Question:
SCARED

I'm scheduled to have my surgery this Friday 9th May, and getting VERY scared! Even thinking about calling it OFF! The same old stuff what is I can never eat again. Went to the nutritionist yesterday and was a real eye opener. What about having a glass of wine once in awhile? A friend of mine had the gastic bypass and she was really sick after lost a lot of her hair, does this happen w/the sleeve?    — Lorie S. (posted on May 6, 2008)

May 5, 2008
Ok, I got a "what if" for you. What if you have the surgery, you lose the weight (finally), it prolongs your life, and increases the quality of life to the point that you really don't care too much about what you are supposedly "missing"? Please remember we qualify for this surgery because the risk to our life of staying obese is greater than the surgery. Surely this is more important. Yeah, transition and healing time can be rough but it's TEMPORARY. It gets better and better and better. And for the most part, you'll be able eat food you enjoy, maybe not all the things you used to, but you will enjoy your food. It sounds like that's your concern, really. Most of us shouldn't have been eating the way we were to begin with, so no you shouldn't eat postop the way you've been eating. The hair loss can happen with any surgery. It's the body's reaction to the trauma. Happened to me when I had my son by c-section. A few months later my hair was back and ok. I can't answer about the sleeve, I had lap rny, and I would do it over again in a second. BTW, have you talked about this with your doctor? Might be a smart thing to do. Good Luck!
   — Shirley D.

May 5, 2008
I will be 8 weeks post op tomorrow. I was really scared the night before and on the way to the hospital ... was about to cry. I was terrified of being put to sleep and never waking up. But the surgery went perfectly. I slept for about 4 days after that ... slept and walked ... that is all I did. I was sore but never really felt any pain ... drugs I guess. After the 4th day I stopped taking pain meds and never needed them again. Not sure how much I needed them before ... they sure did make me sleep. Since then I have done very well ... I am 50 lbs down today. Exercising each day. The hardest part will be the weeks of liquid diet ... man that got old. You just want something to chew ... something with som texture to it. I am still never really hungry. So don't worry about never gettting to eat again. You will eat ... it just will be in small amounts and that will be all that you want anyways. 8 weeks out and I am already saying this is the best thing I ever did ... should of done it sooner. Be strong and couragous ... you will make it through fine. Tammy
   — Tammy Cardwell

May 6, 2008
Oh also, I have not "dumped" once ... was so afraid of that. I have thrown up one time. Ate a chicken tender from a fast food place ... just like 3 bites. Minutes later it wanted to come back up. I finally threw up ... it came up and I felt fine. Not like being "sick" and throwing up. Just the chicken came up and I was fine. I was so afraid of throwing up. Now I stay away from fried chicken ... can eat any other chicken ... but not fried I guess.
   — Tammy Cardwell

May 6, 2008
Calm down. It is hard to go for elective surgery, but it is worth everything. You will add years to your life. When you get to the hospital ask for a shot to calm you down and before you know it , everything is done. I was a drinkler, but today, I got to as many social parties as ever, but I would not start drinking again. I used to add rasburry crystal ligth in little packet to my glass of water in a wine glass so others would think I was drinking, but now, its water and I look so much better and feel great. Others look up to me and the success I had. Feel good about yourself and ask your self, did those foods and wine every realy do me any good? Also this surgery is no more dangerest than havingyou appendex out. If the doc said you had to have them out would you think about it like you are about htis surgery? Go for it and best of success.
   — William (Bill) wmil

May 6, 2008
Please don't be worried about the foods you can or cannot eat. I worried also especially because I love peanut butter. I also was a junk foodaholic. It will all take care of it self. After you heal from the surgery you can just about try anything you want. You will find you don't want many of the things that you use to love. I can not eat junk food. It makes me feel yucky and the grease does not set with me well not to mention it is hard to get down. I crave things now that I never use to. Our bodies are so wonderfully made that you don't need to worry about a thing. You can have a glass of wine if you like but you may not even want one afterwards. Don't call it off, you have come this far. You will do just fine and this time next month you will be on her encouraging others that have the same fears. We all went through it. Hang in there.
   — Claudia C.

