Let's Talk: Fears?

[ShrinkingSaraVSG 12]

Hi everyone! So I am starting to go through the process of talking with a patient coordinator and figuring out how I'm going to do this. I'm going to be out of pocket in Mexico. I've talked with my doc, my insurance, and a local bariatric program and doing it through insurance here is just not going to be possible.

I don't fear the travel. And I don't really fear the surgery too much (a little because I've never really ever had one so it's all new to me). But I'm afraid that I'll be unbearable. I'm afraid of it changing my attitude and making me a different person. I have no memory of being anything smaller than a size 16/18 (age 12) I don't have that memory of what it's like to not be overweight/obese. I don't know who that woman will be.

What were your fears going into your surgeries? How did you deal and get past them?

[NurseAndi 18]

I am over a year out of surgery. I have been at goal weight since approx 10 months. I am a nurse and I was back to work after 5 days. I had very little pain and discomfort. No complications! Best decision I ever made. I also had my surgery in Mexico, Dr Ortiz and his team were amazing. Any questions I had pre-during-post surgery have been answered immediately. I take 1 B12 shot once a month and my labs have been prefect since.

[NurseAndi 18]

<p>Hi everyone! So I am starting to go through the process of talking with a patient coordinator and figuring out how I'm going to do this. I'm going to be out of pocket in Mexico. I've talked with my doc, my insurance, and a local bariatric program and doing it through insurance here is just not going to be possible. </p> <p> </p> <p>I don't fear the travel. And I don't really fear the surgery too much (a little because I've never really ever had one so it's all new to me). But I'm afraid that I'll be unbearable. I'm afraid of it changing my attitude and making me a different person. I have no memory of being anything smaller than a size 16/18 (age 12) I don't have that memory of what it's like to not be overweight/obese. I don't know who that woman will be. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>What were your fears going into your surgeries? How did you deal and get past them? </strong></p>

[NurseAndi 18]

Also, sorry I didn't address the other fear.. Things do change. You will change. I know I tend to look at myself more and be proud of my body. Just try to stay humble and not become to wrapped up in how you look or how you have changed. Change can be good and when you are getting healthy that is even better. You will do great!

[ShrinkingSaraVSG 12]

Thank you Andi. I don't know what it is. I've got it all set up. I've spoken with the patient coordinator done a health history. Talked about how to handle after care with my pcp and how long of a post op regiment I'll be on. All I have to do is say it's ago and set the date. But I feel irrationally scared to committing to it. But every time I try to give my mind a break and stop thinking about it for a couple hours I feel his sense of need. Like there's something inside me screaming you need this why are you so frightened.

Edited August 12, 2014 by LitGal

[lexiemustang 268]

food has been an integral part of my life for so long. A lot of my social life revolves around food (and a bit of alcohol to some extent). I am mentally trying to prepare myself to change that aspect of life, and there's a part of me that does not like it. However, I cannot continue down this path I'm on, so I definitely need to change my mindset.

I'm also afraid of not making it through that pre and post op liquid diet when it's time...but I'll have to cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, the food = celebration part is the most important piece that I have to change.

[MsAlaineus 63]

Your honesty is so refreshing! I have just come to the point where I realize that I am going to have to address my need (or should I say my dependence) upon food to experience life. I agree with the others that you will change, however I think that all of us can consider the change of opportunity rather than a stumbling block. I recently came to the conclusion that I am going to have to become aware of the subconscious connections that I've made with food and that to me is the most daunting challenge. There's a lot of things that my subconscious takes care of for me that I don't really have to consider which means that I'm going to end up questioning my motives more often then I have in the past.

How do any of you plan on becoming more aware of your habits?

[gofigure 56]

I work in an office with a ton of thin and fit 20 somethings. (I'm 29 but have been told that I come across "much older and wiser." Um, thanks?)

As frivolous as it might sound, one of my biggest fears is having to interact with them when it comes to things like clothes, exercise, and shopping.

