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  1. #1
    Gastric Sleeve Member Rick71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Rick
    Surgery date
    05/04/2012
    Surgeon
    Wasef Abu-Jaish, MD
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    01-15-2013 08:36 AM
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    49
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 31 Times

    Default Thoughts/feelings

    So, I am thinking a lot about having this operation. I get excited, scared, nervous, excited again, them I read some of the post on here and see how it changed so many people life’s and almost always for the better. I guess what frighten me the most is the "what ifs". What if I get a leak, what if I have a major issue? I know that these are far and few between, but I would be lying if I didn't say they across my mind from time to time. I want to be around for my kids and family for as long as I can, and there is a part of me that what to be the guy that people look at an say wow look at him. But my health and family are the driving factors here foremost.

    I think it hit me yesterday, when I saw my son 18 yr old son with FIVE piece of Banana Bread. I looked at him and said. "What are you doing? He looked at me and said what they are small, Ryan do you really think you need that much? I have been open and honest with you about what am about to do, because of my health and waiting to be around for you and your sister. Do you want to be my size some day? No, then please put some of that back." I felt bad for a moment like I was scolding him, but am just looking out for his best interest.

    I don’t know maybe am just having one of those days. Yes, ladies guys have those days too. I know some guys won’t admit to it, but we do and I am secure enough to admit it.

    I think part of it is the waiting that's getting to me. I knew going into this that it was not going to be an overnight thing. Just seems that time is dragging with this part of my life.


    Day of surgery 318.6
    Current 227

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  3. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  4. #2
    Gastric Sleeve Member JeanAng's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/08/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Mc Arthur Conrado Salonga
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    11-08-2011 01:00 AM
    Location
    Phil
    Posts
    44
    Said "Thanks" 2 Times
    Was Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 9 Times
    Blog Entries
    8

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    I understand your situation rick...ive had my share of "what if" also during pre-ops...im a week post op already and i knw this stage is hard...after my operation, i thought to myself "wish ive never had this surgery coz i cant eat what i want to eat...its hard to swallow..."when i see those chicken at kfc or when i see them tacos i cry and feel depressed...but people here in the forums and people around me are so positive that they keep on supporting me. Just think about it this way when you have your surgery your adding years and years of your life with your family...you can be fit, less complications in health and you can be a good example to your kids...by eating healthy foods...about complications,just be positive dont let those negative energy defeat you...as long as you follow what the doctors are telling you then everything's fine...
    i am with hope.
    Surgery Date: October 08,2011
    Pre-Op diet: Clear liquids. Date started: September 30, 2011
    First weight in is 271 lbs. Date September 28, 2011




  5. #3
    Gastric Sleeve Member Lglow's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    09/19/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr.Parker
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Last Activity
    05-09-2012 08:01 AM
    Posts
    452
    Said "Thanks" 88 Times
    Was Thanked 197 Times in 150 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 136 Times
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Hi Rick, I love your post b/c its how I felt for so long. I am a few weeks out in my journey. I am sooo glad I did this. I totally understand your fears b/c I had them too. I was fortunate to have an amazing very experienced barriatric team. Of course the surgeons were very experienced with a less than 1 percent track record of leaks. So that was awesome! But for my the Clinical Psychologist is who I used the most to identify MY issues with food. Boy let me tell you, that was a huge thing for my qaulity of life. I have 2 boys and 1 of them would eat sweets every meal if I wasn't around but it goes way beyond that. B/c I had therapy and practiced for about 5 months changing my behaviors about food I was able after surgery to be very comfortable around my family and friends who make very different choices than I do. But guess what? I am rubbing off on them and even my husband says he is changing how he eats b/c he sees how my food changes are so awesome! Like when we DO go to a restraunt. I order grilled chicken or fish or soup and NEVER leave over filled and bloated and sick for the rest of the night. My energy has increased and I sleep much better. Even though people around us think, "poor things" they can never eat again. It is SO NOT TRUE . Having control over food is freedom. At least that has been my revelation. The thing that was killing me I have learned to master with this tool! I am so happy and my body is feeling and looking better everyday.

    Well that is just my little contribution. Take what you like and delete the rest! Best wishes on your journey!



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  7. #4
    Gastric Sleeve Member
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Lisa
    Surgery date
    10/22/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    10-14-2012 12:07 PM
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    41
    Said "Thanks" 1 Times
    Was Thanked 9 Times in 8 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 15 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    I think it is great that you have opened up to this forum and are so honest about your feelings. I am scheduled for surgery in a week. I had many of the same concerns but decided if I didn't take control it would only get worse and my risk for a stroke or heart attack would only increase. Friend me and I will keep in touch when I return. I am having it done in Mexico. Yes there are risks going out of the country but I would rather have someone do it that has done thousands of them.



