Post-Sleevers, please help

[Harpo 30]

My surgery is scheduled in nine days. I am starting to get scared. Not really second thoughts, but maybe they are a little. I'm 38 years old. 6' tall & 331 lbs. BMI is 44. Reasons for sleeving.... 1. I have 5 young children, & want to be a role model for them. 2. I want to be able to be active with my children. 3. I want to look good & be desirable to my wife. 4. I, ME, THIS guy, wants to look good & feel good about myself. 5. I want to get rid of my sleep Apnea. 6. My family has a history of diabetes & heart problems that I'd rather not get. 7. I don't want to die early. 8. I'm sick of getting winded walking up stairs. 9. I'm sick of being fat. Reasons for being a little unsure.... 1. Scared about missing food. I am not a grazer. I just eat too big portions. I love eating a huge steak & a few glasses of wine. 2. Scared about not being able to go out with my buddies & drink 7 or 8 beers & have a good time. 3. Could I lose the weight again on my own? Better question: Could I keep it off this time? (I've lost 100lbs. twice before, only to regain.) Exercise isn't an issue with me either---after my last big weight loss I did 6 marathons & a full Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, & 26.2 mile run)---finished it in 15 hours. :-) 4. It's irreversible. 5. A little worried about dying in the surgery, although that's probably just nerves talking. Ok, so I realize that my 1st 2 reasons for being unsure are pretty sick in my opinion, & underscore my real problem...I'm addicted to food & self-control. I feel like I could lose weight on my own, but never keep it off. I guess my reasons for doing this (myself & my family) FAR outweigh the fears, but I just wanted to put out there what I'm thinking. Maybe other people have felt very similar to how I feel. If you did, please tell me your story.

[DBubba 3]

Jason, First and foremost the concerns you have are very normal and have been experienced by everyone who considered this procedure. You and I are the same weight, BMI and height at start. I had my procedure on December 20th and am extremely glad I did it. I played football, rugby and wrestled in high school. Always a big boned boy growing up but as years go by it has been tougher and tougher to maintain my weight. I have yo=yo dieted since I was 21 and finally decided to solve this once and for all. This is not a permanent fix it is a tool you can use to get to your ideal weight and maintain it easier. You will make changes in your intake to be MUCH healthier overall. High Blood Pressure, Elevated blood sugar, joint issues, etc. can be minimized or even eliminated in the long haul. It was a good decision for my family as I know I have extended my life exponentially by have this surgery. Can I sit down and consume a 12 oz ribeye, mashed potatoes, and creamy spinach now? No! Do I even want to? NO. Our body does not need that much food and obesity is proof of that. Good luck in the coming week and half. We are all here for you so don't sweat all the details. Ask questions and people will be glad to help!

[Harpo 30]

I'm happy to find someone on here my same size & age. And athlete to boot. BTW---Ribeye, mashed potatoes, & creamed spinach was my "funeral meal".

Good luck & thanks for the words.

[Lisa's Hope 421]

You will do great Jason. I have to say though this surgery isn't easy but it is ALL worth it. You will be able to eat those things again, just not for awhile and will eat smaller portions and be satisfied. I am so glad I did this for myself and family. You will miss food but you will get use to your new way of eating and new life.

As for going out and drinking with your friends, that will change also. You will be able to drink but only 1/10 of what you were consuming because with the sleeve you can't drink as much and will feel the affect a lot sooner and with a lot less!

I have to say this was the best thing I could have ever done in my life. Your wife and children will be so happy and most of all YOU will be happy!!

Hang in there. It is scary but what you are feeling is all normal!

GOOD luck and GOD bless!!