Scared of the gastric sleeve

[*LaLa* 2]

Hi everyone I'm Lala, this is my first post. I'm hoping to get some support from people who have already had the gastric sleeve. I'm really scared about having this surgery done. At first I was excited I was pumped and ready to go but know that my surgery is less then a month a way i'm terrified ( April 2, 2014 to be exact ) I'm worried that I wont be able to stop eating starch ( Pasta bread things like that ) those are the foods that I love. I'm also afraid that my alcohol intake is not healthy ( as of recently I have quit drinking, but its difficult ) I don't know if I should push my surgery date back or what? I will not cancel it because I have givin them 8,000 ( im a self pay) and they aint keeping my money but I could reschedule it nfor a later date ( like 5 years later lol ) I'm open to any advice that anyone has for me.

Thanks Lala

[Madam Reverie 2,958]

Don't be frightened, Lala.

We all get the jitters as the date approaches.

I had a lot going on in my life approaching my surgery date - so I pushed it back by three weeks and went on holiday to get some sunshine and reflect.

The time gave me the space I needed to weigh up all the pros and cons. On reflection, the pros dwarfed any cons I could identify.

Nearly 6 months out and apart from the stall frustration - I am a very happy camper.

I suggest you write yourself your own list of pros and cons and see where that takes you. You might be in for a surprise.

The best of luck with whatever you decide

[Momonanomo 534]

First, welcome LaLa And, it is SO natural to be scared. Use this forum as much as you possibly can to find out about the whole process. Knowledge is power. Also, you can read about what people are gong through at various stages in their journeys and think to yourself "What will I do when I come to this? How will I best handle it?"

As far as the starch thing goes -- omg I was such a carboholic. Sourdough was like crack for me! lol! I never never never would have thought I could get over my addiction, or at least get it under control. But, here's what worked for me. I treated this surgery like what it is: a SURGERY. On my stomach. And to best protect that staple line while it's healing, you *cannot* eat things like sourdough! For quite a while. I went without the starchy things from the beginning of my 2 week pre-op diet to several months afterward, and you know what? It was like a detox. So yes, you will be putting yourself in a position where you could harm yourself medically if you eat that stuff, and for em that's what it took to break its hold on me. After your stomach is healed and you're cleared for real food, be very careful about reintroducing that stuff because by its very nature it causes you to want more.

As far as the alcohol goes... well you will need to be drink free for a while to let your stomach heal. Once you're cleared to drink, please be very VERY careful with the alcohol. Many WLS patients get into trouble with what is called a "transfer addiction" with alcohol, because it is liquid and goes down easy, and when you can no longer indulge in a food addiction it can be very easy to transfer that addiction to alcohol. Be very very very careful if you feel you may be susceptible to this. Do you have access to a counselor? if your program had you take a psych evaluation, perhaps you could see that person some more or have them recommend someone to you can talk to. If you truly are not ready, they will help you get to a place where you are.

And remember, we all had nerves about this. So we're all here to help you with yours!

[JeanZ_RN 378]

I ate a LOT of carbs pre-op. From previous diets I knew I could abstain from carbs at least for a while, and sure enough I was able to do it for the duration of my pre-op diet. What I found was that once I had been off carbs for 3-4 days I did not crave them anymore. Yes, they were still a temptation, but I didn't have that GOTTA-GOTTA-GOTTA feeling.

Once the surgery is over and we progress through the liquids -> mushies -> soft stages and back to real food, we're supposed to eat dense Protein first, then if there's room a few bites of green veggies, and only then if there's room a bite or two of carbs. I found that the fewer carbs I eat, the less I crave them. So I'm staying away from them as much as humanly possible - like on the Atkins diet. I have given in a few times, but I got right back on target each time, and have not suffered any ill effects from those slips.

When I reach my goal weight I plan to gradually add back some carbs and see what that does to my weight and my cravings, then adjust accordingly.

Hope that helps some. Best wishes!

[laners777 145]

Welcome LaLa. As the others have said already, we all get to the "OMG" what am I doing stage, if you didn't feel that way I would worry about you. I think the best advice is the pro/con list...I did that too and the biggest pro for me was "live a healthy, active life and be there for my kids". My mom died at 65 and was so overweight it added to her illnesses and I want to live longer than that in a healthy way. I was never a carb person but I am a sugar addict. Once you detox, it really won't even sound good to you anymore, you will not want it. I know you think I am crazy because I thought everyone else was crazy when they told me I wouldn't be hungry anymore...but it is true. As for drinking....I am just now (9 months post surgery) starting to drink again and to be honest, I can't do it very much. It tastes good for a few sips and by the end of one drink, I am done. It is very occasional and its just not what it was before surgery.

I wish you success in your decision...whatever it may be. Use this site...it is wonderful and has helped me soooo much along the journey.

[*LaLa* 2]

Wow, I really did not expect a response or at lease not that quick lol. It feels good to know that I'm not the only one who goes threw the jitters :-) The pros and cons list is a really good idea, I'm definitely going to do that. As far as me getting over my carb addiction well see. Thanks everyone who took the time out to respond to my message, it feels good to chat with people who have already gone threw this experience, I try to talk about it with my mother but she dose not understand and shows little interest in my weight loss, as a matter of fact the only thing she is worried about is if my skin is going to be hanging... LOL talk to you all soon.

Lala