Scheduled for Jan 12th and getting cold feet. Is VSG "worth it"?

[JennyO526 3]

Hello, I'm new here. My VSG surgery is scheduled for January 12 and I'm starting to get cold feet. I have no one supporting this decision and they keep trying to discourage me. I guess my question is, after 4 weeks or so of recovery, do you feel like this surgery was a good decision? I also have a cruise scheduled at exactly my 6 week post op mark and idk how the recovery is at that stage. Helllllllp!

[Queen ApisM 396]

I'm 4 months out, and I can say, based on my experiences so far, it has absolutely been worth it. I was very nervous going into it, but I have had no regrets. Since I paid out of pocket, if I did have regrets that would really be a bummer! I'm down 61 lbs since the start of pre-op diet (50 since surgery), I feel fabulous, and I am not ruled by food anymore. It has been liberating to no longer be fighting the urge to eat. Are there challenges? Absolutely. Are there some downsides? Of course. But, right now the downsides are far outweighed by the benefits to date. Now, I realize I am early in the process so some of this could change, but I just fit back into my favorite pants again (and purged tons of stuff from my closet) so I am riding a bit of a high. 😁

For me, at six weeks post op I was on soft foods and not doing much adventurous eating. My concern on a cruise would be access to foods included in my program vs what might be had on a cruise. For example, I relied heavily on low-fat dairy products. I also weighed all my food for Portion Control. But, I am sure it can be done and I'm sure other folks will have good tips.

[summerseeker 647]

I am exactly 3 weeks since surgery and I am having a hard time recovering. Some due to a swelling in my new stomach making progress onto the puree stage and possibly my age is against me, I am 62. Could I see myself on a cruise in 3 weeks time ? No. Would I postpone my surgery and do the cruise first if I had your doubts ? yes. Would I go through with the surgery again ? YES, in a heart beat

[Valboosky 24]

4 hours ago, summerseeker said:

I am exactly 3 weeks since surgery and I am having a hard time recovering. Some due to a swelling in my new stomach making progress onto the puree stage and possibly my age is against me, I am 62. Could I see myself on a cruise in 3 weeks time ? No. Would I postpone my surgery and do the cruise first if I had your doubts ? yes. Would I go through with the surgery again ? YES, in a heart beat

I guess people have wildly different experiences.

I’m officially 2 weeks post op and would absolutely go on a cruise right now.

the first 3-4 days for me were rough, mostly due to gas pains. As soon as my digestive system started working well again I’ve been feeling much better and now I would say I’m about 90%. Still a bit weak from the low calories intake I think.

A nice relaxing cruise seems like exactly what the doctor ordered.

This past weekend I had to drive back from NY to Florida after surgery and back to work.

[ShoppGirl 2,779]

Everyone’s experience is different but i am 8 months post op hovering at 9 or 10 pounds from my goal weight and I would absolutely do this again. Many will tell you their only regret is not doing this sooner and I agree (although it is a major surgery with some big life changes so I think this is the time when I was ready). And I absolutely could have done a cruise at 6 weeks. You will have to bring shakes and things with you and you will have to enjoy all the many other parts of cruising other than indulging in ALL of the foods available but I’m sure you will find a couple delicacies that you can enjoy that are on plan. My plan does not exclude ANY food. I have had chocolate, pizza, Pasta, etc. just in very small amounts but you will want to follow your doctors plan and some are more restrictive. I was on a diet on a cruise and I remember bringing those crystal light to go packages with me and mixing them with a glass of Water at dinner which is one tip if you don’t like water a second would be if you don’t feel you can order and eat normal enough to eat in front of people you can just live it up on room service the whole time. My husband was excited to learn that you can have beer delivered to the room. Lol.

[vikingbeast 978]

It absolutely, a hundred thousand percent, is worth it.

Within a month I was completely off my blood pressure medication. Within six weeks I didn't need my inhaler anymore and could run for the first time in forever. I'm off my antidepressant. My CPAP is next to go.

Do I get tired? Yeah. I do. Still working on getting that Protein up given how physically active my life is.

Would I take the 105 lbs. I've lost back? ABSOLUTELY NEVER.

[OutdoorsGirl 91]

I’m at 6 weeks now and would definitely do a cruise. You’ll be able to eat yogurt, oatmeal, ham and eggs for Breakfast. The lunch and dinner buffet and menus will have lots of options for Protein and vegetables…especially fish. You’ll be full after a small portion. I haven’t been eating salads because I don’t feel ready for raw vegetables and hard fruits like apples. I would skip dessert, bread, and alcohol. You could bring some Protein Powder in case you’re low on protein with the small portions. With the pre diet and surgery, you would probably be down 25 pounds by your cruise.

[james2021 148]

I'm 7 months out and would do it again in a heartbeat. I started getting cold feet toward the lead up, too, and am glad I went through with it.

[Luna Girl 294]

I am almost 8 months since surgery and I absolutely would do it again! 110%! I'm 4 pounds from goal and it feels like the last 10 pounds have taken forever to come off but I feel 20 years younger. Physically, I am doing activities I have not done in years. Mentally, it has been an adjustment...in a good way. I smile more, make eye contact with people and overall, just in a better place emotionally. I wore a fitted wool dress with knee high boots the other evening to dinner with hubby and a gentleman, who was leaving the restaurant, looked back over his shoulder at me and my better half said "yep, she hot!"...we laughed liked teenagers throughout dinner!

