Is It Normal?

[Zoumommy 61]

So I've made up my mind that I'm going to have the sleeve, my husband is not too crazy about the idea (he is worried I might die) is it normal to worrying about dying and the fact that's the p

Psleeve hasn't been around long yet. Is anybody else worried about either? What could kill you? The anesthetic? Or what? Or am I just being a worry wart?? Ugg

[notime 340]

It's major surgery, so there is risk. Anesthesia is a risk, as are blood clots. I don't know the other risks. Many people on this board have expressed concern about the risk of dying, so yes, it's normal. On the other hand, there is great risk in being obese.

The sleeve has been around a long time as a surgical treatment for stomach cancer.

It is good you are considering the pros and the cons and will make an informed decision.

[Zoumommy 61]

Hi notime, thx for responding, I didn't realize the sleeve procedure has been used for stomach cancer, interesting. Unfortunately I've had many other types of surgeries for various issues ( hence the reason my husband is worried, but it gives me confidence to know I've not had problems with anesthia in the past

I definitely am planning to have the sleeve done, I'm scheduling all my appointments for Dec and hoping for a Jan/Feb surgery date

[TurnThePage 220]

It might be good for you and your husband to meet jointly with the surgeon to go over the risks of having the surgery vs. the risks of remaining obese. Both of you should go into the appointment with a list of questions to be sure you get them all answered. That way you and your husband will both have the same info and can support each other through the process. Best wishes.

[Cupcake 801]

Yes this is normal, my husband does not want me to have surgery either because I am doing so good with void management and my weight now, but he is supportive because he understands this is something that I want and I want to be healthier and off diabetic medications and high blood pressure meds .your husband loves you , and I am sure he wants nothing but the best for you.

[taylokat 180]

Blood clots are the biggest threat but the good news is we can do alot to prevent them. You will get a blood thinner shot (Heparin) just before you go into Surgery. After surgery, get up and walk a little as soon as you can. Walk, walk, walk! Especially when you get home. The other threat is a post surgical leak. The quicker that is diagnosed the better. Your surgeon can give you more info on that but I was told the first sign us a rapid heart rate at rest. So when I was relaxed watching TV I would check it to be sure it was less than 100.

[Zoumommy 61]

Turntheoage, we have done that, met the surgeon, but my husband still thinks diet and exercise is the way to go, however if diet & exercise had worked I wouldn't be in this boat looking at surgery

[TurnThePage 220]

Explain to your husband that studies have shown that only 2% to 5% of morbidly obese people succeed in losing their excess weight and keeping the weight off over the long term by diet and exercise alone. Thus your chances of failure doing it the way he suggests are 95% or better.

In men's terms: If you car had a flat tire, would you try to pick it up yourself to change the tire? No, you'd use a tool--a jack--then change the tire and get on with your life. Well, WLS is a tool, too. It's the correct tool to get the weight off and get on with a healthier, happier life.

[Zoumommy 61]

Turn the page,

Excellent. Example! He's hung up in it bc we watch they biggest loser and he's like if they can do it so can you, he's slowly coming around to the idea, his sister in the other hand thinks its a stupid idea, but thankfully my other sister in law has had the sleeve and is doing really well, so they see that it works and who can argue with that

[Zoumommy 61]

Ok so I just told him this analogy to which he said, right you could use a treadmill which is a tool, you wouldn't cut half the engine off to make the car lighter. Ugg, it's hopeless with him, I'm just going to have to move forward with the surgery whether he's on board or not

[gamergirl 4,610]

Turn the page, Excellent. Example! He's hung up in it bc we watch they biggest loser and he's like if they can do it so can you, he's slowly coming around to the idea, his sister in the other hand thinks its a stupid idea, but thankfully my other sister in law has had the sleeve and is doing really well, so they see that it works and who can argue with that

Go to the research section and m2j posted an article on the biggest loser. It's very discouraging because 85-90% of them put all their weight back on, and now they've slowed down their metabolism drastically.

So not even the biggest losers can do it.

[Zoumommy 61]

Gamergirl

Good point!!

[Zoumommy 61]

How do I get to the research section?

[Georgia 2,908]

Hi notime, thx for responding, I didn't realize the sleeve procedure has been used for stomach cancer, interesting. Unfortunately I've had many other types of surgeries for various issues ( hence the reason my husband is worried, but it gives me confidence to know I've not had problems with anesthia in the past I definitely am planning to have the sleeve done, I'm scheduling all my appointments for Dec and hoping for a Jan/Feb surgery date

It was also used for many years for those with extreme ulcerated stomachs. Yes, there are risks as with any surgery. I, for one, at three 1/2 years out had NO complications, am below goal ( after much hard work and maintenance) and wouldn't change a thing. Just know. It is not a magic bullet. You can and will gain after initial loss if you don't follow through on your eating guidelines. It has been life changing for me. Good luck!

[Zoumommy 61]

Georgia,

Thank you for responding. I know it will require a lot if hard work after surgery and its nit a magic bullet. I plan to seek therapy for my disordered eating habits to go along with surgery. I'm at a place that Um ready to change my kife