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Scared/second thoughts



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Hi everyone, so last year August I spoke with my primary care doctor about getting weight loss surgery. We both agree its the best choice for me.I did all my classes with my nutritionist & got approved for gastric bypass surgery. My surgery date is April 19 but for some reason I'm scared. I read a few entries about people regretting doing surgery & some horror stories. I read stories about people gaining back weight & others in n out of hospitals for various things.I'm scared. I'm terrified and honestly don't know if I should continue this journey. I'm 5'7 273lbs. I try so much different weight loss pills/diets and none work. I want to get the surgery so bad to save my life but at the same time I'm scared it's going to make it worse. I'm having mix feelings about this, anyone ever felt this was before surgery? Please help!!!!

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I know I felt like you on and off for a a couple weeks before surgery. I was scared and tempted to back out, even at the hospital I was ready to run for the hills. But I didn't and I didn't have any complications with the surgery. I followed my pre op diet to the letter to ensure my best possible condition before surgery.

You've obviously researched the gastric bypass surgery, you've taken the courses and you've made the decision to proceed with the surgery. I stopped researching and reading threads about complications when I started to worry, because I knew they would scare me. Also people don't tend to start threads when everything is going well and they have no complications. I think we all go into it with that fear in the back of our minds that we will be one of the ones with complications, not just for WLS but for any surgery and that's natural.

In the end it's only a decision you can make for yourself.

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Being scared is perfectly normal. The complications threads can be terrifying but I think reading some is good as it helps to be well informed. Presumably your surgeon would also have given you information that outlines possible complications.

You need to go into this believing that you won’t have any complications or if you do they won’t be as bad as the almost guaranteed complications from being obese.

As someone already said happy people don’t post that often because happy news is boring! It doesn’t fill the tv news or the newspapers or wls sites!

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It's perfectly normal to be a little scared and think twice before surgery. After all, it's a big deal with risks and unknowns. But if you read the threads here, the majority of us have had success and no complications, so maybe that'll set your mind at ease somewhat.

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Honestly, the biggest fear that I have is long term success and my ability to stick to a healthy lifestyle.

I truly believe that even with a smaller stomach, if you're not filling it with vegetables, lean Protein and nuts, etc, nobody will be successful. My fear is never being able to have pizza, subs, chips, etc ever again because even a small amount will sabotage me.

Not sure where you biggest fears are, be it the surgery itself or being able to lose the weight during the "honeymoon" phase, but mine is completely wrapped up in what I will be able to do after that. I plan to adopt an exercise routine and healthy diet for the rest of my life, so when I do get to the phase when hunger and cravings come back, I'm prepared.

It's so easy to say that now, but I'm sure much harder to actually do it when people get to that phase.

Good luck to you in your decision and path forward.

Edited by Jobber

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13 hours ago, shanshan said:

I read a few entries about people regretting doing surgery & some horror stories

Being scared and nervous can make you question your decision. Normal pre surgery jitters. I’m sure your surgeon gave you the statistics and risk/complication facts. Your team is going to take good care of you and manage your pain with medication. The pain is temporary, your results will be amazing.

As for all the horror stories, I think its human nature to gravitate toward the negative posts. It will fuel your pre surgery aniety. Try to balance things out by reading the positives.

Surgery before and after’s

https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/297668-i-want-to-see-before-after-pics-contd/

Success stories

https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1298-weight-loss-surgery-success-stories/

NSV's

https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=NSV

I think many of usthat have bounced back from surgery quickly and had no complications don’t get represented. People that are maintaining no longer need support leave the site. Most people posting are in weight loss mode, a few with complications and people that have gained weight.

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I know I felt like you on and off for a a couple weeks before surgery. I was scared and tempted to back out, even at the hospital I was ready to run for the hills. But I didn't and I didn't have any complications with the surgery. I followed my pre op diet to the letter to ensure my best possible condition before surgery.
You've obviously researched the gastric bypass surgery, you've taken the courses and you've made the decision to proceed with the surgery. I stopped researching and reading threads about complications when I started to worry, because I knew they would scare me. Also people don't tend to start threads when everything is going well and they have no complications. I think we all go into it with that fear in the back of our minds that we will be one of the ones with complications, not just for WLS but for any surgery and that's natural.

