Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

to do it or not to do it, is the question



Recommended Posts

So I have been researching the sleeve for months now and I know this is the right choice. But I'm having a hard time with going through with it.. I'm so scared of complications. I'm going in with none even though I am 30yrs old 5'7 and 290lbs. I know everyone has these fears but how do u push through them. I'm scared of malnutrition I hear all these people having to go for iv's or being put on medications.. the whole point I thought of doing this is to not have to be on any.. is it right to think maybe after surgery u really won't want to drink or eat but u have to force urself literally even though it hurts. Please help me with this

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Yes... right after surgery you may not feel like eating or drinking anything, and you may have to make yourself do it--this goes away as the swelling goes down. You don't have to worry about malnutrition with the sleeve, especially if you take your Vitamins and minerals afterward (we absorb all our nutrients, but generally don't eat enough to get everything we need---then again, the general public doesn't get it from what they eat either).

The complication risk is so low compared to what you will have to deal with in the future, that being any of the following: High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Hardening of the Arteries, sleep Apnea, Osteoarthritis, Diabetes, premature death, I'm sure I'm missing some big ones here. It is a big choice to make, but you're virtually guaranteed big problems down the road if you don't get the weight off one way or another. For those of us who have chosen to go ahead and have the surgery, most of us have tried time and time again over years and haven't been able to lose it or keep it off permanently.

Even including people who had complications like a leak or stricture, I have never once seen a single person who wasn't happy with their surgery in the end. But you have to be really ready for it, at that point where you KNOW it's what you need to do and you WANT to do it, and have yourself prepared for how the first few days and weeks are going to be... just make sure that you're really comfortable with the decision before going for it, and you won't regret it. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I have been researching the sleeve for months now and I know this is the right choice. But I'm having a hard time with going through with it.. I'm so scared of complications. I'm going in with none even though I am 30yrs old 5'7 and 290lbs. I know everyone has these fears but how do u push through them. I'm scared of malnutrition I hear all these people having to go for iv's or being put on medications.. the whole point I thought of doing this is to not have to be on any.. is it right to think maybe after surgery u really won't want to drink or eat but u have to force urself literally even though it hurts. Please help me with this

Im sorry to hear that you are having a difficult time making the decision to go through with the procedure. I think being nervous is very normal and you just have to remind yourself that most of the people who have issues are the ones who stray from the guidelines and dont take care of themselves. I went through a major surgery and am determined to not mess it up by making careless choices that may lead me to malnutrition or dehydration.

I personally had a very smooth recovery.

I started a YouTube Channel to document my journey and just finished another video talking about my experience thus far.

Check it out and maybe it will put your mind at easy knowing that not everyone has difficulty healing.

Hope This Helps

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanku both for ur replies this has totally helped calm me down and made me realize that it doesn't have to go down that way.... I'm so happy to have found this site... I appreciate all the support

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

So I have been researching the sleeve for months now and I know this is the right choice. But I'm having a hard time with going through with it.. I'm so scared of complications. I'm going in with none even though I am 30yrs old 5'7 and 290lbs. I know everyone has these fears but how do u push through them. I'm scared of malnutrition I hear all these people having to go for iv's or being put on medications.. the whole point I thought of doing this is to not have to be on any.. is it right to think maybe after surgery u really won't want to drink or eat but u have to force urself literally even though it hurts. Please help me with this

How everybody reacts to surgery is different. If you read many post here, if there has been complications it has been temporary and once they get past it, they have no regrets. I was one of the lucky ones. I had no issues whatsever. My IV was only during the hospital. I did not have a sore throat but had to learn how to sip instead of huge swallows. I do take Vitamins and hoping that my remaining medications will stop with 3-6 months. I did have diabetes, fatty liver disease and they did a hiatal hernia repair during surgery. I feel so much better and I am pleased on how I am already looking. I can walk in front of a mirror or see my reflection in a window and think WOW. I am looking okay. I use to hate to see my reflection. Do your research and be prepared, if you know worse case scenerios and what needs to be done, it will help you overcome any fear. And if something happens most likely someone else "has been there done that" so I am sure there will be plenty of advise to help you through it. I am 47 and I wish I could had done this years ago. But then I didn't have insurance to cover it then but better late then never.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

