Anyone Ever Cancel Their Surgery? I Did... Not Sure How I Feel

[Candace76 212]

You Are My Sunshine- Thank you for sharing this post. I am sure there are many people on here that are considering this surgery that may also be apprehensive & have similar fears of going through with the surgery.

It is a life changing decision, and I think it is better to hold off until you are sure that you are ready to proceed. Perhaps going into it so unsure may have given you a more challenging recovery, in that you might have more buyer's remorse & have more difficulty tolerating the challenges you might face during the healing process.

A year ago, I don't think I would have been ready for this surgery. I had been offended when doctors suggested it in the past. I needed to be in the right place & ready for it. Once I finally decided that I needed the surgery for me to have a successful weight loss journey, I had a peaceful & hopeful feeling about it. I still had some slight fears of complications, but nothing that would have stopped my plans.

I think the suggestion from ShoppGirl to see a bariatric therapist is a great idea. Give yourself time to discover whether this is right for you, or maybe it something that should be reconsidered down the road.

Good luck, and know that you did the right thing for you at this time. 🤗

[You Are My Sunshine 85]

6 hours ago, Candace76 said:

Good luck, and know that you did the right thing for you at this time. 🤗

Thank you so much! I truly appreciate your thoughtful words.

I am using this time between now and my appointment to reflect and think about everything to figure out where I need to go from here, and hopefully get some good conversation with the psych. Can't lie, though, I'm struggling a bit!

[STLoser 1,099]

I think you were smart and brave for backing out if you felt that way. You just need more time to prepare and decide if and when it's right for you. It took me 20ish years from when I started thinking about surgery to when I actually had it done, and while of course now I wish I'd done it sooner, I know that I did it at the right time for me and have no regrets. Be kind to yourself and give yourself more time to decide what is right for you. You're not a failure for taking this seriously!
Good luck to you!

Sent from my Nokia 7.2 using BariatricPal mobile app

[ms.sss 15,603]

*raises hand*

I cancelled. TWICE.

The first time, a few weeks after they set a surgery date, the second time just after I did all my redo labs.

I did end up getting the surgery done the at the third attempt which was almost 2 years for my original date of that initial referral. I don’t quite remember what exactly led me to back out those first two times other than I guess I just wasn’t ready. When I finally bit the bullet and went though with it, I sorta wished I didn’t change my mind as I felt I could’ve felt awesome-er sooner.

I’m 3 years out now and and completely happy/satisfied with the surgery and the results. Hands down best choice I made regarding my health, weight, mental well-being, confidence, relationships with others, etc, etc, I could go on and on….

Would I have had the same success if I went through with it the first (or second) time? When I wasn’t in a comfortable head space? Who knows.

You are ready when YOU say you are ready.

Good Luck! ❤️

[huskymama 149]

I have my sleeve in December but that being said I went in for my wisdom teeth to be removed 3 times and walked out all 3 times fast forward 30 years I still have my wisdom teeth lol I can tell you from my experience with that - not the same but kinda - get some therapy before you reschedule the surgery. You have something deeper you should deal with and it is okay that you walked even at the front desk. I was in the chair all three times and freaked out so don’t feel bad. But therapy helped me through it. I still have dentist that want to take out my wisdom teeth and I’m like nope I’ve had them all my life they can just stay at this point haha. Maybe the holidays coming up is part of it too. I’m having mine December 22nd and getting out of the hospital Christmas Eve. I still have 2 kids at home so I am anxious, I am pretty positive everyone is. Good luck!!

[You Are My Sunshine 85]

On 11/14/2021 at 12:41 PM, STLoser said:

Be kind to yourself and give yourself more time to decide what is right for you.

Thank you. I do think that's what I need, for sure. Too much must have been weighing on my mind that I didn't come to peace with.

On 11/14/2021 at 9:29 PM, ms.sss said:

Would I have had the same success if I went through with it the first (or second) time? When I wasn’t in a comfortable head space? Who knows.

This is a great point. I can't help but be a bit sad as the days go by and think about how far out I'd be in recovery (and how long it will take for me to get to that actual point, now). But I try not to stay there too long. I do believe in timing, and maybe it just wasn't the right time.

On 11/15/2021 at 12:30 AM, huskymama said:

I went in for my wisdom teeth to be removed 3 times and walked out all 3 times

This is funny not funny! I did the same thing. I tried to go in and get mine removed while I was awake and he got 2 shots in my mouth and I was like, uh NO. BYE! I did finally get them pulled but honestly in retrospect, I don't think I actually needed to. Ha.

I definitely am keeping with my psych, and she's been helpful talking about things. I wish I could keep with the in house bariatric psych, too, but that's for patients in the program, and right now I'm not in it. I'm going to step back for a little bit and just work with my regular psych, live life and see where I stand in the new year. Kinda sucks to think about going through that whole program again AND wasting the max out on insurance, but I really want to be in the right place if I move forward, and I guess I wasn't.

