I have decided that I want to have the vertical sleeve surgery, but now that I have, I think I am crazy! I mean I am changing my stomach forever and if I am not happy, I can't go back. But when I look for reasons online to NOT do it...I just cant find any...everyone seems to love it after the first year has gone by. I am scared to make this final. My husband says just call the doctor and make the appointment. Now I freaking myself out but I can NOT stay this heavy forever. I want to change while my children are young(9,9,5,6 months). Help!

I had no compl. No opiate painkillers .ot in 7.5 yrs. I went in at 1 kn hosp had surgery around 2. Was out next morn by 11. Never had one prob or pain that was not doable. Ive lost close to 70 in 5 mos. One of the best and easiest things Ive ever done. Was a little freaky the first month. Id do it again tomorrow.

Only 30 lbs to goal.

The way I am looking at it is this: When you have a diseased appendix, you have it removed. When your gallbladder is full of gallstones and the only way to solve the problem is removal, you get it removed. I see my stomach as causing me a problem, so I'm getting a large part of it removed.

My surgery date is July 18th in Las Vegas! Thank you for all of your honest responses!

When the fear of where you are going is less than the pain of where you are, then you'll make a change.

If you are not ABSOLUTELY convinced that this is the right path, DO NOT PROCEED. Wait until you are.

For me, losing 85% of my stomach was better than losing my feet. After years of badly-controlled diabetes (caused by my out of control eating), I was headed right down the path towards peripheral neuropathy, and in a few years, amputation. 5 weeks after surgery, down 30+ lbs, blood sugar normal, blood pressure normal. AND I finally have a chance for a "normal" life.

Truth is though, as bad as my diabetes was, i was frankly just tired of being the fattest one in the room. Tired of diet failure after diet failure. Tired of my weight always being either on the way down, or on the way up (usually up). So I can't eat baskets of chips and salsa anymore, so what? I don't have to wear big girl clothes anymore. What a trade-off!

I just had my sleeve down yesterday ! Feeling great. Just a little gas pains that meds have taken care of. In the 16 hours since surgery I have managed to get down 3 protein shakes with no nausea! Loved my doctor and the hospital ..and mine was outpatient .

wow good for you! make sure to keep us posted on how you feel and your progress. I have 2 months to wait and its going to seem like forever!

I am happy I had surgery. I had 18 months to work out my fears. I have now lost 84lbs in 5 months and couldn't be happier. Fear of any surgery is normal but the complication/mortality rate is so small you'll be cheating yourself if you don't. Good luck to all of you who are discussing your fears and good luck on your respective journeys.