When will I stop regretting this surgery?

[Clementine Sky 708]

Okay I'm due to get my sleeve in June and everyone is kind of freaking me out. I hope everyone gets to enjoying and loving their sleeve like I imagine myself doing so....

Everyone's experience is unique. I had anticipated being in significant pain immediately following the VSG and for a few weeks afterwards, and was surprised that it was relatively minor. I started my period during the surgery, and it was like the cramps were amplified tenfold that first day. The staff was excellent and gave me ample pain medications that dulled the discomfort. I'd also brought a heating pad with me, and it helped. I was up and walking relatively quickly, and was even told I needed to slow my pace. After being released from the hospital I felt well enough to go shopping. I had the surgery in Tijuana due to insurance not being willing to cover any of the expenses (my BMI was under 35), and live in Los Angeles a couple of hours away. We went sightseeing in San Diego and shopped at an outlet mall on the way back. The first couple of weeks I was more tired than normal, but I had very little pain. I did have some stomach issues at the one month mark when I slowly began eating solid foods again. I had to revert to liquids for a while. I did worry about dehydration. My doctor actually told me to have Gatorade since it had calories I needed and my stomach tolerated it well. It's not something to have as part of your everyday consumption, but while sick it helped me.

I do think it's helpful to equip yourself with the knowledge that it is normal to have regrets post surgery I watched many YouTube videos by people who had the VSG and their experiences, read a book about the "sleeved life", and read through this forum and others. Repeatedly people said they had "buyer's remorse" in their first month. Over time as they healed and adapted the regrets faded and they were grateful for their decision. I've actually never had any regrets about having the VSG, but I think knowing that if I did I could persevere through them helped me.

How did you find a doctor to see you if you had your surgery in Mexico? I'm going to be doing the surgery in Mexico on 8/5 and I still don't have a doctor to see in Florida when I get back. I'm getting scared

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My endocrinologist recommended the VSG to me because other patients with PCOS have benefitted from it, and has given me follow-up care. I really haven't required much beyond blood tests, which I'd need anyway for my other conditions. My surgeon gave me a list of what I should get checked, and I just gave that to my doctor.

If you don't have a primary care physician or another local doctor, you could make an appointment with one before the surgery for an annual or a wellness check, and then ask about having blood work in six months through that office. I've actually had success finding doctors through Yelp and other online reviews. I read through the reviews, and then check on my insurance's site to make sure the ones with solid reputations are in my network, then call and make the appointment.

Best wishes to you!

[Polara 66]

Trust me...it really does get better! I had an INCREDIBLE amount of "buyers' remorse" at first, especially because I had the surgery on 9 December 2015, right before Christmas! My family was amazing and tried their best to not indulge in lots of my favourite holiday foods in front of me, but that didn't stop me from having a huge breakdown on Christmas day and crying for a solid hour or so (no exaggeration!).

As time has passed, things have become progressively easier. Yes, there are times that I want nothing more than to devour a plate of Pasta...but I know that it would make me sick (I can't really do things like Pasta, rice, and white potatoes very well...they tend to make me very ill) and that in the end, the temporary pleasure of eating it would fade. What has worked for me is focusing on the end result and all the things I *can* do now. Walking doesn't make me winded, I am never one of the largest people in the room, and I can walk into any store and purchase clothing because I am now a UK size 10 (which is a US size 6) . Those are only a few things I can think of, but in the end, the benefits have all outweighed the negatives. It's taken a few months for that to really sink in, and I do still have moments when I feel like crying because there is something I REALLY want to eat but I know it's not something that I eat anymore. The other day, I would have gone to the ends of the earth to have a cheeseburger on a bun with some fries! However, taking a deep breath and focusing on the positives that have come out of the surgery really helps me.

I can't promise that the journey is easy, because it's not going to be. However, it will get better! Focus on the positives and look towards the future. You can do this! *Gives a big hug*

[Kindle 8,667]

How did you find a doctor to see you if you had your surgery in Mexico? I'm going to be doing the surgery in Mexico on 8/5 and I still don't have a doctor to see in Florida when I get back. I'm getting scared

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My surgeon gave me a list of recommended blood tests to do at 3, 6. 12 months and annually after that. I took it to my PCP and he has taken care of all of that. My OB/Gyn actually offered to do the bloodwork, too. That's the only followup care I ever needed. I have a gastroenterologist that could have stepped in if I'd had any problems or my PCP would have referred me to a bariatric specialist.

