Does anyone ever feel some burn out in the pre-op stage? My surgery is in 3 1/2 weeks and today I feel like I'm just not in the mood to deal with this anymore. Today, just as I need to go into high gear to get my life and my work ready, I'm feeling tired of it all, scared and shocked by the reality of the surgery - am I really going to do this to myself???? (I am, but sometimes I can't handle thinking about it too much). It's going to take so much very, very hard work to get from today to 4 months from now - I am going to have to dig really deep in myself to make each day happen and happen successfully. It seems so hard - how do I make sure I have what it takes and can do what it takes.

The people scheduled near my surgery date are all so excited - they can't wait, some wish it were tomorrow - is that the right and better way to be feeling? From everything I've read, this surgery is not magic and it's going to take a heck of a lot of total commitment from me to get through this - I see it more as a long road and hard commitment. I am working on coming to terms with and accepting this overwhelming challenge to make sure I'm ready for it. Anyone ever feel this way? Any thoughts?

I am giddy and happy here and there, but the huge commitment to this change and the growing acceptance of a life without dependence on food is much more of my focus.

(No really harsh responses to my post please)

Wish I had words of wisdom for you but I don't. Just wanted you to know you took the words right out of my head. I feel exactly like you. You are not the only one. I am not sure when I am going I be sleeved yet could be a month from now or six months from now but I understand exactly what you are saying. Hugs and best wishes.

Does anyone ever feel some burn out in the pre-op stage? My surgery is in 3 1/2 weeks and today I feel like I'm just not in the mood to deal with this anymore. Today, just as I need to go into high gear to get my life and my work ready, I'm feeling tired of it all, scared and shocked by the reality of the surgery - am I really going to do this to myself???? (I am, but sometimes I can't handle thinking about it too much). It's going to take so much very, very hard work to get from today to 4 months from now - I am going to have to dig really deep in myself to make each day happen and happen successfully. It seems so hard - how do I make sure I have what it takes and can do what it takes. The people scheduled near my surgery date are all so excited - they can't wait, some wish it were tomorrow - is that the right and better way to be feeling? From everything I've read, this surgery is not magic and it's going to take a heck of a lot of total commitment from me to get through this - I see it more as a long road and hard commitment. I am working on coming to terms with and accepting this overwhelming challenge to make sure I'm ready for it. Anyone ever feel this way? Any thoughts? I am giddy and happy here and there, but the huge commitment to this change and the growing acceptance of a life without dependence on Food is much more of my focus. (No really harsh responses to my post please)

I felt that way too! Especially the last 2 weeks of pre op. The morning of my surgery I was thinking, wth am I doing? The next 3 days postop was pretty bad too. But from then on in, it's gotten easier and easier! I love my sleeve. I love my new lifestyle. I'm a very slow loser, always have been. But I love knowing that inevitably the weight will come off! Yay! So please know, it will get worse before it gets better, but once it gets better, it will be very well worth it! Hang in there!

Personally I think it's great that you are taking it so seriously. Sounds like you have a true and firm grasp on the magnitude of the step you are about to take. I think that will make things easier for you to handle in the long run because you have no romantic notions that it will be easy and hassle-free. I tend to obsess over things and I've felt the burn out a time or two. Also understand what you mean about trying not to think about it too much. There's no right or wrong way to think about it. Your feelings are legitimate and valid. Good luck to you.

I know exactly how you feel. I feel like I am about to go on, yet another, big diet and man those are so hard, you know? Not thrilled. A part of me also thinks I can just lose the weight on my own still and get rid of diabetes that way. It is a big risk to try it that way though, and I know it. Therefore I am going to go through with the surgery.

Oddly, the last day or two I have been sad over losing part of my stomach. I was born with it! It has been such a part of my life (too much really). I can't go back and undo it. It is a bit scary.

So, while I am not excited and a bit apprehensive, I know getting this surgery is best for me because it will give me the best chance at keeping diabetic complications at bay and the best chance for good health for the long term.