In the end it's only a decision you can make for yourself.
Thank you so much for sharing, I appreciate it more than you know. Glad to know I'm not the only one feeling or felt this way[emoji173][emoji173][emoji173]

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Being scared is perfectly normal. The complications threads can be terrifying but I think reading some is good as it helps to be well informed. Presumably your surgeon would also have given you information that outlines possible complications.
You need to go into this believing that you won’t have any complications or if you do they won’t be as bad as the almost guaranteed complications from being obese.
As someone already said happy people don’t post that often because happy news is boring! It doesn’t fill the tv news or the newspapers or wls sites!
I agree with you and thank you so much for your feedback[emoji173]

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It's perfectly normal to be a little scared and think twice before surgery. After all, it's a big deal with risks and unknowns. But if you read the threads here, the majority of us have had success and no complications, so maybe that'll set your mind at ease somewhat.
Thank you for taking the time to read my post& thank you so much for your feedback it means alot to me

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Honestly, the biggest fear that I have is long term success and my ability to stick to a healthy lifestyle.
I truly believe that even with a smaller stomach, if you're not filling it with vegetables, lean Protein and nuts, etc, nobody will be successful. My fear is never being able to have pizza, subs, chips, etc ever again because even a small amount will sabotage me.
Not sure where you biggest fears are, be it the surgery itself or being able to lose the weight during the "honeymoon" phase, but mine is completely wrapped up in what I will be able to do after that. I plan to adopt an exercise routine and healthy diet for the rest of my life, so when I do get to the phase when hunger and cravings come back, I'm prepared.
It's so easy to say that now, but I'm sure much harder to actually do it when people get to that phase.
Good luck to you in your decision and path forward.
Thank you so much for replying, My biggest fears are complications after surgery. I see alot of people posting they can't go to work becauee they keep fainting, vomiting, dumping syndrome & etc

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Being scared and nervous can make you question your decision. Normal pre surgery jitters. I’m sure your surgeon gave you the statistics and risk/complication facts. Your team is going to take good care of you and manage your pain with medication. The pain is temporary, your results will be amazing.
As for all the horror stories, I think its human nature to gravitate toward the negative posts. It will fuel your pre surgery aniety. Try to balance things out by reading the positives.
Surgery before and after’s
https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/297668-i-want-to-see-before-after-pics-contd/
Success stories
https://www.bariatricpal.com/forum/1298-weight-loss-surgery-success-stories/
NSV's
https://www.bariatricpal.com/search/?q=NSV
I think many of us have bounced back from surgery quickly and had no complications don’t get represented. People that are maintaining no longer need support leave the site. Most people posting are in weight loss mode, a few with complications and people that have gained weight.

I hope to be like you guys that bounce back and without any complications. My biggest fear is the surgery itself, having complications. But I'm glad to know it's normal to feel like this and im not the only one who had these thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing I appreciate it more than you know[emoji173][emoji173][emoji173][emoji173][emoji173][emoji173]

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56 minutes ago, Jobber said:

Honestly, the biggest fear that I have is long term success and my ability to stick to a healthy lifestyle.

I truly believe that even with a smaller stomach, if you're not filling it with vegetables, lean Protein and nuts, etc, nobody will be successful. My fear is never being able to have pizza, subs, chips, etc ever again because even a small amount will sabotage me.

Not sure where you biggest fears are, be it the surgery itself or being able to lose the weight during the "honeymoon" phase, but mine is completely wrapped up in what I will be able to do after that. I plan to adopt an exercise routine and healthy diet for the rest of my life, so when I do get to the phase when hunger and cravings come back, I'm prepared.

It's so easy to say that now, but I'm sure much harder to actually do it when people get to that phase.

Good luck to you in your decision and path forward.

I apologise to the original posters. I'm not trying to hijack your post.

Healthy eating/nutrition is still flavorful. Not feeling deprived will help you long term. Many healthy recipes for pizza. I have had Quest Protein chips (barbeque or cheddar flavor) Some do parmesan chips. (make sure they fit your plan) Log food, stay within your weight loss calories and macros.

https://www.bariatriceating.com/2015/08/more-bariatric-chicken-crust-pizza/

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/parmesan-crisps-recipe-3381387

https://www.questnutrition.com/collections/quest-chips

https://www.amazon.com/ParmCrisps-Parmesan-Cheese-Friendly-Variety/dp/B07MBR42YL/ref=asc_df_B07MBR42YL/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=241869531501&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13414644629212902088&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1016202&hvtargid=pla-665127834375&psc=1

My dietican website for food ideas

https://karenmangum.com/category/bariatric-friendly-main-dishes/

https://karenmangum.com/category/bariatric-friendly-salads/

https://karenmangum.com/category/bariatric-friendly-desserts/

https://karenmangum.com/category/bariatric-friendly-appetizers/

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    • Prdgrdma

      So I guess after gastric bypass surgery, I cant eat flock chips because they are fried???  They sell them on here so I thought I could have them. So high in protein and no carbs.  They don't bother me at all.  Help. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        It's possible for a very high fat meal to cause dumping in some (30% or so) gastric bypass patients, although it's more likely to be triggered by high sugar, or by the high fat/high sugar combo (think ice cream, donuts). Dietitians will tell you to never do anything that isn't 100% healthy ever again. Realistically, you should aim for a good balance of protein, carbs, and fat each day. Should you eat fried foods every day? No. Is it possible they will make you sick? Maybe. Is it okay to eat some to see what happens and have them for a treat every now and again? Yes.

