Trebor

Oh great! My surgery is 7 days away and this is the first time I've heard: "the feeling of full is going to be somewhat different and difficult to understand at first" Can you elaborate on this?

If telling people you're gay is "coming out of the closet", what's the equivalent to telling people you had WLS? "Coming out of the refrigerator." That said, I really didn't care if people knew I'm having WLS. However, recently I've told a few people and now regret it due to their reactions. For now on I'll go with the "galbladder" story.

I'm 19 days away from my surgery and although there's no way I'd change my mind, my fear of the unknown seems to be growing. Hearing other peoples experiences (good and bad) seems to help me get a grip on reality. Thank you all for sharing! I'd like to know, are there any folks who regret having the surgery, if so why?

Thanks for all your responses! I know this is a small sampling, but its good to know that so many people are still positive about their decision weeks/months later. I was moved to ask this question due the reaction I received from someone after telling them I was having the surgery. They responded with shock, fear and horror stories about people they knew, who had horrible experiences; some of which died. I'm re-encouraged! Thanks!

For the last 12+ years I've desperately wanted and sought bariatric surgery. Now that I'm less than 30 days away from my dream coming true, I find myself full of fear and dread Last week, I was approved for surgery and my wife was denied by the insurance company. We planned to do this together. Her surgery would have come only weeks after mine; now I'll be taking this journey alone. I know she'll be there to support me but somehow, it doesn't seem the same. Logically, I know that I will come through this with flying colors. I completed the 4 month, supervised diet without a hitch. I surprised myself by losing 22 lbs. In 4 months I proved to myself that I could drastically change my eating habits and my lifestyle. I expect to have the same success in the months/years after the surgery. The source of dread is the immediate aftermath of the surgery. I've never had major surgery before. I've never had a catheter and the thought of it makes this big manly-man want to run and hide. I've never been afraid of doctors, hospitals and needles but this is a whole different ball game. A few weeks ago, on YouTube, I watched a video of the procedure being performed; BIG MISTAKE!!!! Now, that the day is near, I can't stop thinking about how painful it will be when the meds wear off. I'm assuming that my expectations of pain and suffering is greatly exaggerated. Can anyone help me set some reasonable expectations? Thanks, Treb

I guess its time I put on my big-boy pants! Thanks for all your support!!!!

Thanks for the replys! I didn't know the gas issue could be so huge. I'll bring plenty of GasX.