Worries

My surgery is a week from tomorrow and I'm worried..... I am a nurse at a jail, i have 2 weeks off after surgery and then go to work with restrictions of no lifting more than 25 pounds and no running. Last 2 nights I have had assistance calls that I needed to run to, so I brought up my concerns with my supervisor and she told me that I could walk to the assistance calls. I also have the what if I lose to much weight, what if I don't lose weight, what if after all of this I still will have diabetes and my other comorbitidies. My fear and anxiety is now over ruled my excitment.

Worries and fear are natural. This is a huge step. You won't be 'not running' forever... as a matter of fact you will be running faster.

Very few people lose too much weight, and if you think you've lost too much wait till year 3 and beyond... it is a life long journey - First time in my life I feel maintenance is doable, but still a challenge.

We have a hard time putting our head around the great unknown- the after surgery- will I be a failure? We are so used to failing. OH has been crucial in my success and keeping me focused....and seeing what my success could be.

Is there a guarantee your diabetes will be completely gone? No. Will it be improved? Absolutely.

Good Luck!

I am six months post surgery and am off all of my meds for diabetes and high blood pressure. I haven't had to take my blood pressure meds since surgery and I was able to slowly reduce the diabetes meds as I lost more weight. While the weight loss is wonderful, that is truly my greatest NSV. There are no guarantees, but there is a great chance that your comorbidities will improve.

Speaking from an HR standpoint (I'm an HR Manager), i wouldn't allow you back to work with restrictions. I work with first responders and we do not allow them back to work with any type of restriction. I'm surprised your supervisor is working with your restrictions. My two cents on that...

fears is normal and IMO a sign of a well thought out decision. Trust me the first few weeks you will NOT feel like you are losing enough. In the long run you'll lose what you put in the work for.

Re: the diabetes-- the longer that you you've had it (like 10+ years) the higher likelihood that it won't go into remission.

they aren't really working with my restricted instructions, they told me that it would be ok if I don't run to the assistance calls but I don't see how that is ok. I'm also the only nurse on some days so its not like I can tell my co workers to get there and ill do whatever else I can.

I have been diabetic for 6 years but started insulin 4 months ago.

Worrying seems to be an inevitable part of the WLS package. Your career choice as a nurse (in a jail setting, no less) gives me the hunch you are a strong individual who will do better than the average WLSer. A+ Wishes to You.

Worry is a normal part of the whole process. Its a lifelong change and most humans aren't fond of change. I almost talked myself out of surgery the day before but am so grateful I didn't. My highest weight was 273 and my initial goal of 160 seemed like a total impossibility to me after a lifetime of obesity. I was 52 years old had diabetes,high cholesterol and triglycerides and uncontrolled high blood pressure on three different high dose meds. I was a heart attack waiting to happen and was out of breath going down my basement stairs. My knees hurt so bad from my rheumatoid arthritis and my weight I was nearly ready for a knee replacement. I was lonely and in pain every single day. I was reluctant to go with family to eat because I felt like people were staring and I worried that I wouldnt fit in the booth. Flea markets were a time to sit on a bench while others shopped because I couldn't keep up and didnt want to slow hubby and my sons down. I really didnt notice how much of life I was missing. Today I weigh 120 pounds 5 years later. I lost my weight in a bit less than 8 months by following my surgeons advice and the advice of vets on this board. My surgeon allows carbs like bread,rice and pasta but I listened to the vets here and had far more success than I could ever have imagined. All the meds for co morbidities are gone except for one low dose blood pressure pill due to a family history of heart disease but my bp is now normal. I have hiked to the overlook of the Cumberland Gap and seen three states. Long gone is the self conscious woman who was out of breath going down her basement stairs. I now set my mind to do anything I want-- I did obedience class with my boxer Lily,took a lay speaker class for my church and fill in when my pastor is gone and recently took a concealed carry class and am learning to shoot. Before I didnt want to be the center of attention and would never have imagined any of these accomplishments. Recently I had my 5 year followup at my surgeons office(where I no longer dread stepping on a scale) and almost was brought to tears by the difference this surgery has made. My first appointment I had to sit down on a bench inside to catch my breath because I couldnt find a close parking spot. This year I immediately went to the far edge of the lot like I always do now,walked briskly inside and then RAN up the three flights of stairs to their office. I could even talk when I got there! Its not an easy journey as every day is a battle with my lazy food addict self--but it is a battle where I can choose to win one choice at a time. I'm nothing special--if you're willing to do the work and make the good choices you can be there too. This is your chance to get a tool that will help you change and better your life--to take control of your weight. Use this week before your surgery getting set for an amazing journey to a you you probably cant even imagine. Make a list of things you want to do and places you want to go. My before picture lives on my frig along with alist of victories I had on my journey. It serves to remind me where I came from and motivates me to keep weighing and measuring my food and myself daily so I dont go back there. There were times in the first week where I wondered what Id done to myself and I hate the leftover saggy skin that I won't ever be able to afford to have removed--BUT it has all been so worth it. You aren't alone--most of us were afraid--but we're here to help you navigate this road to a healthy active you. Before and after pics to follow

Karen, you have been such an amazing inspiration to me. Thank you!

I think the extreme worries are normal, especially as surgery gets closer. I was having exactly the same thoughts. Take a deep breath and just imagine the difference between a year from now with the surgery vs a year from now following the path you've been on. That helped me to regain perspective a little. Hang in there, you will do great!