I feel like I want to know what to expect so I won't freak out over everything after surgery. But, it scares me to see so many problems people have. I would say most Pre-op people have similar WANTS: lose weight, more energy, prevent certain diseases or stop certain conditions etc. It's scary to think I could be miserable after surgery when all I want is to be better. I have had 7 surgeries, so I know about abdomen pain and gas, of course I haven't experienced gastric sleeve...I don't wanted be dehydrated or nauseated for two months, not saying I will, but I have "read" where people have. I have stayed away from the camera for years, like most of you, here lately I've been letting myself be photographed so I would have "before" pictures, pictures don't lie, I'm huge, I need this surgery so bad. Anyone who is a Christian, please pray for me, for us all. Can anyone relate? Thanks, and God Bless!!!

Edited June 2, 201412 yr by mentalistfan

I think as a new comer and in the process of Pre-Op (As myself) it's natural to have many fears and concerns going into a major surgery. This fourm is a very useful tool when it come's to connecting with others and learning, But it can also be overwhelming and filled with honest opinions some of us don't want to hear or face in the future. With that being said, I to found myself feeling like maybe this isn't the path I want to pursue because of the many post's about complications. But after watching this video a few day's ago I've calmed my fears and realized that I'm ready.

http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/e_central_new_york_teen_loses.html

If a young man such as that in the video can make such a drastic change in their life and survive, So can I.

No path traveled is ever easy, Especially those worth traveling.

I understand your thoughts on not reading so many posts, but please keep doing your research on this forum. You will find great advice and when you need a group of people to understand what you are going through....there is no better place than here! I think you will find that with any procedure, whether WLS or any other surgery, there are going to be risks and I like that everyone is honest here and tells you about their experiences. I will pray for you and hope that you make the right decision for you, whatever that may be.

I can tell you getting a sleeve was the best thing I have EVER done for myself and my family. I am approaching the year mark and feel the best I have felt in my entire life. I can do more exercise, keep up with my kids, have a confidence that I've never had before and most importantly for me is that I can finally say I like the way I look. WHEW I said it, I like the way I look and can look in the mirror without wincing:) Again, good luck to you.

Sometimes its best to be selective about which posts you do read but overall this is a wonderful site for you to visit as you will learn a lot from the veterans on here. We understand about your fears and reservations, we had them as well. I, like most people, spent a lot of time reading on line and in books about the surgery, the recovery and the possible complications. It was difficult to think about going through those things but I knew they were all very real possibilities and that one can not predict what will or will not happen after surgery. It is all luck and chance. The best thing you can do for yourself is follow your surgeons advice pre and post op to help minimize any of those complications. The most important thing to remember is that the chances of having complications are very small and most people do not have complications after surgery but most people do have complications from being morbidly obese. If you don't have the surgery you will most likely remain obese and the complications you now experience will certainly become worse. With WLS, you might have a small temporary complication or none at all. Put your fear in perspective and choose what is in your best interest. Good luck.

Oh boy, do I know what you are feeling. Hubby and I had this conversation this morning. I am an avid reader of these boards, trying to get every bit of information I can. I am discovering it has me doing a lot of second guessing too. Things like, will I be able to do the pre-op diet after reading how so many "cheat". I have yet to figure out if they cheat because it's impossible to do, (which some others have done it so it's not totally impossible) or is it just easier to say that it's too hard and give up. I have never done that as a part of my life, so does that mean I will just pull myself up by my bootstraps and keep going without failure?

Like you, I have not taken pictures to amount to a whole hill of Beans in the past 25 years or so. I came to this board knowing I could do whatever I was asked by the surgeon or team to do. Now I have doubts. Am I really strong enough, what if I fail ... my cardiologist already said he and his staff will not recognize me next year for my visit. What if they do? What if I don't lose enough weight to yield the optimum results on my knee surgeries? I have bundled up my winter clothing, but have yet to get rid of them, what if I need them this coming winter? The tears seem to flow at the drop of the hat anymore and half the time, I'm not even sure why. I just feel like a fish out of water so much of the time.

July 1st (surgery) can't come soon enough for me. Hubby is talking about buying and installing an electric stove in the pole barn so I don't have to smell the food he is going to have to cook while I'm on the pre-op and subsequent post op programs I'll have to follow (thoughtful as hell)!

After the first cardiologist I saw a year ago told me I'd be dead within 8 years if I didn't stop smoking, lose a minimum of 150 pounds and start walking 90 to 180 minutes a day, every day ... I figure he was telling me the facts even though the new cardiologist is more diplomatic! The cardiologist is 100% supporting WLS.

I just want to scream from the rooftop ... CAN I DO THIS???? Okay, freak out over ... is this what you are feeling Mentalistfan?

