Terrified

[choosehope 233]

After forty plus years of beating my head against the wall with diets and treatment for compulsive overeating, I finally made a reservation to attend a WLS informational meeting. My heart is beating out of my chest. I've tried every diet and treatment program or center possible. I've traveled around the United States going to the "best" places for help. I've lost over a hundred pounds twice, but I always gain it back. I just can't live like this any longer. I've been pretty lucky health wise until now, but things seem to be snowballing. I always thought I could handle this; that if I just had enough faith; or enough will; or enough strength that I could lose the weight and keep it off. As I get older, it is harder and harder. My reality is that if I don't do something about this that I am going to die a miserable death. BUT I am scared to death of WL surgery. I don't want anyone to know I'm considering it, but can't figure out how to keep it hidden if I go through with it. I'm scared of the surgery and whether or not I'm in good enough health to make it through the surgery. I'm afraid of Protein drinks and not being able to tolerate them. Bottom line is that I am a bundle of fear. Praying I will even make it to the meeting on Saturday. Thinking about the sleeve. But I'm in my 50's and on medicare due to being on disability for a chronic pain condition. Don't know if I'll even qualify and that scares me as I don't know what the future holds if I can't have it. Back on Weight Watchers in the meantime. Looking for advice, suggestions, encouragement, warnings - anything you have. Thanks. Bethel

[lessofmevsg 49]

I had a VSG almost 8 months ago. I too dieted like crazy my adult life. I was denied life insurance and in BP meds at 45. I will be celebrating my 46 birthday hopefully 100 pounds lighter. I'm down 58/60 pounds depending in the day. I have no regrets. I'm not sure of your health conditions but the surgery for me was extremely painless. No complications was back to work in a week. My insurance paid 55% and I'm paying the rest. It's definitely a life change and I am learning still what I can and can't tolerate. I have no regrets and I don't believe your age should be an issue. There were women in my surgeons office who appeared to be older than mid 50's. Hope this helped. I'll answer anything I can if you have questions.

Good luck and keep me posted.

[lessofmevsg 49]

Oh and I had a lot of those fears too. I asked my husband every day a week before surgery if I was going to die during surgery. It was a piece of cake! I would do it all over again. No regrets.

[allyray 108]

I'm going through those fears right now as well. My surgery is in 3 weeks and have been asking my husband as well if I'm making the right decision. His answer is yes, all my health care professionals keeps assuring me this will help my recently diagnosed type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure so I'm going for it and just keeping myself busy from now on so I don't overthink things. I, as you will be as well, am so informed as I have asked question after question for the past 6 months. Good luck with your decision!!!!!.

[ShrinkingPeach 1,291]

Hi and welcome! I think all of us have fears. I am 4 days post-op and had many of the same thoughts you are having. I resisted even considering this surgery for years and now I am not sure why I ever did. I was afraid I would be the one disaster and I am not. I was afraid of being judged. I think I was even afraid of what would happen if I was a success.

Lots of things will run through your head but the end result is what is important. It is a journey for sure and it is a mental test as well. I at one day post-op had my "OMG what have I done moment" but that too has passed. For anyone who thinks it is the easy way out, I dare you to do it.

Nervousness and caution are healthy reactions to the possibility of surgery. Don't be frightened to go to the meeting. Ask questions. Information is your best ally. Being informed will take away the fear because you will know what to expect. Most people at that meeting will be scared also.

You can do this, just one thing at a time! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

[wascott 395]

Don't be afraid to go to the informational meeting. You're just there to learn and ask questions not to make any commitments.

[blondebomb 580]

I was sent to wls by 2 of my specialist who I trust with my life in what's best for me. I have over a dozen dxs I deal with chronic pain from SLE, fibro, polymyalgia and hashis to name a few. I did an online submit to this surgeon they called me within a wk..I did all the preop classes went thru all dr required protcol met with surgeon did research my ins was 100% I got my date when I wanted it the month before I had every emotion 2 wks I was scared the 48 hrs before I was thinking all kinds of things. But I did it..35 yrs of yoyo weight and knowing I needed intervention was best..

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@ - Medicare coverage can vary state to state. Call your policy holder and verify. I was 50 when I had my WLS and I am on Medicare. My carrier is Keystone 65. Other than my copays my out of pocket expense was around $400.

