Still on the fence

[Flying Twinkles 0]

Hi

I've gone to numerous weight loss surgery free seminars , did some research and even started in with the approval process at a place. for VGS. I put it on hold while I recovered from another non related surgery. Now I'm thinking of it again but I am still afraid. I have heard that the rest of your life you are in danger of dehydration and anemia. I realize that is less scary than the complications from obesity which I already have but I still have my qualms because it is permanent. Any stories/advice would be appreciated to help me make the decision. Thanks everyone.

[Cleo's Mom 257]

I am still on the fence too. You will find no shortage of stories on here about remarkable progress with the sleeve and how people just love it. Co-morbidities reversed or gone, being able to do things they couldn't do before. Being healthy.

However, and here is the caveat: WLS is a crap shoot. You don't know what your results will be until after you have it. Will you be a successful one? One who can eat most any food but just smaller quantities or the one who is in pain for 2 hours from a crouton? One who will have to drink most meals and eat mostly Protein - with few carbs - fruits and veggies (based on your surgeons recommendation). I have read all this on here and everything in between while I make my decision.

Also be aware - this might not matter to you now if you're young - but most surgeons don't allow NSAIDS for life - and when you get older and develop conditions like arthritis you won't be able to take NSAIDS for it.

GERD can be problematic with the sleeve. It got worse for some who had it prior to surgery or developed in some who didn't. Again, many will be taking medication for this for life.

Most posts on here talk about the amount of Water and Protein that is required daily for success. Plus Vitamins and minerals.

All WLS requires a great deal of compliance. But like I said it's a crap shoot. I know, I went through all this with the band and I hate it. It has never done one thing it was promoted as doing. Now I have it and it is unfilled. Not sure of the revision surgery, though.

Good luck in making your decision. There is no shortage of information on here. Look over all of it - good and bad - to help you decide.

[Donmecca357 15]

I always told myself that I wasn't going to die fat!! And now I'm not!! You are just as much of a health risk being obese as you are getting surgery.

[gal friday 176]

I have a disorder (diabetes insipidus) that puts me at significantly more risk for death due to electrolyte imbalance and/or dehydration than your average person (it is quite rare). I didn't know I had the disorder until I had the surgery (the post recovery Fluid intake restrictions brought it to light, I was diagnosed 18 hours after the surgery) and I'm still glad I did it. I had a lap-band that did nothing for me - NOTHING. I decided to go for the revision, but deep in my heart I feared that it would be the same thing with the sleeve, up through and right after the surgery. But it wasn't the crap shoot the lap band was. Despite how work it was to manage the kidney disorder in the first few weeks, it turned out to be the right call. The initial paranoia about Protein intake and fluid intake is no longer - listening to my body and adding a few Vitamins to my routine provides all of the nutritional content I need. Other than being a little low on Iron, I really don't have to think about it much. I lost a lot of weight quickly, but then I leveled out to a few pounds per week, and now at almost 4 months I'm about halfway to my goal weight. I had a very, very rough time of it after my surgery, but I got through it, and all the hard work was worth it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Don't let the band discourage you - the sleeve actually works!

[blondebomb 580]

