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

I won't regret this...right?



Recommended Posts

Background:

I'm 30. My surgery is next Friday (12/18/15), I'm on the pre op diet and doing just fine. I'm 5'6. Highest weight was 265, currently 250.

I'm going through the pre op jitters, I think. I've researched this for so long and have been 100% sure of this but I'm suddenly super nervous! "What if's" are killing me!!

So, those who are on the other side, it's totally worth it, right?? All the recovery, all the changes??

I know something's got to give. I can't continue on slowly marching up the scale. But change is scary! My stomach and intestines have been in this configuration for 30 years now!

I never thought I would be scared of changing from someone huge to someone small (or smaller). I didn't realize how much I hide behind all my fluff.

So, I know this has been asked a thousand times, but I need to hear it. Any regrets having this done??

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

You should be even more scared if you weren't scared at all.

So you wanna know about regret. I think your throwing coins into a wishing well hoping they will jump back in your hand.... Not to many people will want to answer that question.

Most people don't want to give you false hope and the others don't want you running away from the surgery.

Reality is having this surgery takes a lot of self control to maintain and be successful. I can only offer my honest opinion.

I am 9 years out as of dec 6.

Was my surgery a success ? Yes

Do i regret having surgery? Some days

Have i had any regain ? Yes

Was it hard to deal with the skinny body ? Yes, this was a very emotional thing for me personally because i felt i was happy at a heavier weight and honestly i probably would have never had the surgery but i wanted to eliminate my diabetes. Unfortunately i still have it but it is so much easier to control after the surgery.

Do i sometimes wish i would have just exercised and dieted harder instead of surgery? Absolutely

At the end of the day do i regret my lifestyle change ? ABSOLUTELY NOT, I am so much healthier now. I have self inspired motivation now.

I hope i helped and i wish you luck.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Best decision I ever made.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

No regrets. Would do it over again in a second.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm three months out.

I had one of the rougher recoveries. I've had kidney stones from struggles to stay hydrated. I've cried over food more times in the past 10 weeks than I've cried in my life. I've been hormonal as hell. Dumping is boarder line torture.

But you know what, I wouldn't trade this for anything. Feeling normal comes back with time.

I don't have to shop in plus sizes any more.

I'm completely off all my heartburn meds.

I can actually sleep through the night now.

I ran my fastest mile ever my first day back at the gym.

People don't treat me different because of my weight anymore.

I feel more confident.

I have a new healthy relationship with food.

Being on an airplane doesn't hurt anymore or feel awkward.

Working out is actually fun now.

I can take a bath that's more Water instead of fat filling the tub.

I enjoy having people take my picture now.

It's a whole new world but I love it. Don't get me wrong, it's very very hard. But as tough as it's been i would do it again in a heartbeat cuz I'm finally enjoying the life I deserve to have. I also realized we have similar starting stats. I'm 5'6, was 257 at my highest recorded weight. I probably weighed more tho honestly. I got down to 235 on my surgery day. And now I'm 189 10 weeks post op. post-262421-14497633262149_thumb.jpg post-262421-14497633526963_thumb.jpg post-262421-14497634966473_thumb.jpg

Edited by LoseItKacy

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I had RNY to get healthier. It was the only reason. I had type 2 diabetes, severe Gerd, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, stage 3 kidney disease and severe Migraines almost every other day.

All I cared about was extending my life so I would not die at an early age like my mom did.

Within a few weeks of my surgery many of my comorbitities were in remission and I was removed from all mess. I got well fast!

My severe migraines went from every other day to maybe 1 every 6 weeks on average. No more diabetes, stage 3 kidney disease, Gerd, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. All gone!

The I started to notice how great I was starting to look. I went from a size 26 jeans to a size 12 which are now too big, I have to go shopping for 10's.

I never ever thought I would ever care about clothes shopping but once you realize you can walk into any store and buy clothes, that becomes exciting and fun. I try stuff on just because I can!

I have never regretted it for 1 second, going in for my surgery felt like Christmas morning and I am serious about that. Sure I was nervous the whole week before but mostly it was because of the change I knew was coming.

My only regret is that I did not do this 15 years ago before I did all this damage to my joints and spine.

Best of luck to you!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I will be 4 weeks post op on Monday(gastric sleeve). I can say today my regrets have diminished.

That said, I will tell you that for the first 2 weeks I regretted the surgery every day. I had a lot of pain. My Doctor told me I had a lot of scar tissue from 4 prior abdominal surgies, 3 c sections ( 2 horizontal and 1 vertical) and a gall bladder removal. I also had non stop severe diarrhea. I was miserable.