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  9. #5
    Gastric Sleeve Member Rick71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Rick
    Surgery date
    05/04/2012
    Surgeon
    Wasef Abu-Jaish, MD
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    01-15-2013 08:36 AM
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    49
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 31 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Thanks for the input folks and I will take any and all advice I can get, lord knows I give enough out in my job. This is a big deal for all of us, we are making a major change in our lifes looking for a healthier and better life for ourself. I have to say I have informed all my friends, and they have been supportive of my decision to do this. I explained to them why am doing it. They all seem to understand and tell me they are behind me 110%. I see no reason not to let the people in my life know what am doing, that way they will know why I may be in a pissy mood or losing weight like a mad man.

    I wish all that have gone through or going to go through this life change the best of luck am I here to help support you..


    Day of surgery 318.6
    Current 227

  10. Gastric Sleeve Surgery With Weight Loss Agents
  11. #6
    Gastric Sleeve Member karlyn65's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/18/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Almanza
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Last Activity
    02-02-2013 10:55 PM
    Posts
    36
    Said "Thanks" 11 Times
    Was Thanked 6 Times in 5 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 72 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Hi Lisa,

    I am having my done just a few days befor yours. On the 18th with Dr. Almanza. We will just miss each other. I will let you know how things go with me and I wish you the best. Though after reading most everyone on these post they all are happy they did it and with Dr. Almanza. Take care and welcome! Karen



  12. #7
    Gastric Sleeve Member BeautifulMama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Susie
    Surgery date
    05/02/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Solomon
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Last Activity
    09-19-2013 06:57 PM
    Posts
    174
    Said "Thanks" 12 Times
    Was Thanked 47 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 22 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    I understand all of what you're feeling, believe me you're not alone. I read someone's comment to a post similar to yours and it read something like, ' We take risk everyday. Whether you're in an airplane, driving a car, taking medications for the first time, really anything you can think of is a risk'.

    I also understand what you mean about your children potentically following your unhealthy footsteps but you have to remember that you can SHOW them better than you can TELL them. One of the MANY benefits to having this surgery is that you will adopt a healthier lifestyle. When your children see you getting healthy and really wanting to live your life to the fullest THAT will have the biggest impact on them and not the preaching. When you they see balancing your diet and actually being conscious about what you put in your body and why, then they will begin to learn the importance of taking care of their own bodies. I don't know how old they are, but at one point or another they will understand you're having this surgery so you can be healthy enough to watch them grow up. : ) Good luck!

    Susie
    <a href="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/" title="Click here to create your own Weight Loss Ticker"><img src="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/BeautifulMama.gif" alt="Weight Loss Ticker" border="0"/></a>

  13. #8
    Gastric Sleeve Member Rick71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Rick
    Surgery date
    05/04/2012
    Surgeon
    Wasef Abu-Jaish, MD
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    01-15-2013 08:36 AM
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    49
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 31 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Susie my kids are son 18 and daughter 14


    Day of surgery 318.6
    Current 227

  14. #9
    Gastric Sleeve Member BeautifulMama's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Susie
    Surgery date
    05/02/2012
    Surgeon
    Dr. Solomon
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Last Activity
    09-19-2013 06:57 PM
    Posts
    174
    Said "Thanks" 12 Times
    Was Thanked 47 Times in 38 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 22 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    @ Rick71 Oh okay...so they still have lots of growing to do. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.
    <a href="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/" title="Click here to create your own Weight Loss Ticker"><img src="http://www.gastricsleeve.com/weight-loss-ticker/BeautifulMama.gif" alt="Weight Loss Ticker" border="0"/></a>

  15. #10
    Gastric Sleeve Member VSGOct2011's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/08/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr Guillermo Alvarez
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    07-04-2013 09:22 AM
    Posts
    431
    Said "Thanks" 2 Times
    Was Thanked 112 Times in 104 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 72 Times
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Rick, I am 1 week out - no regrets. I lurked on here and other message boards forever before taking the plunge. I did all the research I could, spending hours and hours reading everything I could. The more informed you are the more your confidence and conviction to do this or not do this will be. I agree with everything the others have said. I'm in social work and do a lot of client counseling and would add, there's an addiction recovery model that we use when clients are thinking about making a change and aren't sure whether they are ready - it's called The Stages of Change Model. It identifies the stages we go through and what is needed for us to move into the next stage towards completing our goal. It has been revised and edited many times for use in employment, addictions, making life changing decisions, etc. It's been a wonderful tool for many of the clients I work with and I've included a link to it if you are interested in finding out more about the change processes which are:
    1) Pre-contemplation
    2) Contemplation
    3) Determination
    4) Action
    5) Maintenance

