Hello guys and gals. I am about one month away from surgery and I am doubting myself on this decision. I had a moment of panic and uncontrollable crying last night. I'm afraid of the surgery itself and what I am going to be like after. I know the good outweighs the bad on so many levels. I'm ready to make the change, but I'm also terrified of it. I read through all the paperwork I was given when I first started the process and it just freaked me out. I have so many silly questions and what if scenarios playing out in my mind. Has anyone ever felt like this or is it just me? Up until now, I was so excited to have the surgery done. I tried talking to my husband about it (he's very supportive), but it didn't help ease my fears. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you!

@@Riz2006

For me the pre-op diet was hardest and I only had to do 3 days of clear liquid. The second day was hard. I had to get our of the house. Never did so much window shopping in my life. Did a movie theater and a pedicure too. Anything to distract me. After surgery at least you are not hungry but before the lyon is roaring. It's a mind over matter kind of thing.

@@rosalinda0323

I know exactly how you feel regarding your baby. I should have had my surgery years ago but I was too afraid because of my kids. What I failed to realize was that I wasn't living either. At 270 lbs trust me, I wasn't living. I would have been a much better mom had I done this earlier. But I guess fear is a debilitating thing and I had to do it my way but I am so glad I had the courage to face the truth and reality that my ability to live a

good life was not looking good for me.

I had the sleeve but let me tell you it was the best thing in the world. I have chronic uterica. They are painful, itchy hives. I was at the point of having an outbreak at least once a week, sometimes more. The only treatments were benedryl. If I was lucky I could take them at home. However it would take me at least 2 days to sleep off the effects of the benedryl. That meant if it was a mild attack, I'd lose 3 days out of the week. I would be took sleepy and drowsy to function well. If it was a bad attack, I had to go to the ER for IV benedryl. That burns as it course through your veins. They also had to observe me for 6 hours before I was allowed to go home. Once home I still needed 2 days to sleep it off.

In addition for whatever reason my throat and tongue would also swell on occasion. That was always an immediate trip to the ER for IV benedryl.

Post-op I have had not one single episode. I was told there was a possibility that my uterica would go into remission. The doctor's aren't sure why though. I am extremely thankful that it has.

As for the surgery itself? Could not have been easier. No pain, no problems with gas, no nausea. I was started on colace in the hospital and had my first BM 2 days after I came home. I am losing weight and feeling better than I have in a very long time. It's worth it. If you've come this far, please have the surgery.

I needed to read this. I am scheduled in a week. I'm scared, anxious, excited, nervous - you name it. I've had cold feet for about a week now. And I've debated everything. I've never been so conflicted. Did all you ladies who have posted here have the surgery?

@@tootie09 - Yup, sleeved on 9/18/14 and do not regret any of it

As I waited for my surgery alone in the hallway outside the OR room, I cried my eyes out. I was very afraid but more about what my life was going to be like. Like saying goodbye, I guess, to my best friend.

It took me a couple of weeks to know whether I did the right thing for myself (and I'd heard the same from others). Having now lost 50 lbs and also being able to cross my legs, etc. etc. I'm more than happy with my decision.

I was saying to my girlfriend that it is such a personal decision to have the surgery or not. I don't think that anyone can make that decision for you. But that was early on when I still wasn't sure whether I made the right choice.

Give it time, it's a process and keep us posted.

Ruth