I'm scheduled for VSG on 7/17 and I've read everything I can get my hands on and feel generally prepared, but I wonder what they don't tell you or what no one ever talks about.

What, if anything, do you wish you had known before going in to surgery? What was the biggest surprise for you?

My surgery is still a week and a half away. I'm wondering how we can even drink that stuff the day after surgery. Did they have you drink as much then as they did pre-op?

No. At least I didn't. They had the pre op stuff set up in case the radiologist didn't like what he saw with the first drink. I didn't have to drink much of the first drink, but it was so nasty to me.


HW-292

SW- 256.6

CW-256.6

I was surprised at how easy the surgery and recovery was for me. I thought because I was a little older (49) it would take longer.

I was surprised at how easy the surgery and recovery was for me. I thought because I was a little older (49) it would take longer.

Eek! I'm 47 and thinking I was one of the young ones! I know what you mean though. Good to hear it went so well.

Good morning, I'm 52 and nervous. No surgery date yet. Very nervous, Apple 1 would you do it again

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I had the leak test during surgery so no drinking that stuff. I randomly found the advice to bring a tummy pillow in the car for the seat belt, a great suggestion and closing a car door when out a few days later gave me the most scare I had done something bad. I would not have even thought of that! Gas you will deal with!

1 hour ago, gailkindo said:

Good morning, I'm 52 and nervous. No surgery date yet. Very nervous, Apple 1 would you do it again

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Yes. I would most definitely do it again. My type 2 diabetes is in remission and I feel better than I have in the past 10 years?

That's great. Thank you

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Good morning, I'm 52 and nervous. No surgery date yet. Very nervous, Apple 1 would you do it again

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53 and sleeved 5/22. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Pros:

The whole thing was shockingly easy. The surgery was fast and almost painless. The recovery was easy.

2 years later I still barely have an appetite.

Lost weight without much effort.

Cons:

Everyone talks about addiction transfers and alcoholism and compulsive shopping. No one addresses identity, and body image issues post-op. Not nearly as much as they talk about alcoholism etc. I felt I was very unprepared for the emotional issues that come with massive weight loss.

What I wish I would have known before my surgery? That it's not going to work for me. I could have saved my $3000 and spent it on something more useful.

Pros:
The whole thing was shockingly easy. The surgery was fast and almost painless. The recovery was easy.
2 years later I still barely have an appetite.
Lost weight without much effort.
Cons:
Everyone talks about addiction transfers and alcoholism and compulsive shopping. No one addresses identity, and body image issues post-op. Not nearly as much as they talk about alcoholism etc. I felt I was very unprepared for the emotional issues that come with massive weight loss.

Can you elaborate? I had my surgery 6/19 and I'm already thinking about how horrible my body is going to look once I lose this weight. I feel like I traded weight loss for saggy skin and breast. Yes, I'm happy that I will be healthier but I'm 27 and don't want to have so many things that I have to pay to fix. It's a little disheartening to think after I've stabilize my weight loss and maintain it, that I have to pay for all this corrective cosmetic surgery and still have to struggle with the body issues and how I view myself. I feel I traded one body issue for a few others.

Pros:
The whole thing was shockingly easy. The surgery was fast and almost painless. The recovery was easy.
2 years later I still barely have an appetite.
Lost weight without much effort.
Cons:
Everyone talks about addiction transfers and alcoholism and compulsive shopping. No one addresses identity, and body image issues post-op. Not nearly as much as they talk about alcoholism etc. I felt I was very unprepared for the emotional issues that come with massive weight loss.

I sought out a therapist a few months ago primarily so I would have support with the food issues, but since reading a bit more, I know that I'm likely going to need help with the identity/self-image stuff, especially since I think that had a lot to do with how I got so big to start with. Thanks for calling this out.

What I wish I would have known before my surgery? That it's not going to work for me. I could have saved my $3000 and spent it on something more useful.

Do you know why it didn't work for you?

The biggest thing that surprises me post surgery is my change in personality. I am more aware of how toxic some people in my life are and I am no longer tolerating or enabling their behavior. It was like a night and day switch. I don't know if it's a physical/hormonal change, or an emotional change, but right now I feel like I am fighting for me and have no patience for the poor behavior of others around me.

My surgery is still a week and a half away. I'm wondering how we can even drink that stuff the day after surgery. Did they have you drink as much then as they did pre-op?

Ask your Dr. They should do that test while you're still in the surgery room.

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