Hi Everyone!

I don't really know where to start this is my first time reaching out for this kind of support but here goes....

I started this journey in the end of October as a solution to a back problem I severely herniated a disc and couldn't get help without losing a significant amount of weight. My back surgeon suggested weight loss surgery to help me get out of pain. SO... I met with a surgeon and was told i needed to lose 50lbs to be eligible for surgery. I started dieting and went through the rigourous weight loss program and got a surgery date of March 4th. I lost 50lbs as of 2/4 which is when I met with my surgeon for my pre-op appointment. I was completely devastated when he told me he needed me to lose 20 more pounds before February 23rd or he had to cancel my surgery. 20 pounds in 18 days?! is he crazy?!?!?! My grandmother bought tickets to come up from Florida to be with me, I've taken the time off from both of my jobs and now he tells me!? I'm so frustrated and tired and scared and overwhelmed and a whole bunch of other emotions I can't even begin to describe. Everything about this surgery scares me.. how will my life change? what about my relationship with my fiance and friends? am I still going to be the same person? am I going to be devastated because I miss what use to bring me comfort? Also, I know if I don't lose the 20lbs in 18 days my family will still love and support me but I'm going to feel so awful because all the money my grandmother spent on plane tickets. I guess I'm just looking for someone whose been through this to tell me it's worth it.. hard but doable... that there is a light at the end of this scary tunnel. Thank you in advance for any support that comes my way.

Wow, 20 lbs in 18 days is brutal, but possible. Being scared before surgery is perfectly normal. I was terrified! All I kept thinking of was all the horror stories I have heard and I didn't want to die! But I just kept reminding myself that I REALLY needed this surgical tool to be healthier and become more of a participant in my family's life. I could barely walk without a cane last year. Now, to be honest, I have had minor complications, but I have no regrets! It won't be easy, and it will be an adjustment for your family and friends. But when you have more freedom and energy you will be so much happier! All this struggle will be TOTALLY worth it!

You can do it!! Just live off 5 protein shakes a day. You can absolutely do it and it will be so worth it!

Well now isn't that just awful of him?!? Here's what I think, I think he's using a scare tactic on you to prevent you from going hog wild and doing damage to how far you have come. Ever heard of a "food funeral"? Well that seems to be a thing to do pre-operative. Most think that they will never be able to eat this again, or that. It's a lie! Don't believe that. You will be able to eat everything eventually after you're healed.

I'm not saying that he's bluffing though. I believe he absolutely will cancel your surgery if you don't at least come to your surgery day without a loss of some kind. So, take it for what it is. Sounds like he's a good surgeon and he knows pre-op behaviors. Work hard to lose more weight. Keep in mind that you have everything mapped out and you cannot fail.