4 days until surgery - Irrational nerves

[EsoKev 94]

Of course, all of the things that are running through my head right now are not helpful:

1) Your bowel movements will never be regular again

2) Your surgeon will use a large bougie and you won't lose weight

3) Recovery is going to be hell.

Help bring me back down to earth please :-)

[James Marusek 5,244]

I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.

2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.

3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

[Orchids&Dragons 9,047]

2 hours ago, EsoKev said:

Of course, all of the things that are running through my head right now are not helpful:

1) Your bowel movements will never be regular again

2) Your surgeon will use a large bougie and you won't lose weight

3) Recovery is going to be hell.

Help bring me back down to earth please :-)

To help ease your mind:

1) Varies from person to person, but can usually be managed with Miralax or similar. However, if you're planning on cheating, this is one of the consequences. Be aware.

2) Unless you think your surgeon is an idiot (In which case run, don't walk, to find another) he knows his stuff. Have you checked how many times he's done the procedure?

3) Yes, the first few days are rough for most of us. But we get through them. Feel free to hop on here and rant. It's ok! On the other hand, how do you think the next 30 years of your life will be without the surgery?

Just a different perspective!

Edited June 24, 2018 by Orchids&Dragons

[Frustr8 7,886]

And 2A in my case- your RnY bypass pouch will be bigger than a pullet egg, smaller than a ostrich egg, the bypassed intestine will be long enough,to ensure proper bypasser digestion, short enough to avoid exceptional malabsorption and your stoma will be the Golilocks variety, not too big, not too small but Just Right. And if you don't believe this is possible you had better join Orchid and Dragon's VSG customer in running for the High Hills as soon as possible. Your surgeon is compentant, he/she is skilled, surgeon has done many many or you went shopping at the Wrong Surgical Store and you,were more help than we can possibly provide here! 'Nuff Said?