conshy416

Amanda: I like your tactic.

Ok, so if I RSVP that I will go and then, after having responded YES for 2 people, am unable to attend because I don't feel up to it (nausea, pain, lack of energy) what the heck would I say then. It's just safer to send my regret. There is nothing worse than paying for 2 people to come to a wedding who never show. I have experienced that and it's vey expensive.

Thanks for the responses! The issue is that I have decided I am not going. It will be within less than 2 weeks that I would have had the surgery. I won't even be back to work yet. So, because I have decided that it's not in my best interest to go to the wedding, I need an excuse to explain my decision. Ugh, so stressful.

I def thought of that. The only prob with that excuse is that I feel like its not mandatory that te date fall on their wedding date. Like, I could have moved it back a few days. I guess I could put restrictions on it, like only day surgeon had avail, they think it might be infected, etc. Its 6 weeks from now, so it still seems kinda shady.

Ah, yes. I think we know too much. But then again, I am a worry wort baseline. So, I figure that this is something I want to do for myself. I'll be 30 this year. I want to start fresh. I think we both are very informed and will make the right choice, either way. And I think it would be abnormal to not be afraid. It's a big deal. So when we come out on the other side, we will treat the process with that much more appreciation. And what is more ironic is that I work on a bariatric surgery unit, for the last 7 years. I see it all! Good luck and keep in touch!

What has everyone's experience been with drinking diet soda? Does your surgeon advise against it forever? Are you able to tolerate the soda at any point with the sleeve?

I am waiting to schedule a date for my surgery but I can't stop thinking about the worst case scenario. I am not afraid of dying but I am afraid of something going terribly wrong whereas my quality of life would be worse off. Other than being overweight, I have no health problems. But I am only 29. I keep telling myself that I must go through with the surgery because I won't stay this overweight and healthy forever. I really do believe that this surgery is relatively safe. Much safer than many "routine" surgeries. But laying on that OR table and getting a breathing tube put in is freaking me out. And I am a nurse! Ugh. My best advice to you is keep thinking positively and not dwell on the details of the actual surgery. If you can get through the first few weeks, the rest is easy. I mean it's hard work, but for someone (like me) who is scared about the actual surgery, recovery seems easy. Have you been able to speak to anyone who has gone though the process? Maybe that would help?

I work at UPenn, on the bariatrc unit. Small world.

Thanks for your thoughts! I'll have to keep the flavored water in mind as well. I am def a fan of crystal light.

Would you consider it unsafe? Or would it just hinder your ability to get in all of your liquids over the course of the day? Say, if I wanted to have a small can every blue moon? Would that be a compete no-no?

My stuff was submitted last Friday and I had a response within 5 calendar days. I got a letter in the mail, before my surgeon's office had even received word. It was super fast and not at all a painful process. Good luck!

Where are you having your surgery in Philadelphia?

I was thinking 3 weeks and I could always go back before if I felt okay. Just trying to plan vacation/sick time. Where are you all from? Any regrets about having the surgery? I am waiting to hear back from my insurance company so haven't made a final decision. I am just terrifed that something would go wrong and I would really mess myself up. Other than being overweight, I have no health issues. But sick and tired of dieting and gaining the weight back.

I think this kind of story (and the opinions which are interjected) is THE reason that many people perceive WLS as the easy way out. Many people have replied and compared the risk of WLS to the risk of having a life saving heart procedure, etc. When an individual is morbidly obese and can not fully enjoy life, they need a life saving procedure. These individuals are willing, aptly so, to take the risk. Without the risk, there is no benefit and no reward. And life would continue to pass by. An individual would never refuse to have a life saving heart procedure nor would those with opinions so harshly discourage surgery to fix the heart problem. So why do people feel so strongly about persuading those who are considering WLS to try another, less invasive and ineffective route. Would you encourage your loved one to try the same heart mediation that has not helped in the past? And watch them die? I think people need to be more understanding that if it were as easy as you say, why do we have an obesity epidemic? And why are so many looking towards WLS as a tool through which they gain their life back? Food for thought; pun intended.

What is slimming?

B12 deficiency?