My other piece of advice would be to skip the Weight Watcher's program and seek counseling. Fad diets don't work. You need to learn how to eat. Preferably learn how to eat real food. You've lost and regained and by your accounts tried every program available. Counseling may help you get to the bottom of why you overeat and help you develop a lifestyle change. Developing a new relationship with food is the thing that will make you successful, no matter what WLS you decide on.

I hope you attend the informational session. Ask questions and do your research. Once I did those things I was able to go into surgery with complete confidence. I knew what I was getting into, and took every step possible to be a compliant patient. My surgery and post op have been a breeze. This has been the easier and best thing I could have done for myself.

[anikka 32]

The folks here have provided you with solid support. I will add that you can try the Protein shakes now to see which ones you like best. There are many out there to try. Just make sure the ones you choose have 30+g of Protein and very low sugar.

My surgery is in a week and I'm nervous but mostly excited to get on to the path toward health.

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

For the record, I don't consider Weight Watchers a "fad diet." Mostly, they do eat "real food." They eat lots of good veggies. Low-fat meats. A balanced diet. That sounds good to me. It's certainly a lot better than gaining 20-40 pounds pre-surgery with "last suppers." Yuck.

But if you're really "terrified" and not just bloviating with that word, really, don't have the surgery. Get comfortable with the concept. Educate yourself. Find people who've had the surgery and talk to them. In person.

And if you do proceed with surgery, my strong suggestion would be that you start to do change your eating behaviors pre-surgery if at all possible.

[choosehope 233]

Not sure of how to tag people - if anyone has any input for tagging, I'd appreciate it.

BLERDgirl, I also don't think of WW as a fad diet. I'm using the program for a structure to stay honest about my food intake. I've also eliminated all sugar from my diet. Haven't had sugar since the beginnng of October. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing your Medicare experience!

Anikka, thanks for the suggestion about Protein shakes. Which ones would you suggest that I try?

VSGAnn2014, definately not bloviating. I think that the thing I'm really afraid of is doing it and failing. Like so many people here, I have tried a a lot of things - some of them pretty extreme (like residential treatment).

Thanks all!

[anikka 32]

I really like the Premier Protein ones. They have 30g of Protein and only 1g of sugar. I buy mine online direct, but they can be found at costco. My fave is the strawberries and cream. My daughter in law likes chocolate and vanilla. (She is a band to sleeve revision and had her surgery on 5/13/15.)

[wascott 395]

@ To tag someone, just click on "@mention" below their name. Their name shoulp pop into the reply box. More than one person can be tagged in a reply.

[CJFW 23]

Bethel. Don't beat yourself up over this. It is a life changing event. It is something I certainly never considered. My sister did some 16 yrs ago a d had the same fears. She never went through with it. I believe if she had she would not be suffering. High BP. Fibromyalgia and anxiety on a daily basis

If you check my profile you can see my story. I am sleeved 5 years. I had borderline diabetes and hypertension. I was 285lbs at my heaviest. Watched my mom pass from type 2 related cancer. Made the decision I wanted control of my own life. I went to 4 different hospitals in my area for their info sessions. I found a team approach was best for me. So I went with them. I was sleeved on a Friday. Let me tell you. I was the very first ever sleeve preformed in the hospital How's that for trust. I tell everyone about my dr and his team.

5 years out I have gained back about 35 lbs. so I went back to basics and I am eating Protein shakes and Protein rich meals. Exercising N that's all I can do. I am loosing about 1 lb a day. Not to drastic. But it is a loss and I will accept that.

No one can make the decision for you. It's personal, emotional and will be a drastic change in your life. First mentally you will doubt yourself and the change your mind. Then physical once the weight starts dropping off then social as you get your life back. I also Add religious because for me personally without that I am lost.

My advice. Do your research. See what is covered my your carrier make and appointment to speak with the dr and his team. Have questions already wrote down. Ask them their success rate and failure rate. Speak to the nutritionist start eating a plan they set up. Speak to the physiologist get a base assessment done. And then pray on it. It will work out. You will see. Trust your instincts and don't give up. You will never know what you can accomplish is you let fear stop you before you start.