Upcoming VSG. Having second thoughts.

I'm having VSG on May 16. I am 65 years old and about 125 lbs overweight. I keep having these thoughts that maybe I could lose this weight by diet and exercise instead of surgery, even though I have lost and regained so much weight over the years. I know all the reasons why I would probably fail, but surgery seems like such a radical option. Up until a few days ago I was quite excited about my upcoming surgery, and I want to improve my health as much as possible for the rest of my years. Does everyone have these thoughts?

It is normal to have second thoughts about the surgery. I can only answer for myself and my experience but even though I had doubts and second guesses all the way through them knocking me out on the operating table I went through with it and I don't regret it for a second. I personally would do it all over again in a heartbeat to be able to have the success that I have had after going through with the surgery. I have been given my life back. Ultimately you have to do what you feel is going to be best for you though.

Thank you so much for your reply. It helps to hear you had similar thoughts!

Have you had any complications since surgery or reflux before or after surgery?

I did not have any reflux before. I do have a bit from time to time now but it is controlled with a PPI. That has been my only issue but even with that it is still very worth it.

I think it's normal. I had lots of what-the-hell-am-I-doing thoughts leading up to surgery. But then I'd think about how in 45 years, I've been 100% ineffective at keeping my weight off. I could lose it well enough though, but every time it was harder to get up the mental energy to do it. And the things I thought I'd miss were things I really didn't need to be doing, like eating really big amounts of food. There was an adjustment after surgery and a few down moments where I wondered what I had done to myself, but at about 10 weeks post surgery I'm settling into the new normal. And life is good. I'm adjusting to the small amounts of food and the weight is coming off. I'm glad I did it. Think of it this way, you can do the surgery now and be healthier beginning this month or cancel and lose some weight on your own, gain it back and then start the whole process again at 68.

Good advice! I do not want to start this weight cycle all over again!

For me it came down to, "could I do this without surgery? Sure. But have I?"

and the answer was always no. You're 65, so you've had 65 years to do this without surgery and your track record there is clearly not a successful one. To me that says it's time to do something different. Surgery.

I know you are right and I won't regret having the surgery. Thank you for your reply!

I wish we had a more WLS-friendly society. Instead we're always getting messaging of "just pull yourself up by your bootstraps!!"

You won't regret it. :D