My surgery

I do not know how I will feel after this procedure. Thank you so much for any and all feed back

Fear is normal- but you can't let it be consuming. I was totally at peace with my decision to have surgery. Part of my self pep-talk was knowing/owning the truths for my body. I knew its threshold for pain, don't have 'soft stomach, don't get sick from anesthesia-- so despite the stories I read about possible diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty eating etc-- I set them aside and stood on the strength of what I know is true for ME. My recovery was pretty simple-- yes there was pain, frustration etc- but all of it was manageable.

I was more worried about the surgery working at all then regain. When you're obese you become a doubting Thomas-- and lose faith in thinking any weight loss method will work. It works, and there can be no regain, IF you work it. Read here and follow the advice of the vets and long timers. Its invaluable.

I was also at peace with my decision to have surgery. I was worried about blood clots. I asked what was in my control, they say said the best thing to minimize the risk of blood clots is to get up and walk lots. So I did, like it was my job.

I also had some concerns about the risks associated with surgery and post op deficiencies etc. but I had my surgeon compare those (low) risks against what I was facing in the future by not getting the weight off(high, probable risks). It was a no brainer.

I took comfort in knowing it was the best option for me for a longer, higher quality of life.

Fear of failure is really common too. I mean, no one goes into surgery having been successful at weight loss. We've all started over countless times. But this is different. Keep posting on here, reading, follow your plan, and the weight will come off. I'm too new to talk about maintenance or regain. I know it can happen, but there are many on here who did not, and many who had regain, but are still able to get a handle on it.

Your surgery date is also my 53rd birthday; I"ll remember you and say a prayer for a quick and complete recovery.

Just make sure to walk after surgery, and trust that the surgical team will take good care of you. I was given anti blood clot shots in my belly for two days after surgery; that, plus the walking helped and I had no problem with blood clots.

It's normal to be scared; I was scared, and excited too, lol. You really have no frame of reference for knowing how different this is going to be to all of the diets and plans you tried in the past, so it is hard to understand that YES, this will work for you. You will lose weight, as long as you follow your plan and listen to the good advice you are getting from the vets here, who know what they are talking about and are generous enough to share their wisdom with all of us.

I was worried this wouldn't work for me too, but it was because I had nothing to compare it to, pre surgery. It really is a tool like no other, and works if you do what you are supposed to do. Now I"m almost 5 months out and down almost 90 Lbs, and feel great.

It's normal to be scared, but don't forget to look forward to all of the exciting changes that are coming your way. One thing that really got me through surgery and recovery was visualising myself thinner, healthier, and happier.

You've got this!

Hi! My revision is Tuesday!Hope you do well with no complications.

You're jumping way ahead of yourself. Get through the surgery, so what they say. Get to a support group ASAP after you get out of the hospital. Use the forums here for support. Just don't allow failure. One day at a time

It is normal to be scared before ANY elective surgery or planned surgery. You would not be so scared, if you had a heart problem and were rushed to the hospital for surgery. At that time, you would want to live. My husband has osteo-arthritis. He has had about 8 surgeries. I have had about 6 surgeries, so there is always "fear" or aprehension when I know the surgery will be in 2 weeks, 1 week, 1 day and the night before. As long as you have researched your WLS and know that it is a tool that YOU must use to be successful, you will be fine. Many people do not have the benefit of Obesity Help. They get their notebook from the WLS center and may have monthly support meetings. Here, you get daily and even hourly feedback. You can stop a habit quickly before it becomes a bad habit.

I have hope on this website. When I have gone to the couple of meetings at my WLS, I have seen many people that have not been as successful as I have been. I credit my success to this website. Instead of thinking it is okay to have small bites and small portions of unhealthy food, I see that I have to be diligent to keep bad foods out of my daily life. Now, once you have lost all the weight that you want to lose, there are many ways to maintain that weight. You will know what food triggers you to eat more, so do don't eat those. You may find you can eat small amounts, but only in public. Some foods are not safe when no one is around. You may be able to eat something like cake, cookies, chips once a week or month. Some people never eat those items again. You have to eat to live, but you never have to eat sugar or junk food. One poster considers them "crack". Only you can decide what works for you. I weigh every day. In my 4 pound range, I can have some junk at the bottom weight, careful at the middle and go on a Protein only when I hit the top range. This works for me. You have to find what works for you. But, you can be successful!

But, to lose weight in the beginning stages, the first 12months are easy. The next 6 months the weight will still come off with some effort. After that you really have to work to lose weight. So, make the most of your honeymoon time. The vets on here recommend high protein, low carb. I think maybe around 30 carbs a day. I still eat mainly protein, then some veggies. Congratulations on your surgery and do well!!

It might be normal to be nervous/scared before surgery. I was determined and set and at peace with the decision but was still pretty nervous that whole week before. The nurses will give you blood-thinner and keep compression boots massaging your legs and get you up to walk around regularly. You should do fine. Like you, I also worried that this might not work. All of the revision people in classes was sobering. But I said, "This MUST work!" And it is working. I am losing more slowly than some, but I am losing, and that is what matters. If you do everything just as you are told, this will work. Knowing that it is not magic, that there is always the possibility of gaining again, those things work to keep me focused on doing the program right. You are going to do great.

Are you having your surgery at Lenox Hill with Dr Wong? If so, that's my guy too! Love Dr Wong

Surgery-wise youre in great hands. Try not to look at the robot too much! Lol

Good luck today, you'll do great!

Just coming to check on you. Hope everything went easily and you are recovering on the Loser's Bench!!