I really am afraid to say much bc I don't wanna tell anyone else yay or nay but me personally I got to the point where I was sick and tired of being trapped in a fat suit and it constantly weighing me down. I had been on every diet known to man and I had already wasted 35 or so yrs of my life trying I refused to to waste another minute! I had been thru talk therapy for 10 yrs and the diseases of dx's had hit over 12 I was willing to make the necessary changes I needed to make to be a better person mentally and emotionally bc for me my weight I carried around made me miserable and depressed! I had internally negative self talk myself and therefore used food for comfort and it was a visious cycle. 2 yrs ago I got off the eating myself into comfort frenzy got answers to some underlying food addictions reasons for eating and turned things around myself got off processed sugars and bad choices and still coulndt lose a pd when only consuming less then 600 or so calories a day. I had thought about WLS 15 yrs ago but never dreamed I was BIG enough in my own mind for Ins to pay for it. I never did see myself mentally as a big person boy was I in denial! hitting the scale at my highest at almost 275 2 of my specialist talked to me that the benefits OUTWEIGH the risk and the surgeon they both recommended he was the best in this tristate area death rate is less then 0.16% (or less) I was like man getting my life back at 50 yrs old an elliminating some diseases I could get around alot better less meds being alive and able to do things more with my hubs and grandkids my kids and me being proud of myself for making the needed changes and eating to live and not living to eat...life has a whoke NEW meaning for me. depression is gone I can't stop smiling Im in a happier place mentally emotionally and not to mention buying a heck of lot smaller and cuter clothes!! cleaned out my closet now 3 times!! best thing I have ever did for ME!! yea I was scared as hell 2 wks before the questions going thru my head you start to double questioning yourself believe me!! been there done that! I was approved within 48 hrs and in surgery within 14 days and that was only bc I needed a wk before to prepare myself physically. this is a tough lifestyle change...but when a person has reached their breaking point and is ready believe me you'll know it!! I was WAYYYY past ready!! my life is now beginning even though I have already raised my kids and their gone married with families of their own. some need to do this to be able to be the best they can be while young and rasing their families. that wasnt my time. the past 5 yrs was the worst for me and the biggest I got. I refused to live that life any longer. I only told 3 ppl...my hubs, and 2 Bff's..not even my parents . I am 8 months PO and still know one else know's theres enough neg thoughts and opinions and I wasnt about to hear them. my decision and fortunatly my hubs is my number one fan and biggest supporter! whatever I chose he backed me up. I am over 100 pds down and its an amazing feeling!! I hope this helps ya but this is my journey. first month is hard...especially mentally and emotionally it was for me. you go thru head hunger withdrawls. some have it maybe some don't. my surgeon warned me. if you can get thru the first month you have it made. he was right on target with me! I would do it again in a heart beat!! Best wishes ...

[blondebomb 580]

I forgot to mention..diabetic..resolved. off of nexium now for almost 3 months. relearning when to stop eating and actually having a full feeling took a few wks , its a learning process. I didnt get fat the first 30 yrs or so by NOT stuffing my face when I wanted to. I used food to fill many emotional and psychological needs. when you get your tummy size a baby size it doesnt hardly take much to get full. and thats all I need. I take liquid pure Vitamins and minerals and I had a complete BW panel a few wks ago and it was perfect. My Iron and ferratin had actually way improved since this change! anemia issue I had all my life..way above. do I have my lupus, polymyalgia, fibro , hashi and the list of dx's? heck yea. but they are under control better now more then ever. My D3 went from a 6 to 100! better pain management. I use topical pure magnesium oil and what a differance as well. just the changes I made and its worked for me. everyone is differant. when the tummys smaller less food...less food results in weight loss! believe me it works! I'm done...I thought these were important enough to mention I wanted to share...

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Also be aware - this might not matter to you now if you're young - but most surgeons don't allow NSAIDS for life - and when you get older and develop conditions like arthritis you won't be able to take NSAIDS for it.

Not exactly true. It is recommended that sleeve patients not use NSAIDS because of concerns that they can cause ulcers, however if you have a condition that requires being treated with NSAIDS, they can be used under doctor's supervision.

As for the decision to have the surgery. If you are afraid or have doubts, you need to do everything possible to alleviate those fears. if you want to take 6 mths and try another medically supervised diet, do so. If you want to see a therapist and try to get to the bottom of your issues with food, do that. You want to be confident going into this. By the time I did my research, I was 100% this was the right step for me. I was 100% compliant with my doctor's request. Sure I had butterflies in my stomach the day of surgery. I think that's normal. However I was completely sure I as making the right decision. I had a very easy surgical experience. I walked in recovery and had no complications or pain. I have no issues with any food I've tried and I have been losing consistently. I work out 5 -6 days a week and make sure to eat healthy and drink plenty of Water. I occasionally have treats, but I've find a balance with them. One bite of chocolate is now more than enough. The sleeve is working for me because I am doing my part to make it work.

[TammyDTM 391]

do I have my lupus, polymyalgia, fibro , hashi and the list of dx's? heck yea. but they are under control better now more then ever. My D3 went from a 6 to 100! better pain management. I use topical pure magnesium oil and what a differance as well. just the changes I made and its worked for me. everyone is differant. when the tummys smaller less food...less food results in weight loss! believe me it works! I'm done...I thought these were important enough to mention I wanted to share...

I too, have lupus. I have been trying to find someone on here who has it. I am 3 weeks post-op. I'm on prednisone, plaquenil and other prescription drugs for headaches besides the multi-Vitamins, Calcium citrate, prilosec, ursidiol, and others. I was wondering, if you take any of these medications now, or if you are now off of any of your lupus meds. I am just wondering if I can look forward to finally being off of some of them. Thank you.

