8 days away from surgery and having 2nd, 3rd, 4th thoughts

[Dia4]

Hello everyone,

I am scheduled to have my surgery October 9th. After almost a year of preparation now that its finally here I am having so many doubts about going through with it. I had my pre-surgery appointment Friday and all the prep required immediately prior to surgery is scaring me. I am afraid of possible infection, blood clots, pain etc. I know I need this tool to help me live a longer, healthier life but I nervous as hell.

I am a former Marine and keep berating myself..."you can stop eating? you can't work out on your own? you can click in and make it happen?" A part of me feels so week for needing help. Ugh, I dislike being indecisive and unsure. I'm just really scared y'all.

By the way, I'm 230 lbs at 5' 3"

Thanks for listening

[GlennA18]

Semper Fi! We all had 2nd, 3rd & 4th thoughts. But if you take a poll of who had regets after having the surgery, you'd be hard pressed to find anyone.

This surgery is very safe - practically routine. You got this! And we're here for you!

[KiwiGal]

Hi there. Totally normal feelings.
Most of us couldn't do this - "you can stop eating? you can't work out on your own?" - that's why we made the decision to have the sleeve.
I wanted a long and healthy life and I have given myself the best chance at this by having this op.
There are risks as there are with any operation (I'm sure your surgeon has told you all about these) however it is fairly routine now and the majority have no complications at all. Re the pain, personally I had very little. I took the pain relief while in hospital but once home didn't even need to take a panadol tab. It certainly differs from person to person but if you go into this with a positive attitude I'm sure it will help.
All the best for your surgery. Let us know how you get on please :-)

[losingit2018]

I am scheduled for tomorrow October 3rd. It happened pretty fast although I have been preparing for a year. I am so close to backing out! I am afraid of everything but still know I need it.

[MiamiMami]

This is exactly how I'm feeling right now. My surgery's scheduled for next week too. I'm actually thinking of calling the office tomorrow to reschedule until late November. That'll give me more time to think this through a little more.

[Christie13]

Ultimately only you can make the decision if this is right for you. I can tell you there is no way I could have ever gotten to where I am without the surgery. I started off at 207 and I am 4'11". If I dieted and exercised a lot I could get down to 160 but it was so hard to maintain and I would be miserable. Now I eat right and exercise and have no issues maintaining. My one regret is waiting so long to take the plunge. I had a pretty uneventful recovery. I have a lot of blogs on my page documenting it along the way that you are welcome to read. Good luck making your decision.

[AudOne769]

I think many of us are or have been scared as hell, right there with ya; but stop with the berating self-talk. If you could have done it on your own you would have succeeded by now. That's not a sign of weakness - by looking for a solution makes you SMART and thank God you give a damn about your health. I only had begun researching this in the last 4 months or so and made the decision to do it almost spontaneously. I'm heading to San Diego now for my surgery that is scheduled tomorrow. Am I scared, hell yes; but am I still sure of my decision; absolutely!
Stay positive, and thank you for your service - my son is a Marine and if you can endure that kind of boot camp and crucible hell then this will be a piece of cake, haha!
Take care and good luck to you,
Audrey

[Dia4]

Thank you (almost sobbing) everyone! It's 6 days and counting. I went shopping for my post op supplies (protein powder and shakes for days ). I can do this! I'll probably be back in here crying trying to make it through those first few days but I'm on the track to head to Onederland!

[Dia4]

I can do this...no more 2nd thoughts for me....we can do this!

[AnnieG]

I can do this...no more 2nd thoughts for me....we can do this!

You will be amazed at how do-able it is. And mental prep (as USMC teaches) is the biggest part of the battle. I'm only sorry I waited till I was 65 to do it! It will be a year on Friday and truly, best decision I've made in a very long time.

[The North Sleeve]

Don't even second guess yourself. You are making a great decision and you will not regret it one bit once you start seeing the positive changes to your body.

[losingit2018]

Well, I had my surgery last Wednesday, October 3rd. I was very nervous and nearly rescheduled. Now, I am happy to say that it is done and I feel fine! I am so glad I went through with it. I am drinking my fluids and just trying to get it all in. I have had some pain but the medication takes care of it.
My point of all of this: you can do it! There may be some hiccups, but in the end it will be worth it.

[jansluv]

Glad I read your comments! I am scheduled Nov 29 and while I am not nervous, I question this decision. I know I cannot lose weight and keep it off, on my own. I know that the weight is putting extra stress on my joints that makes me feel SO much older than I am. I know its safe. I know it will work. BUT...its just so darn permanent! I guess my biggest concern is not having fun eating again. Not enjoying restaurants with my hubby. Or traveling the world (our retirement goal!!) and enjoying the foods of different cultures. I do worry, a little, that my stomach won't like the new configuration and be gassy or upset and this might become my new normal. BUt i have read so many posts here, and most everyone seems to happy with their decision.

[KiwiGal]

I have fun eating! I like eating. I eat tasty food. It is just a smaller amount and healthier for me than it was eating prior to surgery.
I have also found that I no longer crave "junk" foods. I am very conscious of what I am putting into my body now. As I can only eat a relatively small amount now I want that food to be nutritious AND to taste good! Having said all of that....I have eaten ice cream, pizza the odd hot chip....but its a small portion, 1 piece, 2-3 chips. I have found that if I really "think" that I want to eat something then if I have a small taste it seems to satisfy me or that I really don't want it after all.
I have not found that traveling is an issue. I have always found something on menus that I can eat, or there are usually supermarkets/markets/road side stalls to purchase items from. Plus I always take some protein powder and some low fat/low sugar protein bars just in case I need to top up.
Just think how much easier doing all the wonderful things that you want to do will be when you are smaller :-)

[GlennA18]

what is "the odd hot chip"?

I