TERRIFIED

I am pursuing wls (RNY) with Dr. Shin.  I am still getting my paperwork together.  My questions are these- Is it really worth it?  Would you do it again? Did your quality of life improve? I am scared that I'll be upset that I decided to do this afterward.  I am also scared that I'm going to die young if I don't.  What about hunger?  Do you have it as much as you did before the surgery?  I'd really like some advice. Thanks.

Hello,
I am only 3 weeks out from surgery, however I would like to share with you what I have already gone through. Surgery not a problem. Nothing to drink the day of and half the day after very hard but you can make it with chap stick and wet swabs. Hunger the first week, not at all. You have to eat about every two - three hours. You just can't believe how much you have to eat trying to get all of the proteins and fluids in. I have had a couple of times that I cried and said why did I do this and I have to remind myself that it will only get better and that I am saving my own life by going through this. I am not going to sugar coat it for you (since you won't be able to have the sugar lol!) it is tough and you have to set your mind to it. I have gone to several parties and dinners the past few days and I do prepared by eating before I go or taking my food with me and eating there. I have gone to socialize and not think about the food. Best advice to give you......KEEP POSITIVE....AND TELL YOURSELF YOU CAN DO THIS. Don't let obesity win!!!
Melinda

Thanks for replying.  I am still going to pursue the surgery and have an appt. in Jan.  Have no idea what my insurance will make me go through.  I'm hoping all of my comorbidities will play a role in making this easier for the insurance co. to approve me.  How are things going now that you've been a few weeks out?

Hi Jung.
I am about 20 months out of surgery. I have went from 408 to 226 at the present time. I was down to 210 but have gained over the holidays. Yes I would do it over again and it has very much improved my quality of life. But its not easy. i have stuggled both physicaly and mentally and continue to struggle. I am at the point now were I can eat as much as I want if I eat the wrong things. I can eat as many chips and crackers and things like that. I am suppose to eat a serving of meat and then I can eat what I want to, because after the meat I can't eat much else. I did not get hugery he first year or so after surgery but the hunger is back now as strong as ever. i still have the desire to go to the buffet and eat all i can, and as long as I don't eat any solid proteins I could. Its a mental stuggle that we will have to deal with the rest of our lifes. Dr. Shin will tell you that the surgery is only a tool, after a year or so out, if you don't use the tool as it was disigned it will not help you and you will gain the weight back. I wish you luck

Thanks for the advice.  I am planning to do it still if I get approved. I know it will only be a tool but I plan to use it to help me get some of the weight off and when I am in better physical shape I will work toward my goal.  At this point I am in so much pain secondary to the weight that it makes it difficult for me to move much.  Still scared though lol-

Amy