Thank you all for sharing, my surgery is scheduled May 5th I can't believe it's happening I already have a Lapband, it has given me some problems so going in to revision to sleeve, I am panicking, Lapband surgery was much easier, I guess the fact of getting my stomach cut escalates the panic to another level. I'm praying for strength to not chicken out, my Wheight is currently out of control due to the Lapband had to be unfilled, gain 20 pounds in 5 month... Trying hard not to and working out a lot I still gained them! Reading this thread made me realize my feelings & fears are more common than what I thought, I am fearful to have a nervous breakdown this Tuesday and not follow through with the surgery, but if I do I will never forgive myself!

I am finding comfort in prayers and positive thoughts!

Thank you again for sharing and being supportive through your own experiences.

Being nervous is perfectly normal. The days leading up to surgery were exciting and scary at the same time.

I almost backed out of surgery the night before and the morning of surgery. On surgery day, I sat in admitting thinking "I could leave right now and I'll only be out $500." Then I looked over at my husband who was equally scared as I was. We didn't say anything to each other - I don't even think we made eye contact. I just looked at him and knew this was something I had to do. I made the choice to walk down the hall and get things started. I am so thankful I didn't let fear win in that moment.

I'm 18 months out and am finally living the life I was meant to live. My weight and food no longer rule my thoughts and my world. I'm happy and content. I smile A LOT now. I am active in my own life and not just in the physical sense. I'm more engaged with my family and friends. I'm a better wife, mom, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, etx. I got a promotion at work - I don't think because I'm skinnier, I think because I carry myself a different way - I'm more confident, I'm not pissed off at the world all the time and I am more calm. I feel better physically - no more aches and pains. I do hot yoga 4-5 times a week, I hike, I work out at the gym, I like being active. I have a goal to do a 5K every month until November and I made a goal to log 1000 miles in 2015. I feel attractive to my husband - he never said anything about my weight, but one time I remember asking, "How can you possibly find me the least bit attractive?"

Was it all sunshine and lollipops the past 18 months? Hell no! It was hard work filled with anxiety, second guessing my decision to have surgery, tears, anger, frustration, etc. It's been hard - I was not emotionally prepared to make this journey; I had not addressed my emotional issues towards food. I had to address those issues while recovering from surgery which was very hard. There are still days where I wish I could sit down to a bowl full of Pasta and awesome crusty bread slathered in butter and just go to town, but those days are fewer and farther between than they used to.

This surgery is a life changer...for me it was one of the biggest decisions I had ever made in my life. Now, 18 months later, I know that short of marrying my husband and having my son, it was the best decision I could have made for al of us.

Best of luck to you. You're down the home stretch! Let us know how you're doing...

I was recently sleeved (August 20) and can honestly say the worst part of the experience was the anticipation and unknown. It took a long time to get my surgery date (for a variety of reasons) but time has absolutely flown by since. It is natural to have some fear but if you are prepared and have done your research chances are very good that you will be fine.

I had surgery on April 20th and while in the pre-open room I swear I was going to back out. I was terrified and so many things were going through my head...and then I woke up. I don't remember them even starting the sedation. You will get through it! The unknown and what we make up in our heads is much worse than the reality. Good luck!

Great replies! I'm still in pre-op status and freak out about all that can go wrong on the table all the time.

Thank you all! I'll be brave! I have to!!!! I need to for my health, for my kids, for my self esteem!! Namaste people you make my day!

Great thread. I too have had some of the same feelings. I am still waiting for approval.

I also had a lap band previously. I loved it until my body rejected it. They were going to try to save my Lap band, but I was afraid of never being able to swallow again. So, I had it removed over a year ago. I since gained half of my lost weight back. I talked to my husband about able sleeve. He is so encouraging of me. I can't wait, but I have to wait until August. Time is already flying. I need this tool to help me like the way some elderly need a walker.