    • NovelTee

      I'm not at all hungry on this liquid pre-op diet, but I miss the sensation of chewing. It's been about two weeks––surgery is in two days––and I can't imagine how I'll feel a couple of weeks post-op. Tonight, I randomly stumbled upon a mukbang channel on YouTube, and it was strangely soothing... is it just me, or is this a thing? 
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        I actually watched cooking shows during my pre-op, like Great British Baking Show. It was a little bizarre, but didn't make me hungry. I think it was also soothing in a way.

    • Clueless_girl

      How do you figure out what your ideal weight should be? I've had a figure in my head for years, but after 3 mths of recovery I'm already almost there. So maybe my goal should be lower?
      · 3 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Well, there is actually a formula for "Ideal Body Weight" and you can use a calculator to figure it out for you. This one also does an adjusted weight for a person who starts out overweight or obese. https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/68/ideal-body-weight-adjusted-body-weight

        I would use that as a starting point, and then just see how you feel as you lose. How you look and feel is more important than a number.

      2. Clueless_girl

        I did find different calculators but I couldn't find any that accounted for body frame. But you're right, it is just a number. It was just disheartening to see that although I lost 60% of my excess weight, it's still not in the "normal/healthy" range..

      3. NickelChip

        I think it's important to remember that the weight charts and BMI ranges were developed a very long time ago and only intended to be applied to people who have never been overweight or obese. Those numbers aren't for us. When you are larger, especially for a long time, your body develops extra bone to support the weight. Your organs get a little bigger to handle the extra mass. Your entire infrastructure increases so you can support and function with the extra weight. That doesn't all go away just because you burn off the excess fat. If you still had a pair of jeans from your skinniest point in life and then lost weight to get to the exact number on the scale you were when those jeans fit you, chances are they would be a little baggy now because you would actually be thinner than you were, even though the scale and the BMI chart disagree. When in doubt, listen to the jeans, not the scale!

    • Aunty Mamo

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      I'm in day three of the "puree" stage of eating and despite the strange textures, all of the savory flavors seem decadent. 
      I timed this surgery so that I'd be recovering during my spring break. That was a good plan. Today is a state holiday and the final day of break. I feel really strong to return to school tomorrow. 
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BeanitoDiego

      Now that I'm in maintenance mode, I'm getting a into a routine for my meals. Every day, I start out with 8-16 ounces of water, and then a proffee, which I have come to look forward to even the night before. My proffees are simply a black coffee with a protein powder added. There are three products that I cycle through: Premier Vanilla, Orgain Vanilla, and Dymatize Vanilla.
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      For second breakfast on non-workdays, I will prepare two servings of plain, instant oatmeal with a tablespoon of an olive oil-based spread. This means I will have had 34 grams of protein, 365 calories, and 38 carbs. Non-workdays are when I am being very active with training sessions, so I allow myself more carbohydrate fuel.
      Snacks on any day are always mixed nuts, even when I am travelling. I will have 0.2 cups of a blend that I make myself. It consists of dry roasted peanuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, pistachios, and Brazil nuts. This is 5 grams of protein, 163 calories, and 7 carbs.
      Breakfast and snacks have been the easiest to nail down. Lunch and dinner have more variables, and I prepare enough for leftovers. I concentrate on protein first, and then add vegetables. Typically tempeh, tofu, or Field Roast products with roasted or sautéed vegetables. Today, I will be eating leftovers from last night. Two ounces of tempeh with four ounces of roasted vegetables that consist of red and yellow sweet peppers, sweet potatoes, small purple potatoes, zucchini, and carrots. I will add a tablespoon of olive oil-based spread, break up 3 walnuts to sprinkle of top, and garnish with two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. This particular meal will be 19 grams of protein, 377 calories, and 28 grams of carbs. Bear in mind that I do eat more carbs when I am not working, and I focus on ingesting healthy carbs instead of breads/crackers/chips/crisps.
      It's a helluva journey and I'm thankful to be on it!
       
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
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