Has it really come to this?

[Heartonsleeve 32]

As my surgery date draws near, I find myself questioning the wisdom of having the majority of a major organ removed. Have I really become this desperate for a change? The more I think about it the more bizarre it seems. The fact that the sleeve is considered a "newer" WLS really makes me nervous about the long term. Everyone thought the band was amazing years ago and now it seems there are widespread issues with it.

[Arts137 1,811]

Good. You are thinking, and thinking is a part of the research process. Do not have surgery unless you are sure.

At 336# you have or will have significant health issues with obesity. Hard to avoid the arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, cancer relationships that come with obesity... not to mention all the societal and functional limitations related to being fat.

BUT without a doubt, if you can lose weight and keep it off without surgery, DO IT!!! I could not. It is neither easy nor automatic after surgery, each of us is entirely responsible to heal, and follow the program, but in my case so far so good.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

Ditto

I tried everything multiple times. If u can lose and maintain without surgery that is all the better. I COULD NOT.and it wasn't for lack of trying.

[DeniseM 238]

What you are thinking/feeling is completely normal at this point. I had many days before surgery where I questioned why I was going to put myself through surgery. For me, it was one of the best decisions I ever made, and I have no regrets.

I just wanted to comment that the band is VERY different from the sleeve, and most of the problems with the band come from the band itself, mostly from slipping. There is no slipping with the sleeve, and very few long term issues aside from post-op complications which are expected with any type of surgery. Once the sleeve is done and healed, 97% of patients have no issues, and only 3% of patients have long-term issues after surgery. I do not know what the statistics are from the band, but I know the complication rate is much higher than the sleeve. I initially started my surgery process wanting the band, but when my surgeon told me that she takes more out than she puts in, that made me really stop and consider that choice.

[Bigbeaz 91]

I have also had my days/weeks like this. Once before I lost 125lb's with sweat and determination. I used the Military and a better life as a tool for success. Everyone needs tools to be successful. One day it just hit me. I need this as a tool, to jump start a new life. At my first appointment I told my Dr. that I needed to jump start my motivation again. I had gotten so big that my mood and attitude toward life had changed dramatically. Do any of us need this surgery. No way, most of us already have the drive and determination in us to lose our excess weight, some of us just need the push. For me this is exactly the push I needed.

[hopeliveshere 294]

i am sure many of us feel the same way. some days i wonder if i am crazy wanting to do this and if i really need to. which is followed seconds later by a voice that says YES I DO. i cant keep taking diet pills and trying one crazy thing after the other. I lose very minimal weigh on traditional diets and once im off gain it back like its yesterday.

I agree with another poster, dont have the surgery unless you are 100% sure. For me, after countless efforts i am ready.

[McButterpants 2,846]

I'm right there with you...I'm a pre-opper that has those thoughts as well. I think it's completely normal to have doubts and concerns.

Since I've made the decision to do this, almost 2 months ago, I've been trying to "clean up my act." I have been eating better, walking some and trying to not be so hard on myself. In the past week, I've worked really hard on paying attention to my portions and went back to the gym a couple of times. I would have thought that I would have lost some weight this week. My scale this morning said I have gained 1/2 a pound.

So those ugly, self destructive thoughts started to come into my head. That little demon that tells you "I told you you couldn't do it", "you're failing again", etc. THAT is why I'm doing this. I can't live like that any more. I can't work as hard as I work and not get results, any results. I'm exhausted living like that. I want to love myself and care for myself, not have this destructive BS in my head. That isn't to say this is going to be easy - but, I need to see my hard work pays off, that is my motivation.

I wish you luck in your journey - deep down, you know what is best for you and you'll know when you're ready.

[Shells_Almost_There 357]

I think it is completely natural to question yourself and even to have last minute 2nd (3rd 4th) thoughts about such a big decision. Just over a year ago I was at an info session for RnY, thinking "do I really want to do something so drastic?" Yes, it had come to that. At that time, I was unable to commit to such a drastic procedure, so I decided to wait a year and try to lose weight myself. Instead, I gained. I felt like a complete failure...again. So on New Year's Eve, I weighed myself, decided to start fresh for 2013 and investigate surgery once more - and that's when I heard about the sleeve for the first time. It was like a lightning bolt hit me - I'd found the surgery and the surgeon for me. That's when I knew it was time. I started the process in March and had surgery in September.

Yesterday I had my first post-op with my surgeon. No joke, I literally cheered her when she came through the door. When she asked how it was going, I told her "best decision of my life and I'm kicking myself for not doing it sooner!" You know what her response was? "That's what everyone tells me!" It is so true. Sure, I waited a year but it all worked out how it was supposed to for me. It's such a personal and life-changing decision that I highly recommend doing what's best for you. Good luck!