You know, some of y'all are scaring me

My DS is coming up next month but I'm starting to feel uneasy. In the last week or so I've read at least 3-4 posts that basically say this was the worst decision of their life and they wished they'd never done it.  Seriously?  This makes me very nervous. I know that the DS will change my life in a lot of big and small ways. But I wasn't anticipating wishing I had never done it. Is this something that is common? I mean, after the first 4-6 weeks.  Does it get better after say, 6 weeks or so?

I had my DS on July 23, 2013, and I am thrilled!  Definitely the best decision for me.  

You need to go into this realizing that there are risks to any surgical procedure. It's a major surgery, just like the other WLS, it will take time to mend and understand your new body. I went into this knowing the risks, but I was willing to take those risks in order to live a healthier and more fulfilling life compared to the trajectory I was on. If I was going to take that risk with a major surgery, I felt that it was my job to find my one shot. In my opinion, the DS was the best shot! It may not be an easy healing period, but I was aware of that and signed those consent papers. I felt more like myself each day, it's hard for me to tell you how YOU will feel at say, 6 weeks. There was a real turning point for me at 5 weeks though.

DS 9-30-09.  The first 3 weeks were hell.  I mean I really felt terrible.  At end of week 3 I realized that I was dehydrated and went to the local ER (surgery was out of state) and got a bag of fluids.  After that I was able to keep the fluids up and I felt so much better.

 

This was the best decision of my entire life.  I would do it every year if I had to for the health benefits alone.

 

~Becky

I had my DS in March 2013. I was a revision so a little more complicated and a little longer for healing BUT I have no regrets. Recovery is never a picnic- there is going to be pain in

order to heal and there are going to be changes and adjustments both mentally and physically but if you want it bad enough you will accept it and make the changes. And yes there are

risks.. I think major complications are far and few between.

Just to be able to wear a size 14 instead of a 24, not having to worry about high blood pressure or diabeties(sp), knee and joint problems, etc I can honestly say

I feel soooo much better and can get around so much easier that it was worth the pain . If you go into it, looking at the  end result, knowing that each day you are

healing and its a little better than the day before you can get thru this. It won't be long before its 6 months down the road and things will be pretty normal. I felt pretty

decent after 6 weeks. I actually took a trip to Oregon in May and then a 2 week trip to Alaska in June and did really well.I am in my 60s so not a spring chicken but

would do it all over again- just wished I had done it sooner.

Sharon

DS on 4/15/13. Best decision I ever made.

I was certainly frightened about being one of the people that had a lot of problems. I eventually came to the conclusion that its important information to have but they don't speak for the majority of cases. I understood it could happen but I didn't think it was likely to happen.

Certainly by 6 weeks I was feeling much better. There are still things I have to work out but nothing that makes me regret my decision. 

The doctors even tell you that you go through the OH MY GOD WHAT TGE F DID I DO STAGE. Right now I feel like the biggest idiot on earth. Like I caused myself all this grief? But I just keep telling nyself 3 more wweeks im going to feel better.  Now if 6 to 8 weeks comes and I still feel this way im going to want a refund. Lol. You have to remember people have their own reasons why they regret mines was complications after complications. Some people have never had a surgery. Our experience is not yours you may breeze through and be one of the ones who has posted they didn't need pain meds afterwards or you may be like me with complications which were not caused by the actual surgery but previous ones. One thing we know if you have no surgery you will always suffer from obesity. The other way you have a 50/50 chance.

GOOD LUCK

I think you hit the nail on the head. If I do nothing, there is a high chance that I will live and die with obesity. My diabetes isn't too bad right now, but I'm 57--it WILL get worse, in time. My feet and knees are killing me--at this point I'm using a cane off and on. The cholesterol and triglycerides will continue to be high. The sleep apnea will never improve. And the high blood pressure will remain high, and will likely worsen with time.

 

I think the trouble is, I don't see myself as a fat person. I was very slender through my 20s & 30s. I didn't really get overweight until about 15 years ago. I am often shocked when I see a picture of myself because it doesn't match the picture I have in my head. Until recently I actually considered myself healthy, despite all those chronic conditions. It wasn't until my DH blurted out one day that he was worried that I might die before him--and he has a lung condition that we know is going to kill him sooner rather than later!

If you have done your research and have chosen your surgeon wisely, you are ahead of the game. Yes, the first few weeks are not a picnic, but for me, it was manageable. I felt completely back to normal by week 8. I went to Vegas at week 5 and had a good time. I went to Disneyland at week 8 and was fine. 

I'm a big believer in positive thinking and the law of attraction. I went into this surgery believing that I would have an easy recovery. Yes, I was aware of the risks, but I didn't let those fears overwhelm me. 

Take care of yourself and good luck to you! 

Thanks. Y'all have set my mind at ease. I was beginning to think that everyone was running around regretting this surgery.  I can do anything for 6-8 weeks. I have had some other serious surgeries and made it through. I know I can do this.