Hello. I am having a much better day today. 

Sometimes I worry that I sound like I am complaining too much or sound ungrateful or like I regret what I have done. I am not, I am so grateful, and I do not regret this surgery decision. I have, unfortunately had some of really unpleasant complications and they have as you said been rather persistent. 

I saw Dr. Birch yesterday for my 3 week post op check up. And, he made me feel so much better. I was so honest with him about everything. I even cried and just let him see how I am really struggling. And he literally told me to take my foot wayyy off the gas peddle with trying to get food into my pouch. He showed me his thumb, and told me he made my stomach the size of his thumb. He told me that he knows that my dietitians job is to tell me I need to get BLANK amount of food and fluids into my body and that their job is to worry about malnutrition. And then he said, that it would take an awful lot for me to get to that point. And that he couldn't even thin of the number of times that has happened, because it just doesn't. So, he told me to take my foot off that gas peddle and I am. He said, drink the water and eat what I can. Go all the way back to tiny tiny portions of food. And if I have to go from 5 meals a day to 6 or 7 then do it. 

I really needed that talk from him. 

He took the last of my staples out. Infection is clearing up. I am off a total of 3 pills I was on pre-surgery so far. 

I am pushing through. 

Don't get scared off Ricky. 

I have no regrets and also wish I'd done it sooner. This surgery is a gift but its success takes work on our part.

What I will say is pay attention in the classes. Learn about mindful eating and head hunger and develop strategies to deal with them. The surgery is an amazing tool but it only works if you learn how to deal with cravings and emotional eating and all those things that contributed to our obesity in the first place. All those classes that AHS make us take are worth every minute!!  Our sleeve is small but you can still put crap into it. You really need to be prepared to change how and what you eat. Things like pasta, potatoes, rice and bread need to become more like treats and protein is always your first thought, then veggies. It's not a difficult transition because you're not hungry. It's when you're further out that it gets easier to consider eating the bad carbs and they go down easier. 

You must take vitamins every day for the rest of your life because our food intake is too little to meet those needs. Same with calcium and possibly iron supplement. Again, not a big deal, its just vitamins, but its non-negotiable. You will need to commit to drinking at least 2L water per day and some kind of exercise. I have a treadmill and enjoy walking. You do not have to become a gym rat. Just movement.

You will have more energy and a lightness than you ever thought possible. It's a great feeling to lose most or all of your excess weight, euphoria.  It takes work. Only your stomach is operated on, not your head. I think of it like a marriage or relationship: its a wonderful thing and life changing but you only get out what you put in, and, not everyday is a honeymoon but its so worth it. The sleeve is the best thing ever!

Hello TraceyLynn,

From the date that your referral from your family DR was sent in how long was it until you heard from the Clinic?

Cindy

My only regret is not doing this sooner. That being said though, I think things happen when and where they do for a reason and this was my time. I have not one reason to look back on this with regret. Hope you have the same experience.

For those who have had surgery, do you wish you did not have surgery? If yes, why?  If you have had surgery and are glad you did, why are you glad?  Just want to hear both sides to bariatric surgery.  I am going to see my surgeon for the first time and I want to be well informed from people who have had surgery.