Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Recommended Posts

I looked at like this...all the years of failed dieting and now I'm 40. Had high blood pressure, constantly sweating, sleep apnea, etc. It was life or death for me, that's how I look at it. I figured if I didn't commit to do it, I'd be dead in 5 or 10 years. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I am down 49 pounds since Sept. 15th. I don't have to take blood pressure meds anymore and my colitis is in remission. It is scary before the surgery, my food was like a friend, and you will mourn it. But you'll be happier and healthier for it. And alive. You can do it! Trust me, it is so worth it!!!

Edited by NewKaren

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was a bit silly, I'll admit. I watched a ton of medical dramas on TV, and desensitized myself to the idea of surgery. I realized that just because I personally don't often see surgeries, or go to hospitals, doesn't mean there aren't lots of people who do, on a daily basis. Finding a great doctor with a great record helps. If medical doctors can bring people back after cardiac arrest, bypasses, brain surgery, and transplants, a little VSG should be a piece of cake. And it was!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was scared, too. We all were. I think you'd have to be a little nuts not to be concerned. But we all decided the benefits outweigh the risks. This is a hard surgery. But it is worth it... Period. Don't let fear make your decision for you.

Edited by JCP

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are going to be your own worst enemy after surgery. Your head will play games with you. STAY STRONG! I will say that I struggled during my 2 week liquids phase. I wanted to EAT. Not binge but just chew something. I wanted pizza, steak, burger.... anything and everything. I wasn't hungry but just wanted to chew food. Now that I've started Phase 3 and can have soft/pureed foods - my head stopped talking to me.

Just stay strong and you will make it through. Good luck!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Had surgery two days ago. I was nervous as well. Other than being sore, I feel great. The complete lack of hunger is amazing. I'm so glad that I paid for this surgery. Good luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I was scared, too. We all were. I think you'd have to be a little nuts not to be concerned. But we all decided the benefits outweigh the risks. This is a hard surgery. But it is worth it... Period. Don't let fear make your decision for you.

Could I add you as a friend? I would love to keep in touch. I can learn from you since you were so recent.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You are going to be your own worst enemy after surgery. Your head will play games with you. STAY STRONG! I will say that I struggled during my 2 week liquids phase. I wanted to EAT. Not binge but just chew something. I wanted pizza, steak, burger.... anything and everything. I wasn't hungry but just wanted to chew food. Now that I've started Phase 3 and can have soft/pureed foods - my head stopped talking to me.

Just stay strong and you will make it through. Good luck!!

OMG I can relate to this. I know how it feels when you just want something solid going into your tummy. liquid phase will be tough for me.

I have been known to eat even if I just had a wisdom tooth taken out. lol

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@ I actually ran out of my first scheduled surgery date. I was set for October 10, and I got to the hospital, got all naked, the IV was in, and I changed my mind and left because I was panicking.

It was a terrible decision and I regretted it immediately after leaving the hospital. It took another 3 weeks to reschedule, which meant more pre-op diet, more money and more hassle.

I made the decision to get the sleeve calmly and rationally, and I let day-of panic make the decision to leave. I should have trusted my calm, rational self. I am 35 and was 260 lbs, and I didn't want to be 40 and staring down 300 lbs, or more. Do you want to choose not to have the surgery and deal with this weight for the rest of your life? I didn't.

Only you know what's right for you, but having the surgery was the right decision for me. And the anesthesiologist can give you something to calm your nerves on the day-of to help you get through it.

I am now 3.5 weeks post op, and transitioning to sleeved life hasn't been super easy, but I'm already down a significant amount of weight, and I know I just need some time to adjust to this way of life.

Good luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 6 days out from surgery (10lbs down) and I can tell you, I was feeling the same way . The actual surgery it's self really wasn't all that painful, for me, it was the anesthesia, which can make some feel nauseous. Don't listen to the negative thoughts, have faith , pray and push through it, you can do it! As 2015 approaches a healthier and happier you is waiting and saying , Happy New.. Me!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thank you for giving me your opinions. I am open to learning from others. I felt a little more courage today.....

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@mnmlst

Thank you for your reply. It opened up my mind to think about what you said because I too fear to have to dread the scale everyday and walk away hating myself.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This entire process can be overwhelming and scary. All of us have been there so we understand. I can't tell you how many seminars I attended over the years trying to make the decision if this was right for me. There is a learning curve to all of it but its not anything you can't do... in fact your stomach takes over where the will-power fails. You can do this, I have no doubt. I had the surgery at 58 years old so if I can do it, I know you can. I just have to tell you that this is the best thing I've ever done for myself and would do it over again in a heart beat. I love my sleeve. Don't worry about failure...your stomach will take control and keep you honest. If you are tired of being tired, fat, and miserable...this is your way out. It is not the easy way out but it is the successful way out. If you want the weight to fall off, the new clothes to become smaller and people to notice you for who you are rather than your size, then this just might be the right path for you. I love it and I get compliments all of the time. It is worth every negative side effect I ever had....they were all temporary...and the weight loss is going to be permanent. Good luck to you.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This entire process can be overwhelming and scary. All of us have been there so we understand. I can't tell you how many seminars I attended over the years trying to make the decision if this was right for me. There is a learning curve to all of it but its not anything you can't do... in fact your stomach takes over where the will-power fails. You can do this, I have no doubt. I had the surgery at 58 years old so if I can do it, I know you can. I just have to tell you that this is the best thing I've ever done for myself and would do it over again in a heart beat. I love my sleeve. Don't worry about failure...your stomach will take control and keep you honest. If you are tired of being tired, fat, and miserable...this is your way out. It is not the easy way out but it is the successful way out. If you want the weight to fall off, the new clothes to become smaller and people to notice you for who you are rather than your size, then this just might be the right path for you. I love it and I get compliments all of the time. It is worth every negative side effect I ever had....they were all temporary...and the weight loss is going to be permanent. Good luck to you.

