It nearly killed me.

Don't trust your doctor to know what's wrong. If you have symptoms and they feel you're fine, insist on a barium swallow anyway. This could have saved me hundreds of thousands of dollars...but more importantly, saved me from intense pain...more than I can ever explain.

If you fear strictures than look up those symptoms...again know what they are and listen to your body. REport any concerns and insist they be checked out.

Check out your doctor and the hospital you will be at (and for gods sake do this at a hospital...I went to a day surgery center...COE and all...it was a mistake as they couldn't treat the bleeding properly). Know who your doctor is, your anesthesiologist, your nurses...ask about them all and their credentials.

As your doctor how they deal with a leak or a stricture. Ask for SPECIFICS and ask about early leaks and late leaks. Ask how many they have dealt with and the outcomes. A doctor who is good will be frank with you. I wish I'd have done this!

Have a network in place so that if you aren't a quick healer you can take the time you need to heal properly. Think about things...lifting a basket of laundry or vacuuming should be avoided for six weeks. Don't shop and carry heavy bags...don't over exercise and for gods sake after surgery follow your doctors orders! Be smart so you heal well

Fear complications. With this surgery they are BAD. It's normal and right to feel those fears, but use that fear to lead you down the path to a great recovery and worst case...know that leaks or strictures caught early on are not nearly as bad as those that are left too long. Those are what kill, or severely damage your life. Knowing about them...everything you can learn will help you move forward and face those concerns. Knowledge is always the key!