Is it really worth it?

[BrightEyes42 22]

I am a week and a half from surgery and I'm so nervous. Are the complications that come with this worth it? It's permanent. There is no going back. I think I'm also afraid to be thinner and that's so messed up. Every time in the past when I started to really get the weight off I would sabotage myself and gain it all back plus some. I can't do that after this. I guess I just have the jitters. I can't seem to shut my brain off... Maybe it's the only liquids preop diet going to my head.

[Balance 8]

Absolutely! Everyone is different but... I'm 5 weeks out and I'm very lucky to have had no problems at all. With the exception of the 1st week post-op, I feel exactly the same as before surgery but now it takes a smaller amount of food to fill me up. They said hunger is supposed to go away but I still get hungry around meal time. I feel like I could eat anything (in a small amount) but I am choosing to pick healthy Proteins and they actually taste really good because I'm not eating junk and carbs anymore.

I lost about 10 lbs on the 2 week pre-op and almost 20 more in the last 5 weeks. I never could have lost this without the surgery. I feel great and have had to shift to my smaller size clothing. Again, I'm lucky but I would still do it again even if I had some of the side effects others experience. Good luck.

[_Kate_ 2,224]

@BrightEyes42: Every time in the past when I started to really get the weight off I would sabotage myself and gain it all back plus some.

This was me to a T !! 25 years of doing it, kind of punishing myself by gaining it back because I didn't feel worthy of losing it.

Five and a half months out and nearly at goal and I couldn't be happier. I feel great and can do so much more. My only regret was that I didn't have this done before. Its life changing but in such a positive way.

Best of luck for a positive experience and speedy recovery. Remember the sleeve is a tool not a miracle

[BrightEyes42 22]

Thank you so much for responding . I have felt pretty alone in this and it really helps to talk with people who understand.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

First of all - what complications?!

I've had ZERO complications. Most people have ZERO complications.

Second, you're worried it's permanent!?

Congratulations -- it's permanent. However, what you won't learn from reading posts by people who have been newly sleeved is how easy and comfortable your "new normal" will be a year or so down the road. You will be able to eat a lot more and a complete variety of foods, compared to what is possible immediately post-op when your smaller stomach will be quite swollen after its surgical trauma. If you've done what you needed to do during the weight loss phases, you'll have built wonderful new habits and discipline that will sustain you in the maintenance phases.

Third, afraid to be thinner?

It's possible you will need to work through some mental / emotional issues around your identity and self-image. It seems that for many (most?) people who've been overweight or obese much or all of their lives, we have a lot of baggage that needs unpacking and jettisoned. This usually goes better with the help of a therapist / counselor / shrink. I'm speaking from experience here -- and I'm not even "crazy."

Finally, almost everyone gets nervous just prior to surgery. And post-op, many people have a few hours to several days or even weeks of "What the hell have I done!?" And then that phase ends, and you move on to the phase called: "My God! Why didn't I do this earlier?!"

Very best to you.

[Waler 330]

Try to focus on the big picture. I am 6 months post op and although I do not eat junk, I eat just about anything I want. I have no complications, and if I had to make the choice I would do it all over again. Yes this is permeate and change can be a scary thing, but change happens al the time, and it is a good thing. Try to keep focused on the good things as well as the little victories, like having more energy, feeling better, tying your shoes with ease. No one made any of us here the way we were, we did it to ourselves. So now you have decided to do yourself a favor and get yourself back to being happy and healthy. Is I it worth it? Ask yourself that question in say 6 months when you see the weight coming off and your confidence and your energy start going up, I think I know what your answer will be. Good Luck you will due fine

Edited January 16, 2016 by Waler

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Based on my experience and knowledge complications are just that. Complications. They are the exception and not the rule.

One thing that really helped me was to make up my mind to do everything I was asked to, even if I thought I couldn't. (I didn't want to wind up like Penny from My 600 Pound Life). I think that willingness made a huge difference in how well I recovered. Trusting in the people providing care and the process worked for me.

I was sleeved April 20 of 2015 and couldn't have asked for a better experience, recovery, and progress.

Best of luck with your surgery. As long as you do your part, you just have to believe that everything will work out for the best.

Keep us posted on how you are doing.

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

OMG yes! Totally worth it. And you are worth it. The amazing health benefits by themselves are worth it!! Being able to get up off the ground, tie my own shoes, cut my own toenails, and polish them, reach my backside (you know what I mean here??).....so worth it!!

[claddagh66 132]

I can't wait!!! I'm half way there and yes I'm very nervous but I'm so excited to see what the future holds for me! All my health issues and body pains hopefully coming to an end! I'll take a little (maybe a lot) pain for a very short time to feel wonderful for the rest of my life! I'm 49! Time to finally feel good! Better yet, time to find out what feeling good feels like again! Good luck to you!!! You can do this!

[BrightEyes42 22]

I'm worried about cutting out 80 to 85% of my stomach yes. Not unusual I would imagine. I have read about complications and it is possible. I have two kids and I worry. I admit I am a worrier by nature. I have been jumping through every hoop I was given to be here today because I know how important it is to get my health back. Yes I am seeing a counselor because I have had things happen in my past that demolished my self esteem. One of the main reasons I'm doing this is because I want to be there for my kids when they're older. My dad died when I was 23 and never watched me get married or never got the chance to hold his grandchildren. I don't want to miss those things. I'm 42 now and I figure it's now or never. I've lost almost 40 pounds since I started this because I take it seriously. I'm just afraid of the unknown I guess. I've been a planner my whole life and I just don't know what to expect because we're all different. I really do appreciate feedback and the time it takes you to write it.

[wannaBthinsoon 1,634]

@@BrightEyes42 Well, being a planner..."plan" to have a wonderful new life after your bariatric surgery. It is a true life saver.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

You wouldn't be normal if you didn't feel doubt just before surgery. Keep in mind that guilt can't change yesterday and worry can't change tomorrow.

Here is my favorite thread: I hope it encourages you to continue on the path to taking control of your health.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/219831-what-was-your-final-straw-that-broke-the-camels-back/page-124#entry4047240

My final straw was a stroke. I, too, wish I had done this sooner.

[aaonthego 24]

You're the only one who can make this decision for yourself. But one more reference point here that it's totally worth it and I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Aside from the fact that I've lost 100 pounds and look 20 years younger, than my age (70 years old) read this to see what other benefits of WLS I have found to be so "worth it":

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/359250-what-other-changes-have-you-made/?p=4054323

[Dub 10,065]

I am a week and a half from surgery and I'm so nervous. Are the complications that come with this worth it? It's permanent. There is no going back. I think I'm also afraid to be thinner and that's so messed up. Every time in the past when I started to really get the weight off I would sabotage myself and gain it all back plus some. I can't do that after this. I guess I just have the jitters. I can't seem to shut my brain off... Maybe it's the only liquids preop diet going to my head.

liquid pre-op is the worst time.

Everything that comes afterward is easier !!!!!

Yes..........it is worth every bit of it.

Best decision I've made in decades.