[rebecca wills 190]

My doctor gave me a proton pump inhibitor which helps with reflux and all the discomforts described above. I worked as a diet instructor for a weight loss center. Dehydration can be managed by staying mindful of the needed electrolyte balance. For every 20oz add 4-6 oz of a "Smartwater" or sugar free drink. It is essential due to the Protein.

Combination of fluids will keep you from feeling hunger, being cranky, tired, foggy etc. if you feel dizzy we always told our clients to take a teaspoon of honey and dilute it into weak Decaf tea or lemon Water. Never lick the spoon. But what this does is brings your system a level dose of energy similar to electrolyte drinks. Licking the spoon will cause you to have blood sugar attack. So 1 electrolyte drink a day has enough ounces to cover your needs.

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[composed 26]

13 days out and the thing that I regret is being on liquids for a month...**** sucks

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I thought about that and I'm not looking forward to it... but then I realised I spent about 6 months on the Cambridge diet many years ago, and more recently 7 months on Alizonne and then again shake that weight... So what's a few weeks again? Just hang onto the fact that it will not last forever. One day it will be in the past. And gratitude because this option wasn't available to our ancestors. Big hug to keep you going.

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[SunshyneRN 4]

I am someone who suffers from depression and I was so mad at myself and full of regret the night after surgery. I feel how could I have let it get to this? I really need surgery to feel better? This just sucks I'm going to miss food it was my comfort

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[Polara 66]

I am someone who suffers from depression and I was so mad at myself and full of regret the night after surgery. I feel how could I have let it get to this? I really need surgery to feel better? This just sucks I'm going to miss food it was my comfort

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I have bipolar disorder, and I used food as my comfort quite often, as well. What has really helped me is talking to my psychiatrist and therapist and starting to learn new coping skills that don't involve using food as a comfort or reward. It's really, really, really difficult and probably one of the hardest things I think any of us have to do...but as your mind starts to adjust bit by bit, it will gradually get better. We all got to this place because we used food as more than what it's meant for - fuel. I'm not saying that enjoying food is a bad thing or out of the question, it's just a matter of developing a new, healthier relationship with it.

Have you tried adult colouring books? They were recommended by my therapist, and they've been a big help! It's really soothing to sit and colour in some beautiful designs. You can get them at most bookstores and on Amazon

[FocusOnMeNow 599]

Cannot relate. Never regretted it for a minute. BUT I'm 11 months out now and I can honestly say that this too shall pass. Are you on anti nausea meds for the nausea? That should help. I know that you are on liquids now but this too is temporary. In a few short months you'll be able to eat whatever you want BUT you won't want what you used to. As for burping and sipping, small price to pay and also temporary. You will feel better soon ... MUCH better.

[rubia72 200]

I don't regret it because I let myself go too far however I do not recommend the surgery. I recommend diet and exercise, which we have to do anyway[emoji6]

However I may be biased due to a hiatal hernia repair which made me take longer to heal than most. I have suffered and still suffer, it has gotten better.

[Cari Dickenson 148]

I don't regret a moment of the surgery since I was unable to lose weight on my own... I had insulin resistance... and I went to the gym 4 days a week for 9 months and lost 30 something pounds was very discouraging... Since the surgery I can and have lost so much weight I feel like a normal person again... just keep going one foot in front of the other after awhile and when you are watching the weight come off and you start needing to buy new clothes cos everything is too big you might feel differently. you crave different foods.... I tend to crave meat and watermelon ( i didn't like watermelon until after my surgery) It is worth what you are going through now and it will pass. When you start on soft food stage I think that's when it got a lot better for me... personally... and try new foods slowly and one at a time until you know what you can and can't eat... at first I couldn't eat eggs at all.... made me so sick and my tummy hurt so bad... now at about 5 months I tried them again and I eat them most mornings for a good Breakfast and the Protein... 2 large eggs is usually my 4 ounces. it will get better, Easier and you will become use to eating less. I have now gone through Christmas Easter and the 4th of July... I can still enjoy holidays just a portion of meat and a small taste of other foods. I don't miss anything a childs b-day I eat a small bite of the cake just enough to get the taste and not feel like I am being left out I chew and savor that single bite of a treat. I savor and enjoy my food now and I make sure I get quality meats ones that I enjoy when I buy steak etc... it works for you but you have to work with it as well

[docpaddle 20]

Im 12 weeks out and down 55 lbs. I have not had all the complications everyone has talked about, and think I had it pretty easy. regret is I miss eating! I loved food. I didn't eat because of any emotional or physical issue, I ate cause I loved food. I still do but the pleasure of eating is gone. Now I eat to live, not live to eat. I find small pleasures in making incredibly small tasty meals, lots of Protein Shakes, (thank god I like them). I still over eat, and occaisionally have to throw up, cause I can't stand the really full feeling. I am still trying to learn when to take the last bite and stop, not easy. Do I regret the surgery? HELL NO!!! I was on a slow road to killing myself, and I tried all the diets. Nothing was going to work forever. NOW I look and feel grear, my wife just laughs when she looks at me, in a good way, and I am never going back. I figure out the eating part, its a small price to pay! I want to grow old and see my grandkids, which wasn't going to happen before the sleeve. It's not easy, but for some of us, it was worth it!!! Good luck, it does get better, and you just need to relish in the results.