    http://www.pacwcbt.pitt.edu/Curricul...f%20Change.pdf



  16. #11
    Gastric Sleeve Member Rick71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Rick
    Surgery date
    05/04/2012
    Surgeon
    Wasef Abu-Jaish, MD
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    01-15-2013 08:36 AM
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    49
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 31 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Thanks VSG I will look it over. I too have looked read watched everything I could on the internet. I am commited to seeing this through, its just sometimes I have to much time on my hands and start thinking about the WHAT IFS and stuff like that. My wife had a friend that had the bypass a few years ago and she was one of the case that went bad. That poor woman went through a lot and in the end found her addicted to pain meds.

    I understand following the doc orders and healing is key to a quick and safe recovery. Am luck in the fact that I hace several hundred hours of sick leave that I can use so time off for me will no be an issue.

    I do have to say though the puree stage will gross me out a little. I know there is a ton of things to eat out there. But the thought of blending my dinner up and drinking it just grosses me out. LOL Kind of funny, I seen dead bodies, dealt with people cut up seen more gross things then most people and the thought of puree food grosses me out.


    Day of surgery 318.6
    Current 227

  17. #12
    Gastric Sleeve Member VSGOct2011's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/08/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr Guillermo Alvarez
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    07-04-2013 09:22 AM
    Posts
    431
    Said "Thanks" 2 Times
    Was Thanked 112 Times in 104 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 72 Times
    Blog Entries
    7

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Okay, just gotta ask, are you a cop or an undertaker? How on earth does pureed food make you more grossed than a dead body? Lol

    Your kids will thank you for doing this - not now when you are busting them for 2nds and 3rds but when you stop buying all the 'good' stuff at home and they start making better choices or starve to death. I've seen my kids diet change over the last month and my 18 (almost 19) yr old son is telling me to buy more fat free turkey breasts and why don't we have any salad fixings in the house. He's noticed himself feeling more energetic since I stopped buying the 'crap'. I basically told them I couldn't keep shopping the way I did prior to the pre-op surgery or I would cave.



  18. #13
    Gastric Sleeve Member Rick71's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Name
    Rick
    Surgery date
    05/04/2012
    Surgeon
    Wasef Abu-Jaish, MD
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Last Activity
    01-15-2013 08:36 AM
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    49
    Said "Thanks" 0 Times
    Was Thanked 7 Times in 7 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 31 Times

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Am not a cop or undertaker, but I have work for the Dept of Corrections for the past almost 14 yrs. I worked inside a correctional facility for 3.5 yrs and then worked as a field officer for 8.5 yrs and now am a Probation Officer. I had the chance to worked with a very diversit group of people. I've had to deal with people trying to hang themself, commit suicide, cutting up for attention to cutting up in an attempt to take there life to people trying to OD on pills. I've had to ID people that made the choice to take there life.

    I know someone that works in that field and puree food grossing them out is a little silly. and dont get me start on soggy bread


    Day of surgery 318.6
    Current 227

  19. #14
    Gastric Sleeve Member TrailNurse's Avatar
    I have had a gastric sleeve.
    Surgery date
    10/31/2011
    Surgeon
    Dr. Ramos-Kelly
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Last Activity
    06-03-2013 06:19 PM
    Location
    Houston, TX
    Posts
    511
    Said "Thanks" 36 Times
    Was Thanked 89 Times in 73 Posts
    Said "Welcome to Gastric Sleeve" 120 Times
    Blog Entries
    1

    Default Re: Thoughts/feelings

    Quote Originally Posted by VSGOct2011 View Post
    Okay, just gotta ask, are you a cop or an undertaker? How on earth does pureed food make you more grossed than a dead body? Lol

    Your kids will thank you for doing this - not now when you are busting them for 2nds and 3rds but when you stop buying all the 'good' stuff at home and they start making better choices or starve to death. I've seen my kids diet change over the last month and my 18 (almost 19) yr old son is telling me to buy more fat free turkey breasts and why don't we have any salad fixings in the house. He's noticed himself feeling more energetic since I stopped buying the 'crap'. I basically told them I couldn't keep shopping the way I did prior to the pre-op surgery or I would cave.
    LOL....my son (20) and I do our protein shakes together. He recently asked me to start buying him some turkey breast and salads at the store. I almost dropped my shake. This is a kid who use to live on cereal and snack cakes. He started playing basketball and now he looks bigger. Muscle I am guessing. They grow up way too fast!


    Add me on myfitnesspal.com
    TrailNurse

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