Right now, I am the funny, loud, super confident fat girl who "doesn't care" about what I'm wearing and makes fun of her own weight. I'm scared that when I lose the weight, I'll be forced into this world for the first time and I won't know how to handle it. Even though I make good money, my husband and I have a ton of student debt, so my wardrobe budget is very limited as it is. The thought of having so many more options available to me is terrifying. Even though I would love to have nice clothes (and I think it would help me professionally to dress better) I've hidden behind this persona of someone who doesn't care for so long, I don't know how to make that transition without looking like a flake.

I also worry that my weight has been my shield for a long time, and I'm afraid of what will happen when it's gone. I'm afraid of the attention, which, as someone who can currently command a room, is crazy. I'm not afraid of people looking at me and listening to me, but I am afraid of people really seeing me, if that makes sense. I'm afraid of losing my bubble.

[apeters9284 61]

I admire all of you for being so honest on your fears. I had plenty of the myself but also did not allow myself months to think about it. I had vsg on Oct 15, 2014. So a little over 4 months ago. I was never worried about the surgery or recovery itself. Which for me, was a breeze. I went back to work also 5 days later with very little pain. My biggest fears were a lot like Lexi. I was worried about my relationship with food. How sad that I can't eat everything on my plate anymore? That's how I felt. And trust me, I went overboard having my last meal! I gained 8 pounds in like 2 weeks. That's scary! And honestly, I was a bit depressed for the 1st month after surgery. I was losing weight quickly but the diet was hard after. Well I take that back...you have no true appetite. It was my head hunger that got me. I almost mourned my relationship with food. But once I got my energy back and lost that first 30 pounds.... my life changed forever. I still have people look at me and make comments about how sad that I can't eat more than that or that I really don't desire any food anymore, but honestly I am fine with it! I am not sorry one bit! 4 months out and 80 pounds down makes it so worth it.

One of our biggest reasons for me getting the surgery was to have children. We have been trying for 6 years, went through fertility treatments and nothing. Neither one of us have anything wrong, besides PCOS, to not be able to conceive. After a lot of talking it was suggested that possibly losing weight will help. So my biggest fear at this time is that, yes I am getting healthier, but what if I still can't get pregnant? That is devastating to me.

But all we can do is keep on taking care of ourselves!!

[asleevednewme 0]

I'm going to have my surgery 10/13. I'm going through the scared process like I don't wanna die. But then I feel like I'm going to be fine. And I'm a worrier. So that doesn't help

[tssiemer 85]

I'm afraid of the staples in my stomach.

I'm afraid I'll mess the whole process up and be denied.

I'm afraid of Constipation.

I'm afraid of judgement and guilt. I feel like I'm taking the easy way out.

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[apeters9284 61]

Tssiemer

I didn't have staples so I can't relate to that. But my physical recovery was a breeze compared to the mental recovery. Still a struggle almost a year out!

Don't be worried about messing the process up and be denied. You will be more upset with yourself not trying if you gave up.

Constipation can sometimes be an issue for me but only when I take ibuprofen. I was approved and instructed to take it while on my cycle because mine got worse with loosing the weight. So I take them very limited but when i do take them... Constipation strikes. But its usually fairly easy to take something and get it moving again.

And as far as the easy way out.... You tell whomever to go to hell who says that! Sorry to be blunt but seriously.... This is not easy! I work so hard daily at this. Harder than I ever have!! I don't tolerate anyone telling me that because I know the dedication and time I put into this. I contemplate everything I eat, get up at 4:45am to work out before work, count my Water all day long, gave up alcohol. Its not easy but still the best decision I ever made!

I can't ease all your fears but I'm always here to try and talk and be honest about the process.

[tssiemer 85]

Thank you so much peters.

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[lexiemustang 268]

I'm afraid of the staples in my stomach.

I'm afraid I'll mess the whole process up and be denied.

I'm afraid of Constipation.< /p>

I'm afraid of judgement and guilt. I feel like I'm taking the easy way out.

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Staples in stomach = not so bad. The ones that were used for my incisions are healing nicely, and they didn't hurt coming out.

Constipation - now that's another story...

[hollybower 122]

I'm uneasy about the fact that there will be metal staples in my body. I'm afraid that my family won't support me when they find out what I've done. I haven't told anyone but my children and husband. I'm afraid of my sisters feelings. She is morbidly morbidly obese and often cries and talks to me about her weight.