I am so scared

If you ask the majority of people on this site (now I'm speculating but from what I read, I'm fairly certain that I'm correct) the answer would not simply be "Yes, I would do it again" but "I would have done it sooner if I would have known".

I cant recall anyone on here having any regrets. At least I dont remember reading about anyone.

I'm only 9 months out from my surgery and the first month (including the liquid pre-op diet) or so are the hardest. Now it seems like it was just a drop in the bucket and I pretty much lived my life normally once I was progressing to solid foods. I was in pain for the first day or two, then just "discomfort," and by day 6-7 I was driving myself around and feeling almost normal (still tired easily at that point.)

my only regret is that I spent years Yo-Yo-ing and losing and regaining and losing and regaining and thinking THIS TIME I will keep it off. If I could go back in time and have this surgery sooner, I would in a heartbeat. I still have plenty to lose, but I already find myself enjoying exercise, being able to walk and enjoy life with friends and family, not feeling anxious about shopping or restaurant booths, and fitting comfortably in all kinds of seats and chairs I wouldn't have before. We bought season passes to our local Orpheum theater and have been seeing Broadway productions--I wouldn't have done that before because I wouldn't have fit in the small Orpheum seats.

Its normal to be anxious...just keep reminding yourself of how much more life you can experience when you don't ache and can fit where everyone else can :)

The seats, yes... sitting in the seats without the horrible back pains and fitting comfortably ? that sounds really good.

It can be hard right before surgery especially. No one gets excited about going under the knife, but if you can keep your goals uppermost in your mind you'll likely find it easier. The hard parts are hard. But nothing worth having comes easily.

You'll go to the hospital, and the next thing you know you'll be post-op and headed home. The first few days may be painful, but take your medicine and walk as much as you can. Sip as much water as you can. Distract yourself by watching reality TV or reading some trashy books. Whatever gets you over that first week.

Week 2 (and probably sooner) you'll be on your way. Follow your surgeon's diet progression to a "T". It may be different than others'; different surgeons can have crazy different plans. Follow yours. It's probably good to read over the postop instructions before surgery to get a feel for what's expected and acceptable.

There are a few people who do regret surgery. Generally, it's only for the first few days but complications happen. We're all adults and can weigh the almost minute percentage of those with post op issues against the majority of those who breeze straight through and go on with their lives.

The best thing about this surgery isn't really even the chance to lose large amounts of weight quickly. It's the opportunity to keep it off, to take it back off if you have regain, and to have a life you find worth living in general. I'll be ten years out in a few days. And I'm sitting here 25 pounds below my previous lowest post op weight. I've had big regains (50, 60 pounds) - and yet my biggest achievement weight wise came after my third and last one. In year 10. I'm not special. The surgery works.

You'll do fine.

amy (surgery weight 347, lowest post op weight 177, highest regain weight 239, todays weight 152)


PS: a little caveat

IF though you are very, very concerned to the point of being distracted you may want to consider waiting. This is not a small procedure. Even when done in laparoscopic manner those small scars you'll have are covering some heavy-duty work that's been done internally. It's reversible but not easily. Weigh your options and make a decision. Then trust yourself and go for it.

Wow, Amy! Not to hijack the original post but you have done amazing losing your regain! What an inspiration! Jeez!

haha thanks! I'll never catch up to that losing machine we call Kim. But it works for me.

My dirty little secret: hubby went keto back in August. I must have been eating way more of the junk food I was buying (for him of course) than I thought I was. When I'm hungry I can eat what I want, but all we have around here most of the time is dense protein and green veggies.

You should blow that trumpet loud and proud, Amy. How many of our peers are still here, giving support, sharing the struggle of maintenance after 10 years? You are an inspiration!

I think those coming behind us need to know it's not easy, and many of us slip off the path, even when we know what we're supposed to do, but that those of us who are successful are so because even when we slip, we don't give up.

Statistics for long term success are not that high and those of us still trying should be proud

You two(Amy and Kim) should both be proud. You are both encouragement to me at just over 6 years out. I' m sitting at 5 pounds higher than I'd like to be for the first time since surgery but it is coming off slowly. You two give me hope!

Amy, that is amazing!!

Thanks! I'm happy. I've not weighed this number since 1990, before my last kidlet. It feels good, but I'm working to not get obsessive about it. Body dysmorphia bites.