Nervous about surgery!

[Bellagirl]

Spent 7 months going through all the steps required for the surgery and finally got my surgical date set. Now I’m having cold feet. Is this normal? I’m worried about hair loss, getting enough fluids and protein, and the permanence. Can anyone give me advice?

[Sandra3]

Hello and welcome!

It's really normal to be nervous! we all are stressed before surgery. I was sleepless for days right before...
But at the end, what did make me calmer was to imagine myself in a near future, with less medical issues, being more mobile, painless etc...positive thinking does help.

Do not worry about hair loss, it will grow back. The best thing before surgery is to get ready, do your research, and be ready to follow your guideline, take your vitamins daily, eat and drink the right things, go to all post-op etc....

For most people, surgery make them tired the first two weeks, but after that they are fine. My husband's cousins had the surgery in October and were 100% after a week.

My first three months were not a walk in the park because I had constant nausea and had a hard time drinking and getting enough protein, but it got better. I was always positive, and knew, with my many conditions, that I could face those issues. But it was all worth it!

You are in the right place here, you will find support post-op, people will be able to answer you questions.

Keep us posted!

Good luck and take care

[New-Me]

It is normal to be nervous as the day approaches and the procedure is coming up. It is a major surgery and it's not something you can just reverse or get rid of after, if you are having some issues. I think most of us have gone through that. But Sandra is correct. Things get better and better every day after the surgery. For me the first couple of days sucked, but then things started to get better, fast. By the time I could start eating more normal food (like scrambled eggs, lunch meat, cheese, etc.) my body really started to feel better. It does take a few months to get your total strength back, but your body does have to adjust to not only the major surgery you just had, but the weight loss and everything else. Find a protein drink you like with at least 30 grams. Drink at least two of those a day and get your fluids in no matter what. You'll feel a lot better.

Don't get hung up and worried about hair loss, fluids, protein, etc. Those are small temporary concerns compared to being healthy the rest of your life. I worried about those things too, but then I would think about diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, heart attacks, strokes, and everything else that comes with being overweight. Some of those issues I had, some were waiting down the road for me. I know it's scary when you get to the surgery point, but when your 5-6 months out and your life is completely changing for the better, I think you'll see how those items you listed were really not that important. Surgery isn't right for, or the answer for, everyone's weight issues, but for a lot of people it is. For me it was. Other people I speak to, that I think are definite candidates, want nothing to do with it. And that's OK too. We all make our own decisions and have to live with those decisions.

I'm like 99% of the people on this board. The only regret I have is that I didn't get surgery 10 years ago. The fact that you're at this point tells me that you're probably sick and tired of being sick and tired. It also tells me your ready. Now it's time to get it done and start working toward your goals. I've lost 80 pounds since my surgery in October and just bought two pairs of jeans at American Eagle that are the same size as my 17 year old son. Things like this make it all worth it. Try not too worry too much. My biggest fear and still is, is having excess skin on my midsection, but getting my weight down and being healthy gave me the attitude that "if I have excess skin, I'll deal with that when it happens". I figure it's a small price to pay for being in good health. Hang in there and good luck! You'll do great!

[kenson]

It's very normal to be nervous before surgery. I didn't get nervous until they were wheeling me in the operating room--before then, I was just excited! Don't worry, you will be in capable hands. I didn't experience any hair loss. Remember, everyone is different and your experience may not be like any one else's. Regarding the permanence--never gave it a second thought--the alternative for me outweighed all of the positive results that I felt the surgery could offer me.

[sraebaer]

Totally normal, we were all nervous. But the results are amazing! Worried about permanence? Being a permanent, regular sized person is pretty cool. Hair loss? For most people it's hardly noticeable. (Being fat is very noticeable.) By committing to sipping every waking moment, you will be able to get your fluids and protein in.

My #1 recommendation for that first week after surgery is to sleep as much as you can. When you're not sleeping, sip and walk. You'll do great!

[KiwiGal]

As all above - totally normal...although I was really excited not nervous. I couldn't wait for my new improved life to commence. 18 months out and I haven't looked back for a second.
My surgery was really straight forward. 2 nights in hospital then home and 2 weeks off work. Could have probably gone back after one but I had the leave available and wanted to give myself time to get into my new routine. Took the pain killers while in hospital but didn't need any once home. It was uncomfortable, but not painful.
Those first 2 weeks, sleep, walk, and sip.....that's all you need to concentrate on.
I had some hair loss at about 3 months (for a couple of months) but only noticeable to me by the strands of hair in the bathroom. It has certainly grown back.
Initially you will have to work at getting your fluids and protein in but it soon becomes your new "normal".
Permanence - yep, having 3/4 of your stomach removed is fairly permanent ;-)
If you use this tool as it was meant to be used your weight loss will be permanent.
Stick to your surgeons/nutritionists plans and you will soon be on your way :-)

[Christie13]

Welcome Lisa! Hope your surgery went well!