I dont have my surgery date yet. But I have been thinking about life after surgery non stop for a few weeks now. I have to say that im kind of scared. I have tried so many different diets, ways of eating that I have lost count. What if it doesnt work and i'm just destined to being this size and weight for the rest of my life? What if it doesnt work for me. These are the kinds of things I lay in bed thinking about at night. I am so close and ready to change my life. I want to start the process so bad, but yet I am scared that im going to go through all the time and expense and not have anything to show for it on the other side. Is this normal? Did anyone else have these feelings?

All of your feelings are very normal. At some point in time I am sure that 85$ of the people in this forum has had similar thoughts.

Each person is different in body chemistry and will adhere to their surgeon's diet differently. If you follow the guidelines set forth you will be a success.

After your surgery just think of it like this. If you NEVER followed any of the instructions (which you should) your stomach will NEVER return to the size it once was... even if you do happen to stretch it out. This is the restriction and your tummy will have you eat in moderation.

Now THAT should ease some of your fears. However, many of us actually do follow the guidelines set forth because we don't want to continue to be sick and in pain. We want to feel normal and lead normal lives. This part is up to you. so do it diligence and you will be successful. You probably will have a bad day and mess up a few times. We all do... we are human... and it is normal. it is up to you to make sure you recognize that, not beat yourself up over it, and get back to following the meal plan.

After 6 months most of us have a very normal meal plan and can eat most anything.

Does your primary care physician know you're considering the surgery? You might talk with them about your anxiety & they might be willing to prescribe an anti-anxiety med for you until you're through the surgery. It's worth looking into.

Great post! I am in the same place in that I have been reading, researching and evaluating surgery for about a month now. I selected a surgeon, set a date, am dribbling info to my hubbie. I have a friend who got sleeved in 10/12 and she's been really helpful. Today I went to see my PCP who was really neutral about the surgery.. But he know I will do what I need to do. I kind of wondered if the doc would have an opinion, but he didn't heed me any warnings, or encourage me in any way. So, really, all I have left to do is cut a check and buy an airline ticket.

I read over and over... This is ultimately a decision that I have to make for me, that I have to live with, and that I get to live with the results of.. Am I chicken, yup, a little chicken. Is that ok? Yup I'd be worried if I wasn't? I'm only afraid of what I haven't experienced, and of changing my relationship with food, and how I will love my life based on that change..... I'm feeling pretty normal now..

My primary care doc acually just left the practice and I havent made an appointment with one of the others yet. But anit-anxiety meds sounds like a wonderful idea.

I spent over six months haggling with the idea and whether I could do it. I saw my primary MD, got on an anti-anxiety med, and saw a counsellor who deals with bariatric PTs and eating disorders and they both really waited until I was 'ready' mentally & physically before encouraging me to do it. I needed that mental time. I am now 2 days post-op. bloated, uncomfortable and had some question whether it was the right choice. But the more I read and the more I understand that this is the process, I am starting to trust the light at the end of the tunnel. Take the time you need to be wholly prepared and then go for it with all the support you can get. I can only imagine where I will be in 3 months! Good luck!

I am exactly where you are. Thinking about the approval process, surgery and life after consumes almost all my thoughts. I have been on and off researching WLS for over two years and it wasn't until a month ago that I decided to take the leap. After only short term success Weight Watchers, Atkins, clean eating and many MANY others I am certain I need this tool to help me stay motivated and on track.

But on the flip side, I'm FREAKING OUT! Am I making the right decision? Do I really need to cut my stomach out to lose weight? If I can do it afterward, why can't I do it now? Why I am I committing to a procedure with no real long term studies? Am I doomed die early from having this procedure?

Occasionally I snap out of it because I know in my head and my heart that I will die early for certain if I don't make this happen. But the unknown is scary and I still have moments every day where I'm unsure if I've started down the wrong path.

Sarah

Ok Don't laugh....

When I came to in the recovery room I had asked what time it was. I was in pain but I wasn't sure if the surgery actually happened yet. IN the recovery room while I was on all sorts of pain relieving meds I had quickly decided that I didn't want to o it and I wanted to go home. Of course by that time it was too late and I had successfully completed the surgery.

I had regrets the first couple of days... well, maybe not regrets but more of a questioning of my own judgement. Like, "Why did I do this?" and "Why am I putting myself through this torture?" simply because I was not looking at the long term... the bigger picture.

My Dr said it and so has Dr. Oz. the benefits of this surgery outweighs the risks of not having it. The minimal pain you experience upfront is NOT a testament to the success you will have long term. All I can advise is that you follow your Dr's guidelines and you will be fine... you will be a success! You all can do this!