Right there with you 100%. My surgery is a week from tomorrow. I am not giddy with anticipation and excited to start my new life. I am scared and freaked out and completely worried about "buyer's remorse" and overwhelmed by thoughts of "Can I do this? Will I be miserable?" This is permanent! Am I up to the fight for life?"

I hope these aren't signs that I'm not ready. The one thing that seems to help is to remind myself why I'm doing this - which is because I don't want to spend the 2nd half of my life in a Lazy Boy recliner.

Good luck and best wishes to you!

I can relate 100%. I still have not decided if I'm going to have the surgery or not, and my excitement about the idea of it pales in comparison to others. I don't think there's a right or wrong way to feel. For me, I view this sort of like a marriage. If all of my focus is on the big day, I am less focused on the rest of my life, which is what really matters. I am all about getting my mind prepared for a change, one way or another. Cutting my stomach out of my body does not and will not cure my addiction and emotional attachment to food. Once I have a better handle on why I have no control over food and my weight, I'll seriously consider the surgery.

I feel the same way. A lot like travelmego. I try to keep this in perspective. My cardiologist said I'm pre-diabetic. He said with the surgery I can avoid getting diabetes ( obviously, thus involves making the right food choices) without the surgery, I am destined to be diabetic. With that said, I KNOW this is the right choice.

Blazzrr, know that you are not alone. In the words of Elkhart Tolle, be present. Deal with today, today. Prepare as best as you can but TRY not to to think too far into the future. One meal, one day at a time.

For me, remembering the reason why really helps.

Best wishes

I went on the site tonight to post exactly this same topic. I am 3 weeks from surgery and am wondering if I put all the effort into a "regular" diet that I am into getting vitamins, protein powder, etc, maybe I could do it myself. I hate that I have failed in the past. I am nervous, very very nervous. I did order vitamins and comfy clothes for post-op. For some reason, all the protein powder stuff freaks me out a bit. Not sure why.

I feel the same way. I am not excited but super nervous. I am also "missing" food in advance. I love to eat and food is like my best friend. Of course that is not a good thing. =) Just keep moving forward. Best of luck!

Feel much the same way but couldnt have said it so eloquently.

I can relate 100%. I still have not decided if I'm going to have the surgery or not, and my excitement about the idea of it pales in comparison to others. I don't think there's a right or wrong way to feel. For me, I view this sort of like a marriage. If all of my focus is on the big day, I am less focused on the rest of my life, which is what really matters. I am all about getting my mind prepared for a change, one way or another. Cutting my stomach out of my body does not and will not cure my addiction and emotional attachment to food. Once I have a better handle on why I have no control over food and my weight, I'll seriously consider the surgery.

I've been thinking of this for 15 yrs..I had 2 specialist refer me to have this done. I have had 2 yrs of psychotherapy. ..I see a therapist regular. I have been on every diet known to man an then some. I had turned to food over 30 yrs ago have yoyod weight this whole time. Iv learned thru therapy what is the underlying issues of this learned behavior an I have stopped that cycle for the most part I slip here an there but I don't use food for comfort or fill a void an I'm not saying everyone does or anyone on this forum. I'm just saying about me. Some of my issues are depression when I'm in a rut for the most part I'm stable winter gloomy days are worst at times but I do take medication to keep it controlled. I am also for most of life hypothyroidism. ..this yr I finally seen an endocrinologist an insisted on certain test...finally was dx with hashis an insulin resistance. So the past 15 months I have put on another 50 pds...this weight is exhausting to carry. I'm at 255 I've never been this big.an I'm tired of beating myself up bc no matter wat I do the weight keeps goin up. ..I have to eat less then 400 cal in order to loose anything but just eating that amount with such a large stomach I feel starved an growls all the time if I do that but by reducing the size I will b satisfied with baby portion. Sure enuff I met criteria an more.I'm a committed person that's just my personality an this will enable me as a tool to just eat to live an not live to eat. I can't think of wks or months down the road I don't make plans period I take one day at a time. Its overwhelming if you worry about down the road.if I don't do this I'll continue down this road of misery an fat with no self esteem an continue hiding an let life just pass by or I can do this for me an get healthy. But this has been my journey an the steps I took to get here. Therapy saved me! She helped me by looking at other perspectives for me...I'm not saying this for you but this is wat I've done already an things have just fallen into place...its normal for second thoughts it's serious step. Iv just made up my mind I want to change my life. I'm 50 yrs old...I've spent 35 yrs overweight an unhealthy. I wish you the best an I hope my experiences can help you...sory so lengthy. ..be sure your ready with heart an mind....

