Getting cold feet

[caines530 14]

Hello ????. I don't have a surgery date yet but I am looking at the end of December. I'm getting so nervous again. I am just worried about what to expect, how I'll feel, if I will regret it...

My stomach is in knots just thinking about it. I know I need to do this so that I can get my life back. I'm almost 300lbs and it's getting out of control. Sorry for rambling, just very anxious and emotional....

Any advice? Anyone recently sleeved have any advice on what to expect? I know everyone is different but I'm just worried about feeling horrible afterwards and regretting it. My anxiety is really taking a toll on me right now...

[KindaFamiliar 3,867]

Yep, you'll feel horrible afterwards...

Yep, you'll regret it...

I say these things because it appears that many have such feelings post-op..

I. however, did not

But if you do, such feelings will pass very quickly...

Within days you'll be marvelling at how well you feel...

Within weeks (once the internal swelling subsides) you'll be marvelling at how much weight you're losing...

Within months, you'll be marvelling at how much weight you're STILL losing, how much people are noticing and how much easier it is moving around and LIVING...

I can't tell you about what happens 'within a year' as I'm only 9 months post op...

But I'm sure you get my drift...

Have cold feet all you want...

But do so knowing that what you're about to do is quite possibly the best thing you have ever done for yourself...

All the best to you...

Keep us updated...

[livvsmum 2,369]

I think it's pretty normal to get "cold feet" as the date approaches. I just tried to stay focused on the reasons I chose to have the surgery in the first place when that happened. The first weeks are hard. I'm not gonna lie. For me, the actual surgery and physical part was't too terrible. My pain level was totally manageable without pain meds. The harder part for me was the emotional adjustment. It is so worth it in the end, though, and I would do it over again 100 times if I had to in order to get to the place I am now Good luck!!

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

Anxiety is one of the common maladies when surgery is in view. You're experiencing it to a greater degree than some and to a lesser degree than others. You're looking at a procedure that is deeply personal and will affect you in so many ways. It's nothing like an appendectomy. Doh.

There are things you can do to calm yourself and accept that your choice is positive.

-- Depending on what a typical day is like (e.g., work, school, family, socializing), fill your unoccupied time so that your mind is occupied, even if with mindless activities like straightening or rearranging closets and drawers.

-- Find a progressive muscle relaxation video (probably at youtube). Start and end the day with the exercise. It'll help you get to sleep at night.

-- Attend the one or two support group meetings your practice will have before your date. You'll be face to face with plenty of people who experienced or are experiencing what you are. If no group, check with other hospitals in the area; most welcome patients from the competition.

The anticipation is difficult, but you can take hold of it.

[bikrchk 1,313]

Nervousness is NORMAL. I'd be concerned that you didn't have all the information if you weren't at least a LITTLE nervous about major surgery! However, you may not feel horrible afterwards, and you may not regret it it even for a second! Some folks have a harder time in the beginning, some not so much. I can't say it was all puppies and rainbows that first week, but it was not nearly as bad as I had anticipated! I've had not one moment of regret for making that choice! Moments of regret for over eating a bit as I learned the limits of my new tool, sure, but never for the decision to have 90% of my stomach removed so I could get control over my appetite and get healthy! 2 + years and counting and still feel this is the single best decision I've ever made for myself. Good luck!

[_Kate_ 2,224]

It’s normal to be nervous before the surgery, I think we all go through the questioning in our heads.

Is this right for me? Will it be painful? How am I going to cope with so little food in the first few months? And on and on. However we all get through it and I can honestly say that it’s been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my life. Believe in yourself and your inner strength, you CAN do it.

[mark1733 224]

I'm in the group of why didn't I do this 10 years ago? I was so ready to do this that I skipped being nervous. I'm down 100 pounds and happier than I've been in years. Good luck

[Pillar2butterfly 391]

I say to cold feet...put on socks! You got this! Common concerns you are having...and normal to have doubts. Only you can determine if this is for you or not.

[purz59 57]

I'm almost 3 weeks post op and haven't yet regretted my decision to have the sleeve. The pain was very manageable. I didn't take any pain pills once I came home. The only regrets I've had are not being able to have what I want to eat yet. Overall, I'm happy I finally made a healthy change in my life, and wish I could have done 20 years ago or more.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

Try to take a deep breath and relax. Perhaps even take a vacation from these boards. Not everyone wakes up in pain or is miserable the first few days/weeks/months post -op. This was absolutely the easiest thing I have ever done. I woke up and walked in recovery. I had zero pain, no gas no nausea or vomiting. I have tolerated every food I have tried. I am not a unicorn. You may just be one of the ones yo have a bad free surgical experience.

RELAX

I never for one single minute regretted this surgery.

[caines530 14]

Thank you all so much for the support and advice. I am definitely going to take you guys' advice and do my best to relax. I'm glad to hear that it is normal to feel this way as it gets closer. I can't wait to be on the other side! I will update once I get an official date.

Can't wait to get my life back. ????????

[Cutepretty1 121]

Try to take a deep breath and relax. Perhaps even take a vacation from these boards. Not everyone wakes up in pain or is miserable the first few days/weeks/months post -op. This was absolutely the easiest thing I have ever done. I woke up and walked in recovery. I had zero pain, no gas no nausea or vomiting. I have tolerated every food I have tried. I am not a unicorn. You may just be one of the ones yo have a bad free surgical experience.

RELAX

I never for one single minute regretted this surgery.

That is great advice. At one point I was so consumed with the boards and reading the good and bad I was starting to get cold feet. I backed away from the boards and when I came back it was much different.

What do you think you did to have a "easy breezy" recovery?

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

@@Cutepretty1 - I think it was a combination of the things I did, my positive attitude and most importantly my doctor's skill and technique. I was already worked out regularly before surgery. Particularly core strengthening exercises. When I woke my abs were sore, but not painful. I didn't need pain meds and I could get in and out of bed unassisted. My surgeon uses Water, not air to check for leaks so no gas pains.He does the procedure laporascopically via robot, so there was minimal cutting. I worked in hospitals for many years as a Child Life Specialist. It was my job to explain medical procedures to pts. so I was familiar with pretty much everything going on. I had no fear, no tension. I also have a pretty high pain threshold. So minimal pain, lack of nerves. I was up and walking, sipping easily. The worse thing to happen to me was I had to have a PICC line instead of an IV and I got a rash from the tape.