Thank you for your response. You made valid points and I will certainly think about what you stated. It is true. I am tired of being tired, fat, stared upon, etc. I am my worst enemy. I am very hard on myself, so I do enough damage emotionally that what others don't affect me at that point. So yes, I have to build the courage as time is getting near. I haven't told anyone, because I don't have support for this. Only one person.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • LeighaTR

      I am new here today... and only two weeks out from my sleeve surgery on the 23rd. I am amazed I have kept my calories down to 467 today so far... that leaves me almost 750 left for dinner and maybe a snack. This is going to be tough for two weeks... but I have to believe I can do it!
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Doughgurl

      Hey everyone. I'm new here so I thought I should introduce myself. I am 53y/o and am scheduled for Gastric Bypass on June 25th, 2025. I'm located in San Antonio, Texas. I will be having my surgery in Tiajuana Mexico. I've wanted this for years, but I always had insurance where bariatric procedures were excluded. Finally I am able to afford to pay out of pocket.  I can't wait to get started, and I hope I'm prepared for the initial period of "hell". I know what I have signed up for, but I'm sure the good to come will out way the temporary period of discomfort and feelings of regret. I'd love to find people to talk to who have been through the same procedure or experience before. So I look forward to meeting you all. Hope you have a great week!
      · 2 replies
      1. Selina333

        I'm so happy for you! You are about to change your life. I was so glad to get the sleeve done in Dec. I didn't have feelings of regret overall. And I'm down almost 60 lbs. I do feel a little sad at restaurants. I can barely eat half a kid's meal. I get adults meals often because kid ones don't have the same offerings at times. Then I feel obligated to eat on that until it's gone and that can be days. So the restaurant thing isn't great for me. All the rest is fine by me! I love feeling full with very little. I do wish I could drink when eating. And will sip at the end. Just a strong habit to stop. But I'm working on it! You will do fine! Just keep focused on your desire to be different. Not better or worse. But different. I am happy both ways but my low back doesn't like me that heavy. So I listened (also my feet!). LOL! Update us on your journey! I'm not far from you. I'm in Houston. Good luck and I hope it all goes smoothly! Would love to see pics of the town you go to for this. I've never been there. Neat you will be traveling for this! Enjoy the journey. Take it one day at a time. Sometimes a few hours at a time. Follow all recommendations as best you can. 💗

      2. Doughgurl

        Thank you so much for your well wishes. I am hoping that everything goes easy for me as well. We don't eat out much as it is, so it wont be too bad in that department. Thankfully. Also, I hear you regarding your back and feet!! I'd like to add knees to the list. Killing me as we speak! I'm only 5' so the weight has to go. Too short to carry all this weight. Menopause really did a doosey on me. (😶lol) My daughter also lives in Houston. with her Husband and my 5 grand-littles. I grew up in Beaumont, so I know Houston well, I will be sure to keep in touch and update you on my journey. I may need some advice in the future, or just motivation. Thank You so much for reaching out, I was hoping to connect with someone in the community. I really appreciate it. 💜

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. LeighaTR

        I hope your surgery on Wednesday goes well. You will be able to do all sorts of new things as you find your new normal after surgery. I don't know this from experience yet, but I am seeing a lot of positive things from people who have had it done. Best of luck!

    • Alisa_S

      On day 4 of the 2 week liquid pre-op diet. Surgery scheduled for June 11th.
      Soooo I am coming to a realization
      of something and I'm not sure what to do about it. For years the only thing I've enjoyed is eating. We rarely do anything or go anywhere and if we do it always includes food. Family comes over? Big family dinner! Go camping? Food! Take a short ride or trip? Food! Holiday? Food! Go out of town for a Dr appointment? Food! When we go to a new town we don't look for any attractions, we look for restaurants we haven't been to. Heck, I look forward to getting off work because that means it's almost supper time. Now that I'm drinking these pre-op shakes for breakfast, lunch, and supper I have nothing to look forward to.  And once I have surgery on June 11th it'll be more of the same shakes. Even after pureed stage, soft food stage, and finally regular food stage, it's going to be a drastic change for the rest of my life. I'm giving up the one thing that really brings me joy. Eating. How do you cope with that? What do you do to fill that void? Wow. Now I'm sad.
      · 1 reply
      1. summerseeker

        Life as a big person had limited my life to what I knew I could manage to do each day. That was eat. I hadn't anything else to look forward to. So my eating choices were the best I could dream up. I planned the cooking in managable lots in my head and filled my day with and around it.

        Now I have a whole new big, bigger, biggest, best days ever. I am out there with those skinny people doing stuff i could never have dreamt of. Food is now an after thought. It doesn't consume my day. I still enjoy the good home cooked food but I eat smaller portions. I leave food on my plate when I am full. I can no longer hear my mother's voice saying eat it all up, ther are starving children in Africa who would want that!

        I still cook for family feasts, I love cooking. I still do holidays but I have changed from the All inclusive drinking and eating everything everyday kind to Self catering accommodation. This gives me the choice of cooking or eating out as I choose. I rarely drink anymore as I usually travel alone now and I feel I need to keep aware of my surroundings.

        I don't know at what point my life expanded, was it when I lost 100 pounds? Was it when I left my walking stick at home ? Was it when I said yes to an outing instead of finding an excuse to stay home ? i look back at my last five years and wonder how loosing weight has made such a difference. Be ready to amaze yourself.

        BTW, the liquid diet sucks, one more day and you are over the worst. You can do it.

    • CaseyP1011

      Officially here for a long time, not just a good time💪
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×