Did you have second thoughts?

[annette0117 4]

I didn't have any second thoughts prior to surgery (I am a week post op today). I did however feel regret immediately after. Then day after surgery I had a breakdown when the bariatric nurse came in to see me. I asked her if anyone ever regrets having the surgery because at that moment I did. She said most people do immediately after but the majority don't the further they get into recovery. I am only a week out but honestly I don't feel bad, just trying to learn the new lifestyle. Pain has not been bad and recovery has been pretty easy. I actually have started to wonder if something was done incorrectly or maybe my doc didn't take out enough because I read all the stories on here of the issues after surgery and I am not having any of them. I guess I should be thankful that I haven't but I just want to make sure I didn't go through surgery for nothing...does that make sense? Anyway....don't be surprised if you wake up after surgery and wonder what the heck you just did to your body! I know it will be worth it in the end!!! Good luck and let us know how it all works out!

[skinny9608 8]

I had to go through 6 months of insurance approval. All and all it took 9 months to get it all processed. I had second thoughts all the way up to surgery day. The surgery itself was a breeze. What killed me was the gas frim the laparoscopic surgery. When I was fully awake, I was told my stomach had slipped up into my chest cavity, I had a diaphragm muscle tear and I had a esophageal hernia repair. I didnt know any of these problems prior to surgery but it sure answered a lot of symptoms I had experienced. With all that said, I was back to work the next week and in the gym on the treadmill and elliptical within 10 days. If I hadnt had that drain in, I would have been in the gym within 3 days. I worked myself up and compared myself to others and afterwards realized I did way better than they did and they didnt have all the repairs I did. Dont let people scare you, have a positive state of mind. I am the kind of person that if something is gonna go wrong its going to happen to me. I was very proud of myself. I have nit had the first bit of trouble. I am 6 weeks out and I have lost 37 lbs. Don't weigh everyday, it will discourage you.

Good Luck

[skinny9608 8]

Also, I have to say that just because you have the surgery it doesn't make the cravings for sweets and breads go away. You still have to change your choice of foods or the surgery was for nothing. Not trying to be negative but its just a true statement. I am still learning that. I think thats the most difficult thing about the surgery.

[ladylaura 77]

Thank you all for the great info!!

Annette, Good to hear about the mental state of mind just after. It does seem people get depressed immediately after, but most seem to love it shortly later...

Skinny9608, I think it's great you were able to overcome that and look back at it so positively I'm also the type of person who would weight myself and wonder, "Why isn't there more coming off?!" LOL So, it's good to know that it is a slow and steady progress...but...I guess the difference with having the surgery vs just a diet, is that you WILL loose. You really can't help it when you're stomach is that small, right? hehe

I'm hoping I don't crave sugars and carbs like I do now, but I guess we will see. I have a friend who had it done about 3 weeks ago, and he was saying how he doesn't even crave what he used to. So, I guess everyone is different in that regard. But, learning how to eat...and changing the mental and emotional aspect of food is definitely going to be the hardest part I think.

[nsquared 232]

No second thoughts here and no sadness after surgery. I was quite ready and two months later, I am still grateful to have the tool.

[No game 14,436]

There are a few people here that can't tolerate sweets anymore that is the exception and not the rule. Also when early out in this surgery many people (me included) dislike most food and could careless if we eat at all...

But that does change, it's hard to tell people that because some think you are being a downer or mean. Because someone here (usually early out)

Tells people that hunger has been taken away for good!

This is a great surgery and I am thankful to have had it but it is work still

Hope this sounded nice because it was meant to be...

[ladylaura 77]

Not mean at all I don't know if I would mind not being hungry. I can't even imagine what it's like NOT to be hungry LOL So I don't know...maybe I would. I guess I'll cross that bridge when I get there

[No game 14,436]

Your hunger and capacity is definitely REDUCED!

Even when I let my "head hunger" get the best of me there is only so much damage I can do

Good luck to you!

[skinny9608 8]

What you crave before and after is different. The only sweet thing I crave is reeses cups. Lol. When I have had any fried foods it makes me nauseated. Your taste buds differently change after the surgery. You definitely have to diet still about 6 weeks after weight loss slows down. I have a cousin that had the surgery a year ago and has only lost 45 lbs. A loss is a loss but I didnt have this surgery to only lose 45 lbs. My goal is 120lbs. 45 lbs does not give very much wiggle room for identifying "oh my gosh I better get back on my diet" lol.

[skinny9608 8]

Oh and let me add that I havent had any reeses cups. Lol.

[hopester73 2]

Hi my name is hope I'm having problems conversations on this sight would love talking to u or anyone who's going to have the surgery I'm having mine minday

[hopester73 2]

Hi everyone!

I'm shooting to get my surgery the beginning of June. I'm excited...but I'm also nervous because I know this is a huge deal. I was wondering if any of you had second thoughts once you decided to do this? And then after you went through with it...how is it for you now?

Thanks <img src='http://www.bariatricpal.com/public/style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' />

Laura

Carebyhope@hotmail.com

[buplee 556]

I had some second thoughts while waiting to get approved, it took me 18 months of fighting with my insurance company. I also had a little after I finally got approved. My brother in law had a bypass while I was waiting so he prepared me for what I would have to deal with from the pre-op diet to post-op issues. I heard of people starting the pre-op diet and then canceling their surgery. Once I got that far along in the process, there was no turning back for me.

[MrsPiggleWiggle 65]

I did, but it was related to going to Mexico for the surgery and leaving my family in San Diego to wait for me to get back. I felt horribly guilty about putting them through the stress of having me far way...but I kept telling myself that "three days of me in Mexio could equal 25+ years with me, if I use this tool the way it is intended!"

I highly recommend getting a therapist to help you through the journey. Mine has been the most beneficial part of this process. A big part of her practice is related to food issues/addiciton, and she had RNY surgery eight years ago. I owe a lot of my sanity through this to her!!!!

[buplee 556]

I said the same thing on another thread where someone was regretting surgery because she could not head huge amounts of unhealthy food. Most of us had to go through one visit to a psychologist to get our psych clearance. Personally I do not feel that is sufficient. I went through several months to deal with my guilt and feelings of failure for making the decision to have surgery and dealing with food issues. I come from a southern family and my wife's family is from the Caribbean, and both cultures cultures have a heavy focus on food. I needed to learn that going out socially does not mean I have to consume huge amounts of good and alcohol to be social. I also did not have to clean my plate to show I enjoyed the meal as I had been taught growing up. I would highly suggest anyone serious about the surgery go through a few sessions of therapy to come to grips with our unhealthy obsession with food.