I'm scared! (advice needed)

Hi Michelle,

Great post!  As I was reading your post, I was thinking to myself...this sounds exactly like me!  I can relate to everything you said (well, except one small part - I have a wonderful husband) but the main reason I had my RNY on Jan. 6th, 2010 (12 days ago!) so I could live a long, healthy life with my husband and 2 year old daughter.

I started the process on 10-30-09 with my first consultation with a bariatric specialist and weighed 332 lbs.  They "fast-tracked" me through the process because once I made up my mind, I wanted to do it quickly before I changed my mind!  I did tons of research, hours each day, learning all I could.  I was a complete nervous wreck the days leading up to surgery because I was so afraid I was going to die and leave my daughter without a mom.  But the morning of the surgery, I turned over all of my fear, worries, anxiety to God and felt a peaceful calm going into surgery. 

The worst part was having that darn drain in me and the IV but once they were removed on Jan. 8th and I was able to go home - I was so much better.  I only had to take my liquid vicodin for 2 days and havn't taken any pain meds since.  Each day gets easier and easier.  I have had no complications whatsoever and I keep telling myself this was so much easier than I thought it was going to be.  I feel so blessed and feel bad for all of those who had it so much harder than I did/do.  But I keep telling myself - God only gives you what I can handle.  Since I'm a big baby and God must know that, he gave me an easy recovery and I'm so thankful!

The first week from the hospital I lost 10 lbs after surgery but the past 3 days I have stayed the same at 287.  I can't belive I have hit a plateau so early but I'm not letting it discourage me because I know my body is still trying to heal.  But I have read from so many others that they have lost 15-20 lbs by the end of their 2nd week and I've only lost half that.  Oh well, I'm just going to focus on me, my healthy choices and living one day at a time.

All the best to you!

Hi Cindy,

Indeed, it sounds like we've had very similar experiences!  Regarding stalls, at two weeks out I hit a stall that lasted the following two and a half weeks.  You can imagine my pleasure!  I was really upset... everyone said that stalls were normal, but I couldn't help but focus on those that lost more than me at that point out.  Once I broke through the stall and felt emotionally reassured that I WOULD lose weight again, I chilled the heck out lol.  

So, yes, it is very normal, and I'm glad you're not letting it discourage you.  Right now I'm trying to break the habit of weighing daily... it messes with me.  So there are occasional days where I skip...  you may want to consider doing that (if you don't already) to help you get through this period.  

Best wishes... congrats on getting through surgery... I'm only two months out and I feel like it's been the wildest ride! 

Michelle

I'm 6 months out from my surgery.  But I know about that fear..the fear of failing the surgery, and putting all the weight back on, or not losing it in the first place.  I was convinced  I was going to be the only one the surgery wouldnt work for.  I didnt have these fears before the surgery, only after...and then it was almost debilitating.  I kept thinking..OMG what have you done!!  That lasted for about a week or so...things leveled out after that.  I still get scared when I'm in a stall.  But I think its natural.  I'm down 161lbs.  I'm happy, and healthier.  If I never lose another pound, I'll still be happy and healthier than I was at 423lbs.  As long as the scale moves in the downward direction, I'm happy..I dont care how long it takes to hit my "goal".
Trust me on this, as time passes, it gets easier to eat, to beleive, to KNOW that you can do it!!

 I am relieved that many people are feeling the same way.  Not that I get satisfaction of misery loves company but because I think it helps to know that our thoughts are "normal".  :)

It's even more comforting coming from post-ops who have went through the same thing and validated our thoughts.  

I am happy to hear that even though you all hit those stalls you have learned that it just happens.  :) Now if I can lose 161 lbs!  I am soooo ready to get the show on the road!

Hi Cruzksu,

I hope you don't feel I am totally lacking in the mind your beeswax department, but I hope you did research all your options for weight loss surgery. I think you will do great, and I have faith in you. I felt the same way, and I finally, just the other day, realized that I can truly say "I trust my DS" and mean it. I don't think it will let me down. I look forward to reading your journey, and best wishes to you :)