Question:
WOW- less than a week from surgery, having 2nd thoughts?
You know Im scared, dont like hospitals to begin with, concerned about my natural ananomy being cut, worried I wont be able to do the aftercare right, reading so much on these posts about all the complications and people cant hold down food, vommiting, stricture, blockage, like OMG what am I really getting into , Am I serious? I just went thru 6-1/2 mths of tests, xrays, giving blood n all that other stuff, all in the meanwhile I just lost 38lbs ? I just dont know? Im sorry for the questions and would like to thank everyone for the wonderful support here.. My brains are getting scrambled as I get closer to my date, My aniexty and nerves are not helping either? I just dont know which way is up here.. I shouldnt be this confused this close to the big day should I ? — barry l. (posted on February 3, 2010)
February 3, 2010
Hi Barry....I've been following your posts with interest. You seem so
unsure of yourself. I think most of us on here would have our surgeries
again in a nano-second, with or without the complications. I had my
surgery when I was 55 years old. When I started the program, I weighed 307
pounds, but that's not the highest I ever got up to. I think I was well
over 312 (but couldn't tell you how MUCH over, because I refused to get on
the scale after that). I had been doing nothing but dieting since I was
about 16 years old. I'd tried everything. Back when I was a kid, they
used to have these things that looked and tasted a little bit like graham
crackers, and my parents made me eat one with a big glass of water before
meals - it was supposed to make you full so that you didn't eat as much.
Ha! I don't think it did any such thing. There were also these little
"caramel" things that were supposed to be a diet aid. All I know
is that beginning in about the 6th grade, I began to yo-yo, and I would
lose several pounds, then gain it all back plus some. I did that all
through my life, and it finally became apparent to me that I was never
going to be able to lose the weight and keep it off the "normal"
way. I opted to go for the surgery, and I specifically chose the RNY
because of the consequences of eating the wrong things or over-eating. I
WANTED the possibility of dumping syndrome....in order to keep me in line.
If there is anything I hate, it's being sick. I never worried a bit, from
the day I started my journey. I was not afraid of having my anatomy
rearranged, nor was I afraid I'd die on the table. I was not afraid that I
would be sick afterwards, nor that there would be complications. My
surgeon has done well over 3,000 of these surgeries, and in fact, you may
have seen his products in your local GNC. He formulated the Full Bar and
the Full Drink, for people who don't have as much weight to lose. At any
rate, he is a fantastic surgeon who even gives you his personal cell phone
number, and if you ever call it, he either answers it right then, or you
leave a voice mail and he'll get back to you as soon as you can. When he
was first doing these surgeries, he even spent the night in the room of one
of his patients because he didn't feel that she was getting high-enough
quality care. Now, he practices out of Rose Hospital, which is a Bariatric
Center of Excellence. Barry, have you tried going to support groups? Have
you even checked into what's available in your area to help people like
you? I began attending support groups 5 months before I ever had my
surgery, and so nothing came as a surprise. Did I have any complications?
Yes, I developed a stricture, which caused me to vomit up my food for about
a week. But when I finally discussed it with my doc, he said he wanted me
to go in for an EGD that week, and sure enough, some scar tissue had grown
over the stoma (hole to the intestines). All they did was put a tube down
my throat (I was "out" when they did it), and inflate a tiny
balloon in the opening. The whole procedure took MAYBE 10 minutes from
being put out to waking up back in my little cubicle. I felt great, and
they made me eat a graham cracker and drink a little juice before leaving,
just to make sure that things would go down okay. And they did. Even
so.... I would STILL do the surgery without hesitation. I am 11 months out
now, and down over 135 pounds. I've gone from a woman's size 28 pants and
shirt, to a size 10 in designer jeans, and size 12 shirt. My daughter even
started buying me things from Victoria's Secret, because she is so proud of
having a "normal" Mom now. I personally have never been so
happy. I wish you could feel the same way I did....
— Erica Alikchihoo
February 3, 2010
HI. Totally normal. You are about to do something totally life
altering...fear of the unknown...normal. I had my surgery on 12/18/08. Felt
the same way...esp since there was really nothing wrong w/ me exept the
weight. Even when I was on the gurney being wheeled in I was doubtful...but
I kept saying to myself this is about me, getting healthy and taking care
of me.You can do this!!! Stay focused on the prize; which is you...Good
luck!!!
— elimeno
February 3, 2010
Barry, like the others said, this is totally normal. I did the exact same
thing. Then, before you know it, you will be done with surgery and home
and saying...wow, that was no big deal. All that fuss and worry for that!?