[Cari Dickenson 148]

Have you tried small plates and weighing your food? Throwing up stinks. For me it fools my mind into thinking I have a full plate... and weighing it means I know I am not going to throw up... they have a small scale at wal-mart for 7 or so bucks... and it works.. I too LOVE food.. Love fancy making fancy meals etc and weighing works for most of us here. and the way I keep from wanting "treats" is if its special day etc. I take a single bite of a piece of cake.. or ice cream and savor and enjoy that one single bite. It makes me feel like I am not missing out. Good luck

Im 12 weeks out and down 55 lbs. I have not had all the complications everyone has talked about, and think I had it pretty easy. regret is I miss eating! I loved food. I didn't eat because of any emotional or physical issue, I ate cause I loved food. I still do but the pleasure of eating is gone. Now I eat to live, not live to eat. I find small pleasures in making incredibly small tasty meals, lots of Protein Shakes, (thank god I like them). I still over eat, and occaisionally have to throw up, cause I can't stand the really full feeling. I am still trying to learn when to take the last bite and stop, not easy. Do I regret the surgery? HELL NO!!! I was on a slow road to killing myself, and I tried all the diets. Nothing was going to work forever. NOW I look and feel grear, my wife just laughs when she looks at me, in a good way, and I am never going back. I figure out the eating part, its a small price to pay! I want to grow old and see my grandkids, which wasn't going to happen before the sleeve. It's not easy, but for some of us, it was worth it!!! Good luck, it does get better, and you just need to relish in the results.

Edited July 6, 2016 by Cari Dickenson

[614buckeye 2]

I am just starting this process and just had an orientation tonight. They said no carbonated drinks forever. This kind of hit me. I like a diet pop here and there but Water is def my main beverage. They said that also included beer. Not that pop and beer and more important to me but just wondering if you are being told these same things. Thanks !

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[melcedes_r 3]

I had the sleeve on April 9th. I regret this surgery with every single ounce of my being!! Everyone says it get better...WHEN?! I wish every day I could take this back. I used to be so happy and now I hate even waking up.

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Wow. I just got mine done 7/1 and my brother-in-law got his done last year he was telling me the same thing. He said he only thing he regrets is how he's a change person. He was so happy go lucky and he not that man anymore and he feels depressed a lot. Today i felt overwhelmed and cried. It feels like my hormones are so unbalanced like i had my kids all over again.

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[docpaddle 20]

Ok, let's dispel some myths. Yes, carbonated drinks are tough, I loved diet coke and seltzers, and they are impossible to drink, but diet coke is poison, and actually makes you fatter, it's a fact! I do miss seltzer though. As far as beer, I still drink it, my doc said it's not as difficult, and he was right. I just can't drink a six pack any more, and I miss drinking it with my meal, ( can't drink with meals at all), but I still enjoy it, just drink it much slower and much less, which makes my wife happy. I do miss eating, but I ate too much, which is why we are here now anyway. It's a life changing experience. I am still learning how to eat, and I am getting better at it. One great tip someone said in one of their posts was, eat the best things first. From what I gather from people that are a few years out, you are able toneat a little more as time goes on, and more variety. I'm only 3 months out and I'm finding that to be true, but only slightly right now. The only negative is that what we did is clearly not reversible, but the lap band is problematic, and the bypass too radical. Dieting doesn't work long term, we all know that, so here we are! wrap your head around the positives, and there are many, and work around the negatives, there are a few, and enjoy your new body with the knowledge that you are going to be a healthier, better looking person, with more energy, and less health risks. I'm eating things like fish, and yogurt, that I never ate before, but I'm learning to love it. It really helps to have support, almost a necessity, my wife is amazing finding new ways to make me healthy small, tasty meals. She is a trainer and in amazing shape and tried for years to get me to listen to her, but I wouldn't. Now she's is my mentor. Good luck to all, don't be sad, you made the right decision, it just may take a little time to embrace it.