For me, it was worth the hard work, the time and effort to get here. Only you can decide if you are ready for this major life change! Good Luck!

Edited December 15, 2021 by Luna Girl

[SleeverSk 491]

well I am 5 months out, would i do it again? No I wouldn't. I hate it, I wasn't ready and the reality of it is nothing like what I thought it would be.

[blackcatsandbaddecisions 783]

I’m 13 months out and would do it again in a heartbeat. I’m down 172 lbs and less than half the woman I once was. It is a lot of hard work still, so don’t just assume you’ll get the surgery and the weight will fall off without you having to do anything. But if you’re willing to put in the effort it can be life changing.

[Angelina1210 49]

On 12/13/2021 at 9:23 PM, JennyO526 said:

Hello, I'm new here. My VSG surgery is scheduled for January 12 and I'm starting to get cold feet. I have no one supporting this decision and they keep trying to discourage me. I guess my question is, after 4 weeks or so of recovery, do you feel like this surgery was a good decision? I also have a cruise scheduled at exactly my 6 week post op mark and idk how the recovery is at that stage. Helllllllp!

I just had VSG surgery on 12/10. I was so nervous the weeks leading up to my surgery. I had anxiety and trouble sleeping but you know what? I did it and I’d do it again. The decision was easy but the process is difficult. You just have to get through it. Remember why you decided to do this. Remember how good you are going to feel afterwards. Today makes a week. I’m home, moving around and tolerating liquids and some applesauce. It’s hard to predict how you will feel 6 weeks post op but imo, you get stronger everyday. Your body is going to go through a lot of changes after a surgery like this. I’m still early in mines, I’m sore, not as strong as I was but also had 85% of my stomach removed. I wish you all the best and know that any choice you make you YOUR choice. Take care 💜

[Esi 166]

Yes, I would do it again. My husband was not in favor (although he supported what I decided). A family member who is a doctor cautioned me that some of his patients had gained back all the weight. However, three of my doctors at teaching hospitals recommended it, and showed me the research. It’s been such a blessing, as finally I am able to lose so much excess weight (I thought I would go to my grave obese). And I feel that as long as I follow the eating guidelines, it will stay off.

This is my answer, even though from what I gather, I had a much harder recovery than most people on this forum. I vomited multiple times a day for two months before it stopped. I did have regrets at first, but my surgeon said it would stop. Once the nausea subsided, it has been sunny skies.

[Ltdanfan 2]

On 12/16/2021 at 8:03 AM, SleeverSk said:

well I am 5 months out, would i do it again? No I wouldn't. I hate it, I wasn't ready and the reality of it is nothing like what I thought it would be.

I am 2 weeks out and worried that im going to regret it. I think about food more than i ever have and im still in a lot of pain around one of the incision sites. It burns every time i change position or cough and i cannot use my core muscles without pain. I'm also freezing all the time. Im down 14 lbs so far, although it doesnt feel like ive lost anyhing and its starting to slow down. But i know there will be starts and fits with regard to the pounds coming off. I dont regret it yet but ive gotten close. Maybe once ive lost more weight (and actually feel like it) and i fit into jeans that i havent been able to wear in years ill feel more positive about things. But i dont regret it yet.
point is that you wont really know until you do it. I keep thinking of the positives and the reasons im doing this- to be healthier able to more fully participate in my life. maybe ill regret it if i dont achieve my goals or maybe ill realize that im still healthier even if i still weigh more than i want and cant eat all the things i could before. I wont know or be able to say, if i regret it until im farther away from surgery and back to somewhat of a normal life.
in looking at why others regret surgery or not, you have to consider why they regret it. Is the regret due to a temporary complication or long term failure to achieve goals, or something else.

i had the support of my family but not of my best friend, however i had to make the decision for myself, just like you. Regardless of what you decide, you have my support. And all the people here.

[SleeverSk 491]

2 hours ago, Ltdanfan said:

I am 2 weeks out and worried that im going to regret it. I think about food more than i ever have and im still in a lot of pain around one of the incision sites. It burns every time i change position or cough and i cannot use my core muscles without pain. I'm also freezing all the time. Im down 14 lbs so far, although it doesnt feel like ive lost anyhing and its starting to slow down. But i know there will be starts and fits with regard to the pounds coming off. I dont regret it yet but ive gotten close. Maybe once ive lost more weight (and actually feel like it) and i fit into jeans that i havent been able to wear in years ill feel more positive about things. But i dont regret it yet.
point is that you wont really know until you do it. I keep thinking of the positives and the reasons im doing this- to be healthier able to more fully participate in my life. maybe ill regret it if i dont achieve my goals or maybe ill realize that im still healthier even if i still weigh more than i want and cant eat all the things i could before. I wont know or be able to say, if i regret it until im farther away from surgery and back to somewhat of a normal life.
in looking at why others regret surgery or not, you have to consider why they regret it. Is the regret due to a temporary complication or long term failure to achieve goals, or something else.

i had the support of my family but not of my best friend, however i had to make the decision for myself, just like you. Regardless of what you decide, you have my support. And all the people here.

Hi, Dont worry it gets better I am 7 months out now and feel better about having the surgery I have come to the realization that without it i would still be fat, I still think about food alot but no where near as much as i did in the early days. I think you will be fine