Beginner Questions

[daniellefay 3]

Hello everyone,

I am meeting w the doctor tomorrow and I have so many questions, but my biggest issue right now is that I'm so scared for the psychological effects the surgery will have on me. Does anyone have some input?

[ribearty 544]

Hi Daniellfay and welcome to Bariatricpal.

What type of surgery are you planning to have? If you provide some more information on what fears you have regarding psychological effects of the surgery, many members may be able to help you.

A couple of things I can tell you that apply regardless of the type of surgery you are planning to have is you will need to make permanent changes in your lifestyle and eating habits in order to be successful. It is not an automatic guarantee or magic wand that you will lose weight, and keep it off permanently, if you don't make changes.

I had a lapband, but had to have it removed. In October I had sleeve surgery performed.

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

When I had my band in 2009, this is the part that kicked my butt and NO ONE had prepared me for it. I mourned food. I lost my best friend. I was an emotional mess for a month. There is a HUGE psychological component to bariatric surgery and weight loss...there's no easy way through it. Just know that to be successful you are going to have to be honest with yourself and face your food demons and for a while, frankly, it is going to suck . But it does get better. As you learn new habits and start to feel better physically and emotionally t gets so much easier. You can do this, but it takes some work! Congrats on making the decision to take charge of your life and health. Listen to every word they have to say at your meetings, they've got a lot to share. GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

[daniellefay 3]

Thank you so much for the responses.

I am deciding between the band and the sleeve.

[daniellefay 3]

The honest insight from someone who went through the journey is so helpfully! Thank you both

[DLCoggin 1,788]

I did not experience the food remorse described by SoccerMomma (and many other veterans). I don't have any definitive explanation why I didn't but suspect that it may have something to do with the fact that I started a healthy diet several months prior to my surgery. We bought a steamer and ate steamed vegetables along with chicken, fish or turkey almost every night. And as an added bonus, I lost 35 lbs pre-op. I'm just over two years post-op and we still use our steamer frequently.

Many (if not most) folks go through a period of "buyers remorse" following the surgery. In my case it lasted about a week or so. There is a "foreverness" about sleeve or gastric bypass that is a little unnerving. Very common but passes quickly. And when the weight starts falling off, you'll never look back!

You're gonna love the new you!!

[daniellefay 3]

Thank you dlcoggin! That was really helpful as well!

[7 Bites_Jen 479]

I have certainly had my ups and downs. The first few days were hard - very hard. The next few were better, then the next few were hard again. It is an emotional roller coaster for sure. Everything from elation to excitement to anxiety and depression. It will vary day to day. But eventually it evens out. After the first six months or so, a normalcy set it. Sometimes I get down that I can't eat everything on my plate (especially on taco night!), but those times are becoming fewer and fewer as time goes on. I'm over a year out, by the way. Hope that helps!!

[iamsoworthit 430]

I did not experience the food remorse described by SoccerMomma (and many other veterans). I don't have any definitive explanation why I didn't but suspect that it may have something to do with the fact that I started a healthy diet several months prior to my surgery. We bought a steamer and ate steamed vegetables along with chicken, fish or turkey almost every night. And as an added bonus, I lost 35 lbs pre-op. I'm just over two years post-op and we still use our steamer frequently.

Many (if not most) folks go through a period of "buyers remorse" following the surgery. In my case it lasted about a week or so. There is a "foreverness" about sleeve or gastric bypass that is a little unnerving. Very common but passes quickly. And when the weight starts falling off, you'll never look back!

You're gonna love the new you!!

I was like you, I never went thru the remorse over food phase. While I love food I don't think I was ever a 'foodie'. I love to cook but sitting and eating isnt the part of a meal I look forward to. Weird now that I think about it...

[cammie2013 0]

Hi all. I am also new to this and is starting my journey. Getting all my info. My BMI is over 40 really have tried to lose weight. Didn't work. Thinking of the band but is so afraid of complications. How did u guys overcome that feeling? Some post talked about other people dying from complications.

[cammie2013 0]

Sorry I said the band I meant the sleeve

[cammie2013 0]

Sorry guys I said the band I meant the sleeve.