Scared

[Cinde52 15]

I’ve been reading everything I can get my hand on in preparation for my bypass surgery that i should be getting a date for before end of the month. Most of you are so supportive and enthusiastic that it just makes the waiting hard. Until I read a post by a lady that had complications. And when I say complications that is an under statement. She ended up in the hospital over 257 days. Five surgeries. I am now hoping I have made the right choice. I have to lose weight. My health depends on it. I want to lose weight even more. But I don’t want to die either. I need some of your enthusiasm to get me back on track. My daughter (who is 38) says not to worry so much because every surgery known to man has at least one bad story behind it. I agree with that but could just a little if your wisdom to get me re-centered. Thanks to anyone who can help me.

[Briswife15 889]

Oh, my goodness! For every horror story there are hundreds of success stories! I had gastric bypass on March 27th 2019, and it was the best decision I've ever made. Sure, there are ups and downs, but I've lost more weight than I could have on my own, my diabetes is GONE, I'm off all high blood pressure medication, I can go up and down stairs again, etc!! Please take a deep breath and be positive. You got this!

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[New&Improved 1,780]

Usually there's other underlying issues before surgery like ulcers and previous surgery and stuff but as above complications are very minimal at best I think it was like 1% with bypass!

Its good to do your research though and be prepared!

[GreenTealael 24,864]

3 hours ago, Cinde52 said:

I’ve been reading everything I can get my hand on in preparation for my bypass surgery that i should be getting a date for before end of the month. Most of you are so supportive and enthusiastic that it just makes the waiting hard. Until I read a post by a lady that had complications. And when I say complications that is an under statement. She ended up in the hospital over 257 days. Five surgeries. I am now hoping I have made the right choice. I have to lose weight. My health depends on it. I want to lose weight even more. But I don’t want to die either. I need some of your enthusiasm to get me back on track. My daughter (who is 38) says not to worry so much because every surgery known to man has at least one bad story behind it. I agree with that but could just a little if your wisdom to get me re-centered. Thanks to anyone who can help me.

Listen to your daughter 💙

[mousecat88 2,279]

Complications aren't common and that ones that are are typically fixable and not nearly as dramatic as whatever happened to that woman. I had some complications (ulcer/hernia) and some others in this thread did, as well, but I guarantee that none of us would ever say we regret it! I thought I did while I was going through the issues, but they were fixable and not-so-terrible in hindsight. Don't be afraid - this is life-changing and well worth it!!

[catwoman7 10,867]

People have died or had horrible complications having their tonsils out (remember the Jahi McMath case?). I also seem to remember some case from a few years ago of someone dying after having their wisdom teeth extracted. But how often does that happen? Almost never. Same with weight loss surgery. The morbidity rate on gastric bypass is 0.3%, and it's even less with the sleeve. So you have a 99.7% or greater chance of pulling through just fine. Horrible complications are very rare, too. It only seems like they're more common than really are because people post about them. They're looking for advice and support. People who have never had a problem don't typically broadcast that fact. So you're getting a very skewed perception.

Even minor complications aren't all that common. I had a stricture. Very minor and an easy fix. It happens to about 5% of bypass patients, making it one of the most common complications. I'd hardly call something that happens to 5% of us "common", but there you have it. Complications - minor or otherwise - just aren't all that common.

I read those horror stories before I had surgery, too, and they scared the crap out of me. I finally just stopped, realizing that stuff like that almost never happens. My advice is to do the same. Focus on all the success stories instead, as they are INFINITELY more common!!

[Cinde52 15]

Thank you for the input. I think I’ll take advise from catwoman and focus on the good stuff and stop letting myself get all psyched out.

[november11 970]

@cindy52 im kinda scared too. when is your surgery?

[shanshan 175]

@cindy52 im kinda scared too. when is your surgery?

Im scared as well but im guessing it's normally because its a major surgery

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[november11 970]

November the 11th . for the sleeve. what about you

[november11 970]

Any November buds out there??

[Mz. Dion 3]

My surgery is scheduled for Oct. 23rd and I am a little scared and also have thought about not going through with it a couple of times. I often tell myself D you're walking and you've lost almost 20 lbs in 3 months why are you doing this but then i think about the big picture and my health.

[gwoodgm 29]

Scheduled for 10/21. Yes, I've had ALL of these feelings and emotions since my final pre-op meeting with my surgeon last week. Mz. Dion--yes! Think about the big picture. We are all worth it! Stay strong everyone.

[JRT Mom 919]

Yes, there are horror stories for surgery, but I'm sure there are plenty of horror stories for NOT having surgery and being obese. And it's like childbirth--if you are expecting you hear all the HORRIBLE labor stories from people--never the "it was a breeze" stories! Visit this forum for lots of love and support. We're here for you!

Gwoodgm, my surgery is the day before yours! If I'm able, and I'm SURE I will be, I'll post here for you!

[gwoodgm 29]

JRT Mom...

Yes! Please let me know how you're getting along. Best of luck for a very successful surgery day.

Take care-

Gloria