The idea of surgery terrifies me

I started out at 282 lbs.  I've lost (and continue to maintain) 156 lbs.  I weigh 126 lbs, and my goal was 150. 

Thanks everyone for your replies! What kind of realistic recovery time would one be looking at? I have a 1year old that I could get help with for about a week but my concern would be how much longer after would I need help. I am a stay at home mom so outside working isn't an issue just childcare

There are lifting restrictions for about 4 weeks. Depending on how big your 1 year old is, that could be an issue. My doctor has me lifting no more than 20 lbs, but I've seen others on here that have posted a restriction at no more than 10 lbs. That at least would be something to think about if you have to lift the baby out of the crib, highchair, etc. 

Hi...i went back to work in 2 weeks and if it had not been for the drain bugging me out I would have been better even sooner...you may need help picking up the babe until you are released to scoop up a certain weight.  Never had any sort of surgery before so I postponed for years...biggest mistake ever..should have done it in my 30's. Good luck 

I ended up with an abscess infected with strep in my back/side and had an extra six days in the hospital at two weeks out. Other than that, no complications and had my three-month checkup yesterday. My vitamin levels are great and my doctor is delighted with my 60-lb loss in that time. And this morning I hit Onderland. It's pretty incredible :) 

Had RNY 15 months ago.  No complications   would do it again 

Absolutely no complications from surgery, and loving life.  

5 months out, no complications and would do it again in a heart beat. Movement and mobility, cuter clothes, no more numbness and pain in my fingers, hands and feet.. I sleep better, no longer snore, and feel 100X better over all.

Was it hard getting around post-op?

Minimal pain. I had my tubes tied, I'd liken it to the same kind of pain/discomfort after, but for a bit longer. I was able to get up and walk around the halls within hours of surgery, and I was home 2 days later. I went back to work 2 weeks later. The only issue I had was feeling tired. I didn't take any scripts for pain and only needed tylenol 2-3 times. 

Ohh... the first bowel movement is hell in a hand basket, and I think I'm suffering some post traumatic stress over it... but it was short lived and worth it in the end. 100 lbs lost in 5 months!