DESPERATE for reminders why i should have the DS

For the past year I always knew that I wanted the DS. As my surgery date is coming  to a near (may 6) I am having serious doubts. It looks just too complicated for me to be on top of everything. All the potential snags associated with the surgery is freaking me out. Eat more fat if you get a stall, up your calories to lose weight, check X,Y, Z if your hair and teeth fall out....etc. Would it be too late to call Dr. s office and tell them I want a sleeve instead? My work and home environment is soooo hectic can I keep up the eating schedule?

In desperate need of some encouragement please!!!!

The DS is something you do for yourself.  It's one time in your life when you come first and the rest of them will have to care for themselves.  And surprise, you will learn they can muddle through.  It takes over your life a bit at first but it's manageable.  And you will be amazed at how much more you will be able to do pretty effortlessly as a normal sized, healthy, person.

For every single thing you do in life there is a price to pay.  I think a few weeks downtime now is a bargain when compared to spending the rest of your life on the sidelines because of your weight.  The difference is like trying to describe a diamond to a blind person.  I did this 10 years ago and my only regret is not doing it sooner.  I missed out on a lot.

Starlightlu, I am in the same boat as you. Mine is coming April 29th. And I am terrified and doubtful. Also worried that I will eat myself around it and it won't be good. I have a stretched out sleeve, and am revising to a DS. So my surgery will be just the bottom half. Absolutely terrified. So we at least don't have to feel alone with these worries. And THANKS to anyone who provides the encouragement starlightlu asked for!  I will be using it too!!  -Michelle in Ontario

ok michelle, let's do this together! You are about the only other person I know close to home (montreal) that is having this. let's hold hands and dive in together!

Lucy

Lucy, Montreal? Are you going to Dr. Gagner at Westmount Surgical? Because I am! It's a 5 hour drive for me, but that's OK. I had my consult at Rockland, at his office there.

I'm having it with Dr. Court at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal free of charge. I only had to wait 1 yr.

Oh I see. Well I will be updating when I come home from Montreal. If I don't talk to you again til then, GOOD LUCK!!

First...let me say...do what you feel comfortable with, but PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE....stay with your original decision for the DS if the only thing that is a concern to you is the lifestyle afterwards!  The DS is a complicated surgery....true, but it is by far the most effective tool out there...you do not want to get a sleeve only to find out a year or so from now you did not lose all of your weight or cannot keep it off.  Remember...the restriction is what helps you lose....the malabsorption is what keeps it off long-term....do not short change that benefit.  Also, I have 2 small children...ages 2 & 4....and I have a very hectic/stressful full-time job...so my life is hectic too, but the requirements on my life for the vitamins, eating, drinking, bowel issues, etc...have all fallen into a nice new pattern and is no different than what it was pre-op.  I was back into a my normal life at about 6 weeks out when I could start eating real food.  That is a VERY short time when you consider the full-benefits that this type of surgery provides.  It seems that you have done a good deal of research and were definite about this surgery decision up until a few weeks ago....are you sure this is just not 'cold feet'?  Think back to what made you so definitive in your original decision & hold onto those thoughts. 

thank you so much karamev, your reminder served invaluable!

First, my disclaimer - I had RNY, although I considered DS.  I already have osteopenia, so did not want to take the risk of increased malabsorption of calcium with DS.  I am very happy with my decision and am 19 months out.

I agree with what others have said.  Cold feet and feeling overwhelmed by what is coming is very normal, understandable and expected.  Absolutely no question about that....

But, here's where I might sound harsh - and certainly don't mean to....you must be up for this.  You must or you will not do what you need to do to be successful.  Everything else depends on this very critical thing.  Now is the time to plan for what you need nutritionally, time-wise, etc.  it boggles my mind when I read of people making up their own rules, doing things their way after surgery, and then wondering why they are not successful.  You have to resolve to take direction, do what you is recommended and to make this the absolutely #1 priority, at least for the short term post surgery period.  Even when you do this, things don't always happen fast.  If you can't do this, you are right to question whether you are ready for this. Hopefully, questioning will get you closer to doing what you need to do to be successful. 

Talk to others who have had the surgery.  Find out what they absolutely needed to do as a first priority.  I know too many people who have had DS, and other WL surgeries, who have not done what they have needed to do nutritionally and behaviorally, and have not been able to get the results they hoped. 

In the beginning, the work is hard but the weight loss seems easy.  Once you get out a few months, both things are hard.  I am 19 months out and haven't really lost any weight in months.  I think I'm through the weight loss phase and that's OK.  But, now my appetite is a bit more normal, and my capacity is as well.  I, and others, long for the time when the restriction was felt more so that that "check" is in place.  And that's when people tend to return to old behaviors.  I know you don't want to be one of them.

I believe anyone can do this with the proper mindset and commitment.  Now is the time to get those things in place.  You will need them after surgery and for the rest of your life.

BEST of luck to you!