May 6, 2008
Hang in there! This is SOOOO worth it. I had my surgery on Dec 3rd of 07. I'm now down almost 70 lbs. I feel great. I haven't had any problems with food. I was scared of that too before my surgery, but figured that NOT having restrictions on my diet was what got me to the point I was at before the surgery. So far I don't have problems with sugar, or alcohol...I don't do sugar very much, but when I have it I don't have problems with it. What I've done is tried new things at home so that if I get sick I'm already at home. Then if I don't get sick, I know that I can have them when I want them. Regardless of what your tolerance is after surgery, just focus on getting through your first few weeks post op. Focus on starting this new life and healing from the surgery. Being healthy and prolonging your life is worth more than any dessert or glass of wine in this world. You will do great! Just know that every one of us was scared before surgery....so this is totally normal. Good luck!
   — MandyR

May 6, 2008
Don't trap yourself in what I'd call a self-fufilling prophecy. Yes there are risks, yes there can be complications, and yes you have to learn to eat very differently and your life changes dramatically. I can't say the changes are bad though. I can't say that not being able to eat certain things is a bad thing...and I'm a complete foodie and love love love to cook! I went through this as well....plus worried about caring for my family with food....as I didn't think I could cook if I couldn't eat it. All was useless worry and if your surgeon is well experienced, and they feel you're a good candidate for surgery, I truly believe you'll do just fine. You can have a glass of wine down the road in moderation. You'll get tipsy faster though, so be well aware. Dumping, as people fear, is not such a bad thing. It's a lesson well learned that sugars are not something you should be consuming...and the experience is short lived. Hair loss can be lessened by taking biotin supplements and most of all, getting the proper amount of protein daily. It usually gets worse from month 3-6 and then improves. Mine is fine now..and I'm almost into my 7th month. Don't psych yourself out....and just know that you're about to embark on a great journey of self-discovery....and hopefully, self-loathing will turn into self-love. I would do this again in a heartbeat! Godspeed and well wishes. Cry on my shoulder anytime..... I'll do my best to support you. Hugs....Cheryl
   — Cheryl K.

May 6, 2008
Well, I am going to be 6 weeks post -op this week. I had gastric bypass. I still feel as if I didn't make the right choice. I always hear how wonderful everyone feels after they have lost the weight, but knowone ever talks about the pain after surgery, and the emotional part of not being able to eat, or drink. My advice, if you are having doubts, think about it more, and talk to your doctor, attend support groups,. I feel as if I rushed and maybe didn't make the right decision. It is a life long change forever. Best of luck, Jen
   — jennyboom

May 6, 2008
Lorie, everyone is different. I am one year post RNY and have expierenced many highs and challanges and all have been addressed positively. Make a list of why you are having it done and stick to the whys. All my reasnons have been valid and I would do it again. Lost 100 lbs in 10 months and enjoying what I eat more than before. You will learn what your body wants and can handle and then you will adjust without much effort. I can ocassionally have a glass of wine and most of what I want but in controlled moderation or your body wilh let you know! Good luck and don't back out. It is all promised and more.
   — blossman

May 6, 2008
I am 2 wks post-op from the gastric sleeve as of yesturday. As for being sick, I was one of the few who have severe nausea and acid reflux. It hurt to even swallow water. And the first 4 days I was really weak. The first week, smelling food my family was eating made me think I was hungry to the point of I thought I couldn't take it another day. But would I do it all over again knowing all that? Yes, in a heartbeat. It's normal to be scared. But just speaking for myself, I've lost 13lbs in two weeks, I already have more energy and can see the weight loss in my face. As for the food, it does change the way you see food. There are good days and bad and I still have mental cravings. But when I could finally eat "soft foods" I sat down with my refried beans so excited to eat them, that is until I took a bite. It wasn't what I thought it would be. I only took a few bites. The next day I took a few bites of cottage cheese, and that wasn't anything special as well. And frankly, unless my family is eating, I forget to eat because food isn't what it used to be anymore. I hope this helps. Good luck on Friday!
   — DianaB.