;) Hang in there, go for it and start enjoying the rest of your life!
— Melissa C.
February 3, 2010
Barry We all have been that route and I myself did too! a week before i
thought...WHY!? but now nearly 7 mos out I am glad i made the change. Each
person has to be ready to take this step and you are going to do fine. I
had all these thoughts beforehand. You will do fine. There is a Mens Forum
that the guys are real helpful to each other and supportive there. And your
state forum the folks are good. Good Luck and just think what a year from
now how you will feel.
— alaskaman
February 3, 2010
Barry, stop reading about all the complications!! Those of us that had NO
complications don't really post and say that. (But people that had problems
are going to ask more questions). We just enjoy our tool. So you are
reading the small percentage of posts that had problems not the majority
that had NO complcations. If your still nervous make your list of pros and
cons, make a list of 10 goals you want to achieve (fit in a booth, airplane
seat, etc). Also make a list of your fears, put them on paper acknowledge
it is a possibility and then tear it up. Keep positive thoughts. You may
just be more concerned that will be loosing your relationship with food. I
think that was my husbands biggest worry was loosing comfort/stress eating
habits, which was his way of life. Good Luck and remember the stats are in
your favor.
— ToniLee
February 3, 2010
Barry, chill out! You will be fine. The only time I vomitted after surgery
was when I ate too much or ate too fast. Same with dumping - you won't dump
unless you eat too much sugar or fatty foods. If you stick with the rules
and realize RNY is only a tool you will do fine. Good luck.
— Muggs
February 4, 2010
Barry, I have been reading your posts all along and not responding because
of all the great advice you are getting. I am post-op 6 wks now from my
rny. I was scared too and felt like everybody was against me. I had
absolutely NO complications and am SO very glad that I did this. I am
already losing weight and feel fantastic! I would do this over and over
again in a second! It is now starting to feel like a part of me and I
wonder what I worried about. You will do very well! Have faith in your
doctor and in yourself and you will make it through anything. Just think
about all of the hoops that you have been jumping through to get to this
point on this journey. In my opinion, THAT was the hardest part! Best of
luck to you, Barry. Kristin
— taylork25
February 4, 2010
i would be concerned if you weren't having these thoughts. this is a big
deal. but i'm assuming you've taken the time to think this choice over
fully. Remember to just stop and breathe. i had rny on may 18,2009. i
can say in that time i've thrown up only a handful of times. you learn to
work your tool the way it works for you. i had second thoughts too when i
saw i was losing before hand. my center said every patient had them and
those who decided to try on their own ended up back there in 6 months to do
their surgery any way. i found going in deciding i'm gonna have a positive
attitude. i knew i would wake up in some pain i figured be ready for that
and consider this my rebirth. i actually went in for surgery in march and
my liver was too big and i had to stay on liquids for 2 1/2 months before
it was shrunk enough and they went back in and did it. as mad as i was the
day they sent me home w/out my surgery i know know it was the best thing
that could've happened. i learned how to read labels and how to eat
better. what i should be putting in my pouch and what i shouldn't. i
really have not had anything bad happen otherwise. remember after to sip
as much as possible, walk when you can even if it's only up and down the
hallways at the hospital do it. stay positive. you can do this. best of
luck!
— Julzizhr
February 4, 2010
Barry, I feel like you, but I will have the surgery at 5:30 am next Monday.
My future looks to bleak without it. I take hand fulls of oral meds and 60
units of insulin per day . I have joint and knee pains, I look at this
situation has having no choice but to have this precedure done and become a
healthy individual.
— Gary123
February 5, 2010
Hi,
Not everyone has problems. If you follow your instructions and don't eat
solid food before it's time you won't have the issues. Don't let your
imagination get the best of you. Perhaps reading a book instead of the
Q&A on OH for a week will help settle your nerves. I have a feeling
you have a friend that is not sure you should have the surgery? You will
do just fine.....Hope to read your post after your surgery so you can tell
us you are doing just fine and that you worried for nothing. lol Best
wishes.
— Kristy
February 6, 2010
My surgery is less than a week too. Mine is Feb 12th. Don't have 2nd
thoughts. This is our time to shine. You can do it. I am nervous, but I
am ready. Wish you the best of luck.
— djrab33
February 7, 2010
Just had surgery on February 5th was home yesterday, and feeling alot
better than i thought i was gonna feel. Like so many said you have to keep
your eye on the big prize, you will be fine i'm sure we all had some second
thought. Good Luck Rhonda Kitchener Ontario Canada
— ronnieb09
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