This is one of many issues you will have to hurdle. Just take time to process each one and be patient until you can come to an acceptance of each one. Reading all the experience on this forum truly helps.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

I agree with Eloray. I was super jittery before surgery, but I found so many answers to my fears on this board. I'm not trying to convince you one way or the other, but if you feel like you want to go through with this, but are scared, a good way to get through it is to keep reading this forum. And ask the questions that make you most scared. You'll find some great and reassuring answers. I was on here every night the month before my surgery, and it helped a ton! :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks again to everyone who posted a reply it really eases my mind. I visit this site multiple times day and night and that's exactly what I will keep doing... thanks a ton!!! :-)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • Liz R

      Trying to update my ticker - I'm down 100 pounds!! 
      · 1 reply
      1. alisasings

        I don't know how to update the ticker, but CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    • alisasings

      I joined BariatricPal in 2008 & I FINALLY made the descision to have WLS!! I'm so excited & not sure what I need to do to get the ball rolling, but I made an appointment with my PCP for 7/19. It's a start I guess.
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • Elnaz

      Losing weight is my dream
      · 1 reply
      1. alisasings

        I've been dreaming about it for 30 years or so. It's time to make it happen!

    • OhMyGawdItzKla

      I joined yesterday when I was struggling with this preop diet... 
      It typically comes and goes, the hard times and easier times. I'm on day 6 of 14  shakes, water, sf Popsicles and jello. And I might actually be losing my mind. But, oh dear lord has the fear set in. Not about the surgery itself, but life afterwards. If I feel this crappy on the preop diet, am I going to feel like this forever after? 
      I know most of the answers are no, not forever. It might be worse after for a while, then get better. I know it's a more of a mental challenge than physical after the first couple weeks of healing. I get all of that. But I'm starting to feel scared about losing myself afterwards. 
      It might be my hormones or desire to chew something salty talking.. It may go away soon or tomorrow.. I can hope, anyway. But right now.. The fear is real. 
       
      And this liquid diet can bite me. 
      · 2 replies
      1. NickelChip

        Fear is normal, but if it makes you feel any better, I'm 4.5 months post-op and the pre-op diet was by far the hardest part of the whole process. There will be challenges and a lot of new things to learn, but I can honestly say at this point I feel so much more "back to normal" and was even able to go on a week-long vacation with my kids without stressing over it. It's so worthwhile.

      2. OhMyGawdItzKla

        @NickelChip This actually does make me feel better! Thank you so much! After the onslaught of Covid, we've all had to deal with a "new normal", so I know it's possible. It's just the fear and frustration in this moment that makes me question if I can find another "new normal" afterwards. The thought of just a few more months seems daunting some times, but I really do appreciate input and real experience. I'll use that to get me through for a few more hours! LOL. Thank you so much! And I'm glad everything is going so well for you! ❤️

    • mamabear30106

      I started my 10 day pre op diet yesterday I need flavor!! I'm not big on the chocolate protein shakes so I just got to use up what I have was thinking about freezing it to make it like a ice cream so its something I can chew a little. Idk this is hard but I know I can do it just need to find new things to try 
      · 1 reply
      1. JennyBeez

        You can try. I've read other people have had good results with protein-shake popsicles, etc. My personal experience with it? Sucked.

        I tried making 'fudgesicles' with a couple different flavors of a premade shake, as well as a protein powder I blended myself and all of them came out revolting? The powder ones, all the protein sunk to the middle; the premade shakes, the popsicle had a disgusting texture and the protein seemed to leave a weird fluffy film on the outside? I couldn't stomach it.

        Maybe look into flavoring additives? I was able to have sugar-free coffee /soda syrup flavorings, sugar-free drink flavorings and baking additives like almond, rum or pepperment extract. The extracts helped me the most as they added no extra sweetener.

        On the other hand, if you can get your hands on an unflavored/unsweetened protein powder, the syrup flavorings are perfect. I love to use Boost "Just Protein" (which is unflavored) with milk and a Chai-flavored sugarfree syrup.

        Good luck!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×