May 6, 2008
i will take your place if you want to call it off...i am fighting the insurance co for approval-i know you don't want to trade places w/ me. i can imagine when (not if) but when i get approved i will be a scaredy cat also, but just keep thinking "i never have to be overweight again, i can do things i haven't done in years, i can tie my shoes, i can shop everywhere but lane bryant" the will do's outnumber the why not's. i pray you have a successful journey.
   — Godsvirtuoswoman

May 6, 2008
I like yourself was very scared before surgery. I cried and had so many what ifs. I had the lap band april 2nd. Here we are a bit over a month post surgery and I'm so thrilled I did it. I experienced discomfort from the gas and I was scared I was going to pop a staple by getting it caught on my shirt or my sweats but they were covered with tape and you have to understand I'm a worry wort by nature. Would I fight my insurance company again to have it? In a heart beat. I don't know why i was so scared it went fine and the surgeon is great. I recommend you go to support group meetings. -Danielle
   — Danielle T.

May 7, 2008
First off, let me say that I think everyone has a right to choose the type of surgery they think is right for them. I am not opposed to any of them. I think nearly everyone goes through being scared to death right before surgery. They nearly always have pain afterwards, although different degrees of pain. Did you go to seminars before surgery to hear the pros and cons of each surgery? Plain and simple, there are less LONG TERM complications with the sleeve than with the bypass. The Sleeve is a less complicated surgery. If you are not SURE, you need to talk to your surgeon. Don't do this just because you have a date. Dates can be changed. What you do need is to be absolutely confident in the decision you make. This is a lifelong choice you will make. And yes, you will still be scared. Afterall, it is major surgery. BTW...a sleeve can be converted to a bypass if for some reason you decided that is what you needed way down the line.
   — corky1057

May 7, 2008
As a friend told me shortly before surgery - you are about to join a unique club of people who have decided to take control of their lives and their health. This will change the rest of your life. If you're not ready to take the tool that surgery gives you to make your life better then you probably do need to think about it and research it more. If, however, you know this is something you need to do to take control of your life then you need to proceed. I had the Lap. RNY on Feb. 18 and I've lost 54 pounds so far. I would do it ten times over. Yes, I had pain and and some nausea but the results are amazing. I don't drink but my friend does. Drinking an occasional glass of wine shouldn't hurt you but it will go to your head quicker, she tells me. What you have to do is DO what the doctor tells you. Drink your water, take your vitamins, make sure you get in your protein each and every day and walk. I had a lot of "head hunger" at first but now that I recognize it for what it is - habit. My appetite is totally different now. I eat to live instead of living to eat. Sherry
   — SLittle1

May 7, 2008
My suergon told me that he'd be worried if I wasn't terrified! It's perfectly normal- what your thinking and feeling. I am the biggest wimp when it comes to doctors and hospitals, but I got through it. Just take it step by step. First get up and get ready, then get in the car. Keep telling yourself that you can do it. And, its a bigger risk for you to keep on going at the weight you are at then it is for you to have the surgery! You will NEVER regret it once its done. I had LAP RNY on 3/18/08 and still today, dont really feel hungry and really have no desire to eat. You'll be just fine! Best of luck to you!
   — jennyanniedots

May 7, 2008
I had the RNY on 10/22. I used food as a friend. I loved it all. The surgery is a big step and you must be willing to follow the rules. I am one pound away from my goal. It has been worth it and I have not missed the food. My pouch doesn''t let me eat a lot. I hav not cheated and have not wanted to. I still do not have an appetitie . I eat at scheduled times from the food plan. I have had no craving. My doctor told me as long as your don't start snacking or graving you will be ok. I don't miss the food at all. I figured I would really miss the sweets but I have not. Some people mourn the loss of food but i a not one of them fortunately. I am so pleased to be thin at this age (58). I feel truly blessed to have this tool to assit me with my dietary habits. The program at Centennial in Nashivlle, TN offers free psychological counseling for those in need of it. I haven't felt the need but I know it is there if I do. It's a life changing surgery and something to give a lot of thought about and the the commitment to follow the plan. Centennial offers a fabulous aftercare program. That is whyI chose to go there. Good luck.
   — flclark

May 7, 2008
I meant to add to my post that I did not have any hair loss. I think everyone is different. I made sure I get all of my proteine in 60-80 grams per day. I also used Nioxon hair care products recommended by the nurses at the hospital.
   — flclark

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