Help! I can really use everyone's advice!

[pyra28az 33]

Help!!! I am second guessing my decision to have surgery. I'm scheduled for Nov. I just don't know if risking death is worth loosing weight. I am 5'5" 250 lbs. 28 years old. No health problems as of yet besides high cholesterol. I have small children at home and I don't know what should happen with them if I died. Also, my brother also passed away a few years ago and my parents would be heartbroken if they lost their only other child.... What should I do! I feel like getting surgery is very selfish of me. Does anyone have advice they can offer me?

[Sophie74656 1,572]

honestly this type of surgery is routine and has been pretty much perfected. There's always a risk of complications but to say that you're risking death is an exaggeration (unless of course you're someone who has issues with general anesthesia)

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,900]

Research here, on other websites, but especially through reputable teaching and research hospitals for more information.

Go to a medical weight loss seminar at a local hospital and attend a couple of the support groups to learn as much as you can about WLS.

I can't tell you there is zero risk with the surgery, there is a small risk of a complication with any surgery, but if you are in good health, properly prepared for the surgery and had full medical checkups & bloodwork prior to the surgery, everything should be just fine.

On the other hand, obesity has its own set of medical risks.

Good luck on your decision.

Edited September 14, 2015 by 4MRB4PHOTO

[OKCPirate 5,323]

Most dangerous part of the surgery was the drive home statistically. There is risk in everything, but look at the risk of 41.1 BMI over time, vs this. 80% chance of losing 80% of your excess weight and keeping it off. So figure your odds.

[notgonnabelikemymom 12]

Would it help you to feel better to do some legal stuff before surgery to protect your family in case of the unthinkable? Legalzoom is what I'm using to create a will and living trust. I am not affiliated with that website.

[rnsamantha 352]

The stats on on your side. Your risk of death is <1%. Yes, there is risk involved with any surgery, but it's mitigated by all the pre-op work-up/clearances you have and a highly controlled environment once you're in the OR.

[kranky813 477]

I had a lot of the same fears. Being the bread winner at home really struck a cord with me. I honestly couldn't go on the way I was anymore. I felt horrible, had not self esteem and the path I was on was going to kill me the way it was.

The risks of surgery are actually less than having your gall bladder out.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Help!!! I am second guessing my decision to have surgery. I'm scheduled for Nov. I just don't know if risking death is worth loosing weight. I am 5'5" 250 lbs. 28 years old. No health problems as of yet besides high cholesterol. I have small children at home and I don't know what should happen with them if I died. Also, my brother also passed away a few years ago and my parents would be heartbroken if they lost their only other child.... What should I do! I feel like getting surgery is very selfish of me. Does anyone have advice they can offer me?

You risk death by not getting surgery. There is a risk of complications with every surgery, but if you have chosen a skilled surgeon then that risk is minimal. The choice is yours and everyone should go into this feeling confident. I will say that this was 1,000 time easier than my hysterectomy years ago.

There is a difference between self care and selfishness.

[Miss Mac 6,262]

It sounds like you are a loving mom who does everything she can for her children. Wouldn't you like to also give them a healthy energetic mom who will be around a long time to enjoy her grandchildren, too? There is risk in everything we do. Every tie we get in a car, turn on the gas or go down a flight of stairs we run the risk of getting hurt. Not managing health problems puts us at risk too. Just because you don't have diabetes this week doesn't mean you won't get it eventually.

I waited until I had a stroke. What event are you waiting until? If part of your worry is because you have never had surgery before, that is not necessarily a problem. Doctors and hospitals don't make money off of dead patients and malpractice lawsuits. They are interested in your surgery being successful, too.

We just cannot stop the circle of life no matter what we do or avoid. If you decide not to get the surgery, then at least do something pro-active and stay with us. Learn about high Protein, low carb eating and moving your body every day. Maybe you will be ready at another time, but iif you back out, don't wait until the day before. Give your surgeon a chance to schedule someone else who is ready to take this step. My vote is for the surgery, but I wish you the best, whatever you decide. I

My sleeve was my 12th surgery under anesthetic, and I enjoyed the nap and a few days of rest.