Oh boy, do I know what you are feeling. Hubby and I had this conversation this morning. I am an avid reader of these boards, trying to get every bit of information I can. I am discovering it has me doing a lot of second guessing too. Things like, will I be able to do the pre-op diet after reading how so many "cheat". I have yet to figure out if they cheat because it's impossible to do, (which some others have done it so it's not totally impossible) or is it just easier to say that it's too hard and give up. I have never done that as a part of my life, so does that mean I will just pull myself up by my bootstraps and keep going without failure?

Like you, I have not taken pictures to amount to a whole hill of Beans in the past 25 years or so. I came to this board knowing I could do whatever I was asked by the surgeon or team to do. Now I have doubts. Am I really strong enough, what if I fail ... my cardiologist already said he and his staff will not recognize me next year for my visit. What if they do? What if I don't lose enough weight to yield the optimum results on my knee surgeries? I have bundled up my winter clothing, but have yet to get rid of them, what if I need them this coming winter? The tears seem to flow at the drop of the hat anymore and half the time, I'm not even sure why. I just feel like a fish out of water so much of the time.

July 1st (surgery) can't come soon enough for me. Hubby is talking about buying and installing an electric stove in the pole barn so I don't have to smell the food he is going to have to cook while I'm on the pre-op and subsequent post op programs I'll have to follow (thoughtful as hell)!

After the first cardiologist I saw a year ago told me I'd be dead within 8 years if I didn't stop smoking, lose a minimum of 150 pounds and start walking 90 to 180 minutes a day, every day ... I figure he was telling me the facts even though the new cardiologist is more diplomatic! The cardiologist is 100% supporting WLS.

I just want to scream from the rooftop ... CAN I DO THIS???? Okay, freak out over ... is this what you are feeling Mentalistfan?

You CAN do this AND your hubby is SUPER SUPPORTIVE! For some people that's part of the battle, no support!

I feel like I want to know what to expect so I won't freak out over everything after surgery. But, it scares me to see so many problems people have. I would say most Pre-op people have similar WANTS: lose weight, more energy, prevent certain diseases or stop certain conditions etc. It's scary to think I could be miserable after surgery when all I want is to be better. I have had 7 surgeries, so I know about abdomen pain and gas, of course I haven't experienced gastric sleeve...I don't wanted be dehydrated or nauseated for two months, not saying I will, but I have "read" where people have. I have stayed away from the camera for years, like most of you, here lately I've been letting myself be photographed so I would have "before" pictures, pictures don't lie, I'm huge, I need this surgery so bad. Anyone who is a Christian, please pray for me, for us all. Can anyone relate? Thanks, and God Bless!!!

Oh my gosh - yes!!!! I have been freaking out hearing about complications. What scares me the most is that this is permanent. Can't undo it. So I'm having such a hard time wrapping my head around this. I want to be better, healthier, happier, and weigh so much less. But I won't lie, those complications, constant nausea, vomiting, not being able to eat or drink, leaks and everything else have had me so worried. How do you get through that?

Its ok to FEAR THE UNKNOWN....

Im thankful to have found this site it has scared me, motivated me, inspired me, worried me and calmed me!!!

I have found this site to be so educating! I have felt just like you!! Im recently sleeved since 4/2014 and have had No complications, i was back to normal on day 3 of being sleeved. I have went from size 16 to 14 in a month! When I run into a stall i find this site to help me and know that its ok and there are others who face the same problems i have

For every person that has a complication posted on this forum there are 10x as many that do not. It is good to know about potential issues but you can be paralyzed by some of the commentary and the worry that goes with it.

I suggest you do the reading, listen to what people say and determine what does or does not apply to you. There is terrific information here if you look for it. For me it has been a valuable resource. Being able to talk with others about similar situations has been invaluable.

Understanding the risks associated with the surgery should be part of your decision making process. I knew and understood the potential concerns with the surgery and was willing to proceed, because the long term benefit was too great not to participate. I had a complication that I did not think would happen to me but it did. I dealt with it and moved on. It has been the best decision I made for myself in a long time. I feel great and my life has changed for the better.

Maybe it is just me but I couldn't dwell on the what if's once I understand them and commit to move forward.

That's true, we shouldn't wonder what if...it's time to have Faith everything will be alright. If I'm going to do this, do it right! Learn what I need to do and be determined to do it! Thanks everyone!

Sus- I'm on the 14 day liquid diet. This is day 8. Surgery is Monday. It's hard but not impossible. I think days 3-4 were the hardest for me. I kept telling myself it's only two weeks. In the big picture that's just a moment. Having support is the most important, sounds like your husband will be a great one. Mine drank protein drinks at supper with me. It helped a lot. warm broth and tea are also nice in the evening. If you can have them. Good luck!

just remember that people who have smooth sailing dont post on forums (usually). they are busy living their lives. some people like the companionship of the forums.. but mostly, people who struggle are the people who are here. struggling isnt bad per se, this isnt easy stuff to overcome. in my surgery daye group on FB, there are about 65 members and pnly about 25 post regularly, the rest only show up when they have problems.