Question:
Anyone feel what have i done? Now thinking what can go wrong

I am 3 weeks pot-op and scared what if? I started at 246 and even worry that i might lose to much weight. Why am i so anxious? Every pain that i feel in my stomach i worry.    — angel4 (posted on May 3, 2007)

May 3, 2007
Honey....we have all thought "what have I done?" at some point, it's natural. You are in the hardest part going into a more easier time after surgery, so hang in there. The "what if's" will disappear and be replaced with excitement and WOW....this is great! I have thought about maybe losing too much weight, but you know what....when and if I have to deal with it, I will with my doc and surgeon. I am taking things one day at at time, loving the way I look and feel. Enjoy this time; you deserve it!!
   — jammerz

May 3, 2007
Jammie, thank you so much for your comforting words. I just keep thinking of my two young children that are my entire world. You are right one day at a time. I find myself praying more. Tina
   — angel4

May 3, 2007
I believe that is natural to have those feelings, because this will probably be the biggest thing that you can do for yourself,in your life. It is a HUGE change .Before I had my surgery,I ate over feelings like you are having. I couldn't bare to feel anything unpleasant ,and feelings were well hiddden under a container of ice cream or a pizza or whatever I could shove down my throat to 'feel better'. Now, there is nothing to cover up those feelings...you just have to feel them.I got more used to my feelings and did not let them terrorize me. Feelings just mean that you are a human being,a healing,healthy human being! I hope that you will become more comfortable with yours, and your exciting new life!
   — peacelovecat

May 3, 2007
Beverly, You too are right. I am a pretty calm person on the outside only because i did hide under food. I am not used to taking care of myself and i am the caregiver. At 41 i guess it is time. Thank you
   — angel4

May 3, 2007
I am 17 months post-op and there are still times when I wonder what did I do? My experience was a very good one because I did lots of research and had a wonderful surgeon. I've lost a total of 157lbs. and sometimes can't believe I'm the same person. I will also tell you that I'm still losing a very small amount of weigh, nothing dramatic about a pound or two a month. But my surgeon said that levels off after 18 to 24 months. I've gone from wearing a size 28 to wearing a size 8 or 10. I went from never wanting to shop for clothes to always wanting to buy something new!! I honestly don't think you'll lose too much weight unless you have problems processing protein. Make sure to eat your protein first - as I'm sure you've been told repeatedly. Initially I had trouble eating much of anything but as the months have progressed, I find myself being able to eat more. Don't obsess about every pain you feel - but do be aware of them, as leakage is always a possibility in the early stages. Keep in close contact with your surgeon and make sure that you keep all your return appointments. I'll let you in on a little secret - it's natural to be anxious - if you weren't you wouldn't be normal! Congratulations on making a decision that I know you won't regret. Leanore, Brooksville, FL
   — Leanore

May 3, 2007
DONT WORRY about losing too much, your body KNOWS when to quit shrinking.......... loss can always be stopped by grazing a bad idea, but its one less thing to worry about.
   — bob-haller

May 3, 2007
Hi Constance, thanks for writing. We think a lot of things along the way. I was 242 when I had my surgery over 3 years ago, and have kept off about 120 pounds. But make no mistake Constance, I had to work for every pound, even with wls. It is not a miracle but a tool. Use your tool, enjoy your tool, and be reasonible with yourself and you will do fine. Listen to your body and be sure to ask your surgeon if you do feel pain or discomfort. They can be signs of something going on, so it is wise to pay attention to your body. What is not wise is worry. Worry is a choice, and if you choose to worry, you get the consequences of that decision. I choose instead to celebrate my tool, use it to it's fullest and take care of my body in moderation. Obesity is a head issue with a body consequence, you will fight head hunger, telling yourself to worry instead of work at your weight loss, your head will lie to you about everything concerning food, sometimes scream at you that you are starving yourself to death. You have to cut through the waves of lies and look for the truth. If you are truly hungry, then eat, but if not, drink warm tea or water and go for a walk, if you feel discomfort, wait for a short time and see if it is gas and passes, or maybe you need to call your surgeon just to get reassurance or advice. That is what they are there for. Being part of a support group in your community is really vital to success. Please find one and take part, it really does help and lend support. I wish you well, and hope you will take a nice hot bath and relax, build your priorities and get ready for the fight of your life, or at least your health. Take care, Patricia P.
   — Patricia P

May 4, 2007
Hi, I am 8wks post op and still don't know what to think of this whole ordeal. I am losing weight slowly but have lost inches and I think, Am I going to be one of these people that this operation doesn;t work for? Of course, I still think about all the other life threatening things like do I have a blood clot? Will I know if I have something lodged in my throat? I even worried about losing weight too fast. I was afraid that I wouldn't know how to be me. Does that make sense? I called my surgeon's office many times and talked to the nurse and she reassured me. It's ok to worry but over time, all these uncertainities will go away. Give it time...
   — shelleymm