[blondebomb 580]

@@TammyDTM hi there..I still take plaquinil. I have only used the pred maybe less then 2 wks in the last 11 months (if my memory is correct) I have been scared to take it bc of the weight issue. thats just me. so I use alternative methods of pain management. the plaquinil helps termendously. Im no hurry to stop it bc I went thru a few months recently (within 4 months) that I was doing well to remember to get my second dose in. I was only getting 1 in its 200mg and man I was in soo much pain I couldnt hardly move got like the tin man! I thought geezzz I am in a bad flair! well it was bc I was only getting in half of my dose. I had to put them both out where I could see what I needed to take thru the day and I started feeling much better! I also changed from pill form on the D3 to organic liquid it has made a TOTAL differance! my swallowing solids is getting harder and harder. but the liquid is doing so much better. Iv been on pill form D for yrs but there was too many fillers and it wasnt affective..now its doing wonders! I stopped the pill form magnesium those are horse pills lol! they were impossible to swallow! I ordered pure magnesium oil and spray that on my muscles or feet or where ever and OMGoodness! what a differance! I have soo much more stamina energy yet at the same time I still pace myself...I do get really fatigued on exertion and I mean when I have my really good days I go and go and go and then I it hits me I have to recover. thats just the life of autoimmune..ugh..but over all I feel the best now despite some of the diseases. I feel more in remission now or milder in symptoms then I have in 15 yrs! I do keep pred and robaxin (muscle relaxer) on hand for emergency if I get desperate but I haven't used them. I see my kinesiologist 2 to 3 x a month get a message the same day total diet change organic as much as possible and grass fed meats if all possible. I have stopped my nexium few months back only need a rolaids occassionally I took nexium for yrs! I do take folic acid and Biotin there really tiny so I can swallow them pill form still. I do take armour thyroid I will for life. I am glad you found me! this has been the decision I ever did (except for breast reduction 15 yrs ago) lol...your on the right road. but I believe some things can be controlled with the right foods and I mean by eating a non flammatory diet. night shade veggies promote inflammation as well. google. when you get to the point where you have more options of foods and can tolerate you will be able to see a differance. I am 8 months PO and my treat has been a piece of the 70% organic chocolate with coconut. thats my thing. I break off a square which is tiny and Im good! I have lost consistantly 1.5 to 3 pds a wk...you do have something to look forward to! although us lupies are at differant disease degrees. I do have kidney involvment , and several other organ issues but Im stable and really feeling so much better and I know the plaquinil is helping. I dont care to stay on it. but my meds have went down indeed! taking more then alternative route now days as much as possible. hang in there!!

[TammyDTM 391]

@@blondebomb Thank you so much for responding. I am glad you are doing well. I was diagnosed in 1990 and have had no organ involvement, but lots of flare-ups with pain and fatigue. I take my plaquenil all at once, 400mg before bed. Unfortunately I am on prednisone at this time, but it is not hurting my weight loss so far, though I am in the dreaded 3rd week stall.

Anyway, thanks again for your response! I have hope!

[blondebomb 580]

@@blondebomb Thank you so much for responding. I am glad you are doing well. I was diagnosed in 1990 and have had no organ involvement, but lots of flare-ups with pain and fatigue. I take my plaquenil all at once, 400mg before bed. Unfortunately I am on prednisone at this time, but it is not hurting my weight loss so far, though I am in the dreaded 3rd week stall.

Anyway, thanks again for your response! I have hope!

hang in there on that stall! mine lasted 3 to 4 wks but it will move!! Ive steadily continued until now! I am trying to figure out how to post pics this isn't easy although it would if I knew what I was doing! lol..

[Flying Twinkles 0]

Thanks everyone who has replied so far. Yes I have a lot to work out with my realtionship with food. I know what I SHOULD be doing but somehow I DON'T do it. I think I have a problem with giving in and not disciplining myself effectively. I keep thinking I should be able to do this by myself and feel a little silly that I haven't been able to. The doctor explained that obesity is a disease and needs medical intervention to treat. I hadn't thought of it that way before. I just figured I was a freak . Going to read all I can on here and give it more of a think.

[DevineMissM 59]

VSG surgery has been around for a very long time. It was originally used for patients with stomach cancer and other major stomach issues. It is less invasive/life altering than gastric bypass. I had my surgery in August and have lost 60 of my 100lb goal. I really didn't have any serious obesity related issues before my surgery except difficulty walking. I am so very happy I had the surgery. I don't snore any more and I can walk much better. I would suggest you research how long and for what other reasons people had VSG and then make up your mind.