Do any of you ever worry about the future?

Most days I am totally ready for the DS. But sometimes I think, what if I get Alzhiemers and I can't remember how to take care of myself?  What if I get cancer and have to undergo chemo--how will I get all my protein in if I'm sick for weeks on end?  What if I'm in a nursing home and they don't know how to manage the DS? 

I'm really trying to be brave because I know that the DS is my best choice. But on these days I find myself thinking, maybe I should just go with the sleeve ....

What if you don't get the DS and your obesity prevents you from living long enough to even worry about getting that old?

I mean that facetiously. But seriously, yes I have thought about that aspect of the surgery. I know that I have to be my own advocate from now on when it comes to my health. That means being diligent about my supplements, my labs, and my surgeon's follow up visits. I think that as time goes on, more and more healthcare workers will become more aware of the DS (like they are of RNY now) and that will help. I also plan on updating my living will and other documents with thorough information about the DS and my nutritional needs in case I am ever incapacitated. 

It's scary no doubt about it. I think the DS offers us the best chance of keeping the weight off. Think about how hard
the things on your list would be if you regained your weight or only lost part of it.

Try not to let your fear overwhelm you. I'm sure many of us thought about calling it off right up until we go to sleep for surgery. If you know the DS is your best choice spend some time reviewing the good that can come and a little less on the bad.

Think good thoughts tomorrow. Whatever you end up doing be happy with your decision and make the most of it.

Pete

At least I have a much better chance of getting that old now.  People in my family rarely live to a ripe old age.  So I just wanted to get the weight off now, live the best life I could now while I can, and let the universe take care of what happens later. 

I didn't really have a choice - I needed the DS.  I knew I would do really well with the sleeve, then gain it all back in 3 years time  - and then be stuck fighting for a second surgery (which many insurance companies are putting rules around this in all their policies).

I almost did as i walked into the operating room...I looked at the doctor and said...I don't know if I want to do this... then i just realized... I needed to do this...

 

It is a personal decision... think twice ...cut once.

I dot worry about the future in any aspect of my life. The "future" is not promised to me. What is promised to me is today and that is what I worry about,living the day to my best,plan wise and in every other way.
I am also making and updating regularly a plan of care for a time I might be unable to take care of myself. That is all. I can do.
GL

I've thought of that myself and I am 7 years out and have had some health issues. My advice, be concerned, but don't worry about things until or if they happen! Enjoy the new you. You'll see how much your life will change!

Bonnie

Seriously...  Most of us wouldn't have lived long enough to worry about these things.

If I am in a nursing home with Alzheimers, or anything else for that matter, I want to die.  I don't want anyone to manage my DS, it's time for me to check out.  And I know what I'm talking about.  I have worked in a nursing home and took care of my parents for more than a decade.  If you don't know who, where, or when you are, does it really matter?

As for the cancer/chemo, it's not like you miss your protein for a day, a week, or even a month, and you drop dead.  You manage the best you can and if you survive the cancer you work on your protein levels or other DS issues.  Several people on here have gone through chemo postop and survived it just fine.  They didn't all survive the cancer but the chemo was doable.

Here's my motto that I have said many times before here.  I would much rather die in a parachuting accident than in a nursing home.

If the DS is the best choice for you, then all you can do is make a commitment to be as healthy as  possible and do the things you need to do to stay that way.  And have a plan.  

For me, I can't constantly worry about something that may never happen.   My plan is to stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible - get in my protein, vitamins and water, stay active and do the best I can.  I am 10 1/2 years post op and this still works for me.  

You do know that there are enzymes that can be given to increase absorption in severe cases, right?  

 Worse case scenario for me would be to be so ill for so long that I would need  to get the DS reversed.

 I don't know anyone that has had to have a reversal due to sickness.  I do know of a few who have had their DS reversed because of severe, long term malnutrition.  

Deep breaths....

I want to thank every one of you for your heartfelt advice. You make valid points, all of you.  And you're right. If I'm so far gone that I don't know who I am and can't take care of my needs, then I really don't want to be maintained artificially in any way. (I've been an RN for 36 years and I've seen some god-awful things done to frail, elderly people in the name of "doing everything you can.")

This falls into the category of "fear of the unknown", I think. Fear is something I'm currently working on with my therapist. I have a lot of fears--a LOT of fears--but fear for my health isn't usually one of them.  I often think of myself as a healthy person, but when I look at all the meds I'm on and all my co-morbidities it's clear that I am NOT a healthy person. I am at high risk for heart problems and stroke. I know that the DS is the right surgery for me. It's the only one that can reverse the co-morbidities and give me a chance to reclaim my health.

Again, thanks so much for your help. Sometimes I just need to talk things through so I can know what I really want to do.