Hello Everyone. I started tbe gastric sleeve journey in Dec. March will be month 3 for me. My insurance requires a 3 month doctor supervised weight management program. I am extremely nervous regarding complications with surgery and long term complications. In Dec., my weight was 249, today it is 244. I am 5'3" and in good health. My mother is over weight and a diabetic which is why I began this journey. My husband is supportive. I have not told anyone outside of my husband and my sister. Not only am I afraid of the surgery but I feel as if I don't need the surgery because I don't have health problems right now. Has anyone else experienced these feelings and if yes how do you overcome these fellings? My Doc has been helpful in answering my questions but my mind is saying "He has to answer your questions because he and the hospital will get money for you agreeing to have surgery and for no other reason. " Thanks for your help, Happy Teacher

Excess weight creates more wear on your joints. Why wait for the time you need knee or hip replacement? It's better to get your weight under control before you have the damage associated with getting diabetes (half the pancreatic islet cells that create insulin die off). You are doing the right thing. The sleeve is a very safe operation. I suggest looking for a Bariatric Center of Excellence for your surgery since they, statistically, have the best outcomes. Best wishes!

Edited February 17, 201511 yr by BeagleLover

Do you really feel like you don't need the surgery? You are almost done with the requirements. Clearly some part of you does think you need it! Surgery is scary. Arm yourself with facts and try to keep emotion out of it. The last thing on the planet I wanted was surgery, however, I didn't want to die young or be disabled so I did it.

Clearly only you can make this decision. Good Luck!

Hi cc4math My surgery is 3/2 and i am excited and nervous also. I am 5'1 and 217lb. Like you I have minimal health problems r/t wt. I have chronic back pain r/t an old injury and I have asthma that only causes issues when I am ill. I had a lapband placed in 2011 and removed this Nov. I have given a lot of consideration to weather I should have another surgery because I do not have the major health issues like some do. Here is what I decided, being healthier is never a bad decision. Why wait till I have addition health issues? I have also proven time and time again that what I have been doing is not working so I need this tool. Good luck

Hi, CC! I just joined BariatricPal so I could reply to you. I had the sleeve surgery less than 3 months ago (11/24/14). I struggled with making the decision to actually go ahead with the surgery for 2 years. I couldn't wrap my brain around the fact that "If I had to completely change my eating habits to be successful with weight loss surgery... why would i BOTHER with surgery? Why not just change my habits, and skip the surgery?" The thing that finally tipped me in the surgery direction was finally learning that the reduced stomach size would also reduce my hunger. Ahhh! There it was! Now 12 weeks post surgery, I am down 52 pounds since surgery, and the 25 I lost, preparing for surgery. All together 77 pounds lower than a year ago.

I too was really very healthy. (I had or have - I guess - sleep apnea... not a real big deal in my book, but enough of a big deal to help me qualify for surgery) But I knew that if I continued to just "try my best" I would not succeed at weight loss on my own. I had tried so many times, with limited success. I also knew that extra weight was CERTAIN to lead to health issues at some point. There's just no way around that.

My BMI of 35 was RIGHT ON THE EDGE of qualifying. But it was approved by insurance.

I feel great and I'm happy I made the decision.

LIke someone else replied, only you can make that decision, but I'm pretty confident you won't regret a decision to proceed with the surgery.

Best Wishes CC!

- Dave

hello all. I am a newbie, 4 weeks (tomorrow) post op with the sleeve. I was very weary at first. I had no health issues other than severe IBS and history of a mild disc buldge in my back that I was hoping this would help. However, I have tried diets in the past, several times loosing up to 50lbs, only to gain back 60-70lbs. I figured I needed more help than just the diets were doing. I'm glad I've had it done, insurance was not covered so I paid all out of pocket. So far since presurgical, I'm donw 30lbs, 25 of which were in the first 2 weeks. It's hard, but I'm glad I did it. I'm now at a stand still with weight, but can tell I'm losing inches.

Don't let worry be your deciding factor. It's the best thing you can do for you. I've told myself that from day one of deciding. You can do this!

Thank you all for your encouraging words. I appreciate each of you taking the time to share your stories with me. I am beginning to feel a lot better about the surgery. :-)

don't wait for the health issues some of them are irreversable.

Can anyone tell me how to start my own original question for others to give advice to?