New and Nervous

[Deberhart]

Hello, my name is Dorothy and I am 2 weeks away from having surgery. I am a nurse and understand all the medical mumbo jumbo BUT I am super nervous about the emotional impact this will make on my life. I have an amazing husband who is EXTREAMLY supportive but I worry I won't make my goal weight or will fail like I have seen so many patients, friends and family members do who have gone through the same thing. Is these feeling normal?

[sraebaer]

I don't know, here you will see tons of success stories! (Go back and read my 4 year post.) Your supportive husband will be super important, along with a positive attitude. You can do it!

When I had the surgery I didn't know anyone who had done it, so I didn't have that to worry about. Now I feel no emotional impact at all, I just feel like a regular person who doesn't eat huge portions anymore. My life hasn't changed at all, except for the better in that I'm no longer obese. But we still eat out, entertain, travel, do it all! Best of luck to you!

(How many people do you know who have failed?)

[Tamera2]

I second what Israebaer said. I had my Sleeve 1-24-17 and so far I’ve lost 128lbs!! My results have been amazing both physically, mentally and my health as improved, I’m no longer diabetic, have high b/p, have sleep apnea. Off the Bipap and oxygen machines. Off 6 medication’s. I can hike for miles and climb mountains. I can run and even sprint. I can ride my bike for 50miles round trip. When I first started walking I could barely climb a flight of stairs. The Sleeve best thing I ever did. I retrained my brain to send me the correct hunger signals. I eat to live not live to eat. No food taste good enough for me to change my way of living. I love my new life! Trust me you want this but you have to be ready to work and change what you eat and how much.The sleeve will help do the work if you put the right food in your body and exercise. You have to find some way to be active. 3D39C66D-C1FB-4008-8AC2-5C7537E92009.jpeg I still can go out to dinner but I’m making healthier chooses and eating way less. I don’t drink my calories anymore. I have treats once in awhile when I’m burning those calories. If you have any questions I’m happy to anwser.

[Tamera2]

637337B6-743A-425B-B9EE-92489404A144.jpeg Hope this inspires you. You can achieve what ever you put your mind to

[Ann2]

I was sleeved 3 years and 2 months ago. Have lost 100 pounds and have kept it all off.

My life is now is so much better I can't even describe it!

But it is a huge lifestyle change. You have to commit to eating healthier, exercising, and taking care of yourself before all others. IMHO.

Why do you think so many people you know have not been successful sleeved patients? What do you see them doing or not doing or struggling with?

BTW, I didn't know anyone who'd been sleeved before I was sleeved. So I was my only in-real-life role model. And I didn't tell anybody (but hubby) about the surgery. Still haven't.

Read my three surgiversary posts to see how my journey has gone. The links to those posts are in my signature block below.

[Alynn]

Hi,

You just have to take it one day at a time and stay positive.

Peace and Blessings!

A

[Christie13]

My sister was sleeved 5 years before me so I knew that it could be successful. When I had my surgery, I was afraid that I would not be successful. Like I would be that one person who it did not work for. I hit my goal weight around 7 1/2 months post op. And now I am under my goal weight. I have had no issues losing the weight. I had the occasional stall like everyone else but nothing that made me crazy as I had read so many posts on here. Although the first one is mentally hard and it comes pretty early...between 3-5 weeks post op. But take progress pictures and measurements now before surgery. Wear something as form fitting as you can such as a swimsuit or undergarments. Then continue to take them every 2 weeks wearing the same thing and in the same location so you can see the difference. You will be so glad to have that record of your success. Most people who are not successful are the ones who don't follow the rules.

[Deberhart]

Thank you all for the responses... we have already changed things in our home food wise and I am determined to make this life style change...I started at 300, am now 290 and still dropping before surgery and my goal is 154...to answer any earlier reply I have known 2 family members, 4 friends and many patients I have cared for over the last 7 years as an RN who have gained almost all or more weight back....another friends friend had the sleeve last week and they are still having trouble controlling bleeding. I know a great deal started bad habits back...I am sure it is just nerves getting to me!

[Yvonne30]

Be positive Dorothy, I am 24 hours away from leaving home to go for my op, 10 days ago I wasn't sure I could do the liquid pre op diet ...but I have, and now I am looking at this as a new start a new chapter and yes I think it's totally normal to have self doubt but if you do everything your told to do how can you fail??? Keep positive and believe in yourself X good luck x

[Stacey03]

I havent had my surgery yet but gawd i totally think you can be successful! LOOK AT ALL THE SUCESS STORIES! I think Christine is right, you have to change your lifestyle and exercise and follow the rules. You can do this. Also look at all the people who never used to excersise and now do because its so much easier without the weight. i think its about finding something you really enjoy doing. try out a heap of stuff and see what you like. Have a positive attitude, change that mindset stat... you get what you think about yes? Think of how you are going to be so successful and the changes youre going to make... make a plan and write that stuff down. And as Ann says you must take care of yourself above all others... then you will be a positive role model and be able to look after everyone else in your life much better. Im so excited for you. Go and smash it x

[Ann2]

I'll add one P.S. to this -- given that you've seen so many people regain their weight (and more!), I wonder what is different about those folks and the successful ones who are visible here?

One refrain you will hear a lot here and on other WLS message boards is that "they only operate on your stomach, not your brain." In other words, the big challenge is to gain power over how our thoughts and emotions can overwhelm our good intentions and control our behavior. Needless to say, everyone who comes to WLS isn't the same and doesn't have equal resources.

The only way I know to change the "balance of power" between a lifetime of bad habits and destructive environmental and peer influences is to go into therapy. I started seeing a therapist a few months before VSG surgery and still see him once a month. For me, my challenge was (literally) learning how to care for myself and putting my own needs before those of others.

If you can could get that kind of support, I know it couldn't hurt and might very well make the big difference you're looking for in your own WLS journey.

Just "food for thought." (Not trying to make a bad pun. )

[Gvn71]

Sleeved 2/2/2017 and am down over 100lbs.

Running a 1/2 marathon this weekend, and ran multiple triathlons / 5 k road races over the summer. All less than a year from my surgery date. Nothing but success here for me. Check out peoples before and after photos to see how it's working for people!

Don't stress! Find a program that works for you and work your sleeve!

Best of luck!

[sraebaer]

Before surgery I never ate protein. If you would have told me no meat or fish for the rest of my life, I would have said OK, no problem. Now I always eat my protein first! I love meat and seafood! It is totally a lifestyle change, and once you get started, it becomes a habit and is no big deal. Just got home from happy hour where my ahi tuna appetizer on slaw was half price! My new favorite food. (Used to be chicken tenders.)

Sure you could regain all your weight if you didn't care, but I know you care and will not do that!