Hello,

This is my second time considering the surgery. About 4 years ago I backed out when it came time to make the decision. I have been trying to rush through the process this time a bit so I can utilize the current positive attitude I have towards the idea.

I have my coordinator trying to get me in (self pay) in may. With that being said...should I be putting myself on a preop diet? Also has anyone else had their surgery with Dr. Michel in Tijuana? I have been reading and researching like crazy....and lurking here for awhile!

So that my first post.

-JB

34 Male

287

5' 10'

Oregon

Hi there!

What made you back out last time? Why are you waffling now?

Only you can decide what's right for you, but I can tell you how my life has changed in the 4 months since I had surgery...

I have lost a total of 65 pounds since I decided to have surgery - 47 of that since surgery. That's only part of it - I have gained so much more - self confidence I haven't seen since I was in my 20's (I'm 44 now), I feel better mentally (no more short temper or just plain being negative and miserable), I'm more patient with my family, I feel better physically (no more daily headaches, no more daily naps).

When I started to seriously think about this surgery I hoped my only regret was that I didn't do this sooner - that is so true. This was the right thing to do for me.

Today my husband and I went on a 6 mile walk - something I couldn't have done a year ago. I went to the doctor a few weeks ago and my blood pressure is NORMAL and my cholesterol is lower. I feel healthy for the first time in about 10 years.

That's awesome! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. 6 mile walk that's great...it would take me a miracle to go 6 blocks now.

Last time I felt like I could take it off the old fashion way...well I did and have put it all back on.

I can tell you, I tried to lose it on my own and wasn't able to. I think that's a common theme to deciding not to have surgery.

I wasted too much time, energy and money trying to do it on my own. I wasn't winning the battle and that only made things worse for me. I'd lose 20 pounds, then stop dieting/exercising and gain 25 pounds back. I lost way too much time being stubborn, thinking I could do it on my own.

You're young (10 years younger than me) - if you were my little brother, I'd say "Go for it! Don't waste time like I did."

If you're ready, do it - it's a life changer.

I spoke with my brother after I made the decision to have the sleeve (he had gastric bypass) and he mentioned that he cancelled the surgery after it was set up, thinking he could do it for sure one last time ... then he thought he was having a heart attack while at work. He called the surgeon back, set it up and has never looked back.

Almost everyone decides on surgery because we can't get it off on our own and if we get some off we put it back on. I haven't been able to lose over 11 lbs. at one time in about seven years!

My doctor required a two week low carb pre op diet. At the time, I considered cheating on it. I figured how would he know? Looking back, I'm glad he required it. It has been mentally hard not having food in my one week post op. I think the pre op diet made it a little easier though.

Thank you!! Thank you!! I'm having surgery April 2 and was really starting to doubt myself!! But I'm going for it !! Thank you !!!

@@lockkill, I almost backed out of surgery the night before and the morning of because I was afraid.

I sat in admitting the day of surgery and thought, "I can just walk out of here and I"ll only be out $500." I was so scared. I then thought of all the reasons I wanted and needed to have the surgery and I chose to go thru with it. It was over before I knew it.

Again, I am so thankful I had the opportunity to do this and I do not regret it. It hasn't been easy - I've cried, been frustrated, and angry, but it's totally be worth it.

You're going to do great on Wednesday!

@@lockkill, I almost backed out of surgery the night before and the morning of because I was afraid.

I sat in admitting the day of surgery and thought, "I can just walk out of here and I"ll only be out $500." I was so scared. I then thought of all the reasons I wanted and needed to have the surgery and I chose to go thru with it. It was over before I knew it.

Again, I am so thankful I had the opportunity to do this and I do not regret it. It hasn't been easy - I've cried, been frustrated, and angry, but it's totally be worth it.

You're going to do great on Wednesday!

Oh gosh, thank you for sharing. I am so worried I'm going to back out. My surgery is in 8 hours and I'm still ambivalent about it. I'm really afraid of the surgery and I'm afraid I won't be able to do all that's necessary afterward. I'm afraid I'll want to eat everything and that I'll stretch my stomach and gain the weight back. I'm afraid my skin is going to be so droopy that I'll end up looking like a shar pei dog. Ack! I think I'm overthinking it. I tend to over worry things and I'm kind of caught up in my own anxiety. Thanks again for sharing. You've helped give me a little courage.