Your honesty (as well as all the replies) are so refreshing! I appreciate reading about it and all of the "what ifs!" Thanks for being honest and for all the replies!

Blondebomb, thank you for sharing your story. I can certainly appreciate all of your struggles. I am one of those people that considers more than just today. Part of it is my type A personality, and the other part is because I have a medically fragile child whose life is very unpredictable. So considering and planning for "what ifs" is second nature to me.

It's taken a great deal of courage to even admit that I need help with my food addiction, and reading others' stories solidifies for me that getting therapy is more important than having surgery. I've read so many threads of people wishing they had prepared more mentally for this huge change versus focusing just on the sugery. After surgery, the only thing different is the size of your stomach. Every mental hang-up, angst, and ounce of depression is present and accounted for. I think once the excitement wears off and especially after stalls begin to happen, the potential to fall back into old habits is strong. Just because we physically can't eat pounds of food after surgery, doesn't mean that our minds got that message. Many people seem to get it and truly change their lives for the better, but I know myself. I know how bad my depression can get. I know that food fills a void like nothing else for me, and the last thing I want to do is trade a food addiction for some other problem, like alcoholism. There's a distinct reason why many people who have WLS end up tiny and healthy weight wise, but also quickly pick up another vice......issues that haven't been dealt with like you've done by seeking therapy, are thrust in our faces after surgery; I believe people's stories when they say how much harder it makes the recovery and adjustment process since food can't be used for comfort anymore.

All that being said, I think the gastric sleeve is an exceptional tool that can cause permanent, positive changes. My opinion is just that it's not as important as mental health. We all became overweight by one simple reason. We have an unhealthy relationship with food, even if there are other factors present that makes weight loss more difficult. It is a fact that I readily admit and accept about myself, which is why I'm here seeking support from others. Best wishes to you. ????

Does anyone ever feel some burn out in the pre-op stage? My surgery is in 3 1/2 weeks and today I feel like I'm just not in the mood to deal with this anymore. Today, just as I need to go into high gear to get my life and my work ready, I'm feeling tired of it all, scared and shocked by the reality of the surgery - am I really going to do this to myself???? (I am, but sometimes I can't handle thinking about it too much). It's going to take so much very, very hard work to get from today to 4 months from now - I am going to have to dig really deep in myself to make each day happen and happen successfully. It seems so hard - how do I make sure I have what it takes and can do what it takes.

The people scheduled near my surgery date are all so excited - they can't wait, some wish it were tomorrow - is that the right and better way to be feeling? From everything I've read, this surgery is not magic and it's going to take a heck of a lot of total commitment from me to get through this - I see it more as a long road and hard commitment. I am working on coming to terms with and accepting this overwhelming challenge to make sure I'm ready for it. Anyone ever feel this way? Any thoughts?

I am giddy and happy here and there, but the huge commitment to this change and the growing acceptance of a life without dependence on food is much more of my focus.

(No really harsh responses to my post please)

You literally read my mind - when I found out I was approved it was so anti-climatic for me. I started this journey to get approved last November so I'm just tired from jumping through the hoops. My fiancé was standing next to me when I found out and was surprised that I wasn't super excited. I think part of it is fear of actually going through with the surgery and the other part is a fear that something will come up in the next two weeks that will prevent me from getting the surgery.

Maybe we are saving all our excitement for when we get skinny

Me too. I keep thinking if i can do this preop diet i dont need the surgery. I keep thinking about all the things i will miss out on. Not a great thing to do though. A lady at my last support group meeting said "nothing tastes as good as thin feels". Ive always been successful on any diet ive tried, until the week is over. Ha! So i know these will help ensure i stay on it