7 days from Surgery.. Pre Op killing me.... Is it a sign that I am not for the VSG?

[SqueakyWheel&Ethyl 160]

Ladies, PLEASE don't let discouraging words of others make you doubt yourselves. You must be hanging out in a different area or board than I am. I rarely see negative! And, what little I see, I don't internalize as part of my journey.

I researched this for a couple of years before I had mine done. I'm sure you have, too. From all of those I know personally who have done lap-band (4), 2 have been successful. The other 2 are both over 300 lbs right now. It is not difficult for the band to fail. One reason is slippage, medical complications that warrant retreat, etc. another is when the person manipulates the situation intentionally and self-sabotages.

With the sleeve, it's a LOT harder to sabotage yourself. Your body just won't let you that easily. And, unlike the band, you can't change your mind and reverse it. You REALLY are committed.

Let me share one more interesting piece of info rarely shared. I asked for the sleeve. My surgeon asked me why I selected that option. Then, we discussed my medical history and he said I would never be a candidate for the bypass surgery anyway. I'm excluded from it. Why? Because I am EXPECTING to need a liver transplant in about 10 years (hoping never...) and when a person gets the full bypass there is critical tissue removed that MUST be in place to have a liver transplant. Forgive me. I don't recall the name of that tissue, but it gets removed with bypass surgery.

So, I told my Dr, NO-ONE should EVER get a bypass, then! What if, through illness or injury, they need a liver transplant someday? He said they factor that risk in when deciding to do bypass. It is usually reserved for those who are at highest risk to die from obesity soon.

So, please set your sights on a positive goal with the sleeve and don't consider bypass unless it is your only hope. And surround yourself with people who will lift you up and encourage you.

I personally try to balance the elements of my life with

30% Receive influence from people with more knowledge and experience than me (LEARN)

40% Surround myself with positive thinkers on a similar path (GROW)

30% Be there for those who are starting out and could benefit from my journey (HELP)

Nothing in excess.