Hello,

I'm new here. I've read tons of things about the sleeve surgery and I'm through the program and scheduled for May. I'm terrified which I know is typical but I'm a person who assumes worst case scenarios. I've been big my entire adult life and now in my 30's I reached over 500 pounds. I know I need this surgery and logically it will be ok but just wondering if anyone has tips or advice for me? And maybe some reassurance just hearing success stories. I'm working on losing more over the next few months I've lost 40 so far but am going to continue to help shrink my liver. Oh and I am having the robotic laparoscopic sleeve....doctor said could take 4 hours. I'm afraid to be asleep ugh but working on fear/anxiety. Thanks in advance :-)

While it's easy to get caught up in the fear of surgery it's better to focus on the life style changes that are required. After all is said and done WLS is a tool. It is not a means to an end. Having a smaller stomach does not cure head hunger. It doesn't magically fix food addictions. It's honestly pretty easy to cheat with your sleeve and end up gaining weight back if you want. Getting ready to go through with WLS is much more mental than a lot of people realize (myself included).

This place is filled with lots of success stories. There are also those that come back after regaining weight a few years after surgery. Those are the things that I constantly remind myself of. That I can have continued success but it will always take work to stay on track and not fall back into old habits.

It's normal to be nervous and second guess yourself, but as I and many others will say it was one of the best decisions we've ever made.

This is the time to get therapy regarding your relationship with food. We have all dieted successfully but not kept the weight off on our own, the sleeve makes that more possible but it takes as much mental work as physical work. Right now take notice of how often emotional issues make you turn to food - whether it is anger, fear, disappointment, a tough decision, stress - whatever - you will need to find another way to cope with those issues.

There are risks in any surgery, but skilled surgical teams have mastered this technique and complications are very rare and recovery generally tolerable, easier than gall bladder surgery for most. Ask anesthesiologist for a scopolamine patch for nausea - works great, and walk soon and often to get the gas/discomfort out and sip liquids as often as you can. Listen to your surgeon's directions. Good luck.

Thank you for the advice. I have been doing therapy as well. I definitely became aware of my turning to food especially when stressed. It's amazing how you notice it now that you're analyzing yourself. I'm glad I hear most people do not regret it. Thanks again.