Weeks three was a turning point for me. I feel better, my pain has significantly decreased, my doctor stopped the shakes which were causing my diarrhea... It is interesting to not be controlled by food. Sure I feel hungry sometimes. I use to come home from work angry and starving. Now I come home from work like a normal person. Last night I did some household chores before I realized I hadn't ate dinner.

You will feel a few days or weeks of regret. Some people do, probably most people. But believe me. It fades. I even told my Dr I regretted it. I was so unhappy. But then if got better.

Be honest with yourself. Accept it might suck for a little while. Have a good support team. You'll be just fine. Take care!

Edited by HopeandAgony

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I am 5 weeks out and haven't had one single regret so far. It is awesome to no longer have to take medication for diabetes, fit into smaller clothes, and not be out of breath!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So, those who are on the other side,

I know something's got to give. I can't continue on slowly marching up the scale.

And I promise that you're not marching to a guillotine on the other side of the OR door.

People have had jitters before you and people will have jitters after you. This is your turn and nothing more.

Keep yourself busy for the coming week. On the morning of surgery, change the sheets and towels as a last bit of busy work and so that you come home to a fresh, crisp bed if you want a nap.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm glad you posted this question. I am having my surgery 2 days before you and am also a teeny tiny bit jittery. I know it is the right decision for me and I have given it a lot of careful consideration, but it is an extreme measure. I know two people who have had the surgery and one is super excited for me and the other told me that I will wish I had done it sooner. I'm going to focus on their words of wisdom because they have been there, they know me and they are 3 and 5 years out and still thrilled with their choices. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think your feelings are normal and they mirror my own this close to our dates!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

10 days out for me. I had similar thoughts prior to having the surgery. I know I need this tool to help me revise and develop good eating habits, lose weight, get healthy and be able to do things I'm limited to due to wait.

My experience has been very positive. The incisions are tiny and my pain was minimal. I was on painkillers for 3 days and Tylenol for 1.

It is wonderful to feel full after drinking such a small amount. Yes, some of the shakes are horrible. I've found mixing the powder with soy milk and letting it sit for a while really helps.

Nashua Nutritions sells samples of the majority of powders. I bought a bunch to try before buying a big container.

You're going to do just fine. Waiting is the worst.????

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

@@JengaBee

@@pink22

There will be moments that regret is a nagging feeling resting lightly on your shoulders. It will whisper gently in your ears and it will cloud your focus. It gets further and further away and it visits less and less the further post-op you are. But there will be times that you get so frustrated with the program, with the discomfort, with the "restrictions" that you'll say to yourself, "why did I have this surgery? why did I not have better control of my food habits? how did I let myself get too fat I needed such an extreme measure to get healthy? why is this so hard?"

And you'll probably cry (or feel like it) in those moments and you'll have to snap back into reality, work hard to get over the immediate feelings of "oh woe is me" and stick to staying positive. This is not an easy journey but it is well worth the challenges ahead.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks Ashlegal, it is good to know these sorts of thought are universal.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks guys! It's coming in waves, but the pre-op diet is getting easier by the day which makes me feel empowered and capable.

I'm sure come the 18th I'll be full of doubt, but I'll be strong!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I'm 5 months out the first two months were some of yhe wor see of my life had no energy couldn't get my potassium to stay had to have a second surgery for a hernia I had lots of regrets. That being said I would go threw all of that again to be 82 lbs lighter off all meds have lots of energy. And all the little non scale victories my cat can lay on my lap I have one,I can sit in a booth at a restaurant, I can get in our pickup with out a footstool. It goes on and on. Loving my new life.

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

    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

    • Aunty Mamo

      Tomorrow marks two weeks since surgery day and while I'm feeling remarkably well and going about just about every normal activity, I did wind up with a surface abscess on on of my incision sights and was put on an antibiotic that made me so impacted that it took me more than two hours to eliminate yesterday and scared the hell out of me. Now there's Miralax in all my beverages that aren't Smooth Move tea. I cannot experience that again. I shouldn't have to take Ativan to go to the lady's. I really looking forward to my body getting with the program again. 
      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
      For second breakfast on workdays, I will have a low-fat yogurt with two tablespoons of PBFit and two teaspoons of no sugar added dried cherries. I will have ingested 35-45 grams of protein at this point between the two breakfasts, with 250-285 calories, and about 20 carbs.
      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 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

    ×