Hi everyone! I have a consultation for WLS tomorrow and I’ve always been terrified of surgery. I’m 340lbs 5’4 25 years old. I’m scared of what it’s like after surgery. I work in retail, how much time will I need off? Will I feel weak and dizzy like I’m going to pass out? Will I feel sick all the time? Will the benefits outweigh the risks?

I have anxiety disorder and this has really stopped me from losing weight in the past and working out. Anyone with bad anxiety here?

Any help, feedback would be greatly appreciated!!

thank you!

Hi everyone! I have a consultation for WLS tomorrow and I’ve always been terrified of surgery. I’m 340lbs 5’4 25 years old. I’m scared of what it’s like after surgery. I work in retail, how much time will I need off? Will I feel weak and dizzy like I’m going to pass out? Will I feel sick all the time? Will the benefits outweigh the risks?
I have anxiety disorder and this has really stopped me from losing weight in the past and working out. Anyone with bad anxiety here?
Any help, feedback would be greatly appreciated!!
thank you!

Hey! First off, don’t worry, you will be fine I promise.. I have serious anxiety as well but I’ve been able to remain calm through all this. I am 1 week post op as of today. I’m gonna be honest, my stay in the hospital was pretty bad. I have a high pain tolerance but this hurt me like hell.
I felt crappy for the first maybe 3 days. I feel great now, I have no limitation besides not lifting over 30 pounds. I think you will struggle with having energy though. I have no energy right now. I would say 2 maybe 3 weeks you’ll be back at work.
Good luck with surgery!

Everyone has a different story. Some feel like they could return to a normal life within a day or two. Many others needed 2-4 weeks off to fully heal and be back to normal. Unfortunately there is just no way of knowing how you'll do. Part of the time off isn't simply to heal. It's to focus on getting all your fluids & protein in which can be difficult in the early stages. If you return to a job where you are limited on when you can drink it can be difficult to keep up. Basically once you get behind it can be difficult if not impossible to get caught up. Your new stomach isn't going to allow you to down a bunch of water in short order to get hydrated. You have to make the effort to stay on top of things, so that being said it isn't impossible. I used to work retail part time so depending on the job and time of day I know it can get pretty nuts.

I've been under a few times so this wasn't anything really new to me. Once they start the anesthesia you'll be out quick, and then it's really like waking up from a deep sleep. Again, some wake up with little to no pain, others experience quite a bit of discomfort (normally from all the gas they use during surgery). It will likely be a few days of discomfort but well worth it in the long run IMO.

It took me about a month where I felt normal again. I returned to work after 2 1/2 weeks but I have a desk job so it was easier for me to adjust. My energy levels were really low for the first month but in time got better.