[Jue 73]

I hope everything goes well next week for you I did have doubts the morning of surgery and when I got to the hospital the surgeon came and seen me and said that he needed someone else to do the surgery if he couldn't get anyone he couldn't do it so I thought if he doesn't do it I'm not coming back but he ho 10 minutes later he come back and said are you ready of course I said yep let's do it now I'm 12 weeks out and 45lbs down and glad I had it done

[nattlebugs28 1]

Yes I did! I cancelled in May, the day before the surgery. A few friends I had told close to the surgery date reacted much differently and I let those worries, thoughts and opinions affect my attitude and eventually my decision. I was scared and had worries I didn’t before.

The next week I was so angry at the choice I made, letting that affect my choice that I decided to reschedule and I had the surgery in June. Best decision I made.

[Charotera303 20]

Omg I wished you posted this before my surgery on 11/8. I did a week of liver shrinking diet and loss 15 lbs. Completed all the necessary procedures too and went to my surgery appointment. However…..

I was on time but have been having second thoughts the night before and I even had a consultation with my therapist friend (free counseling session 😂) I spent at least 2 hours with my friend and talked about my reservations. She even advised me to cancel or reschedule because of my reservations. I had my consultation with my surgeon on 10/11 and the surgery date on 11/8 was offered. Off course I took it cos I’m overwhelmed but in reality I should have waited for more time but what’s my excuse? food relationship and the holiday parties and meals. However, after getting my behavioral health evaluation and preop, I was ready.

I was so happy with the result of the liver shrinking diet cos in my head look, I can do it without the surgery but I only did the diet because I have a goal date which is the surgery date. I even chatted with my parents about my decision. My dad didn’t want me to get the surgery but my mom was encouraging since she knows how many times I failed doing different diet and exercise program after program.

So, day of surgery came. I checked in 30 minutes earlier and I was sent to pre-surgery department. My check in appointment was at 9:00 and surgery at 11:00. I changed to my hospital gown and got comfortable. It’s funny that every commercial was Taco Bell. However, each time I checked the clock I was panicking inside. My surgeon and his team was late and my surgery was pushed until 1:00 PM. In my head, it’s my chance to cancel it and the universe was telling me to cancel it. I wished I listened to the voice inside me but I’m glad I didn’t. I’m glad I did the surgery because I don’t trust myself and if I canceled, I will probably go back to my unhealthy lifestyle.

Today is my day 21 post opt and I lose another 20 lbs. It’s totally life changing and tracking my intakes help. I found myself now drinking more Water a day to stay hydrated and planning more my meals. I don’t see my surgery as an excuse for weight loss but a tool to help me get back to the healthy side.

[Stacy714 3]

I understand the fear. I was exploring Bariatric surgery at the suggestion of my electrophysiologist (who I love and trust — I have persistent AFIB). I met with an obesity specialist (not a surgeon) and decided I wanted to work with him during the surgery exploration/approval process to try and lose some weight beforehand. I learned from him that obesity is a disease (often inherited, up to 70%), and that it’s not our fault; it’s our biology. Learning this blew my mind. My Dr suggested I try Ozempic. I was reluctant at first bc I’m not a fan of taking medications in general unless absolutely necessarily. Ozempic was life-changing. It turned off the 24/7 hunger switch in my brain. For the first time in my life I have control over food. I feel “normal” and free. I’ve lost 75 lbs since Jan 1, 2021 (without suffering). I have another 75 lbs to lose. I’m confident I’ll lose it. I’m also working with my obesity Dr and a dietitian to learn how to permanently lead a healthier life. I love and trust my obesity Dr — I feel like he is literally saving my life. The medication is a tool just like surgery is a tool. For me, I no longer think I need the surgery. Some people need both the surgery and medication; everyone’s biology is different. But it’s good to know there are other options besides surgery for treating obesity’s dysregulated biology. I’d highly recommend seeing an obesity specialist and exploring medication options. I should add that I’m now taking Wegovy (1.7 mg) which is a higher dose version of Ozempic that was recently approved by the FDA specifically for treating obesity. I wish you all the best. 🤍

[DaisyAndSunshine 303]

Didn't cancel cuz I didn't want to go through with it but I did cancel a week into my Pre-Op diet because I was in the middle of my semester. I realized I wouldn't be able to manage both so now finally going through the procedure in my break time.

And definitely sounds like a panic ridden cancellation. May be you can reevaluate why you wanted this procedure and what is stopping you from getting it - Like your fears and hesitations. Hope you can find a way through it and make the best possible decision for yourself.

[You Are My Sunshine 85]

Thank you!

Still working through things, and told myself I'd call either at the end of this month or in the new year to see what I would need to do to move forward, if that's what I felt was the right move. It's hard not to think of where I'd be right now in the process, but I'm also evaluating other things. I appreciate the feedback.

[huskymama 149]

I have gone into a panic the last few days then I read an article that you can actually live without your stomach and people who have stomach cancer do. So then I wasn’t so scared - silly I know lol

[SleeverSk 635]

On 11/10/2021 at 4:29 AM, You Are My Sunshine said:

Well. I went through the program, got approved, got a date, did my 2 week liquid diet, took my Gatorade the night before (to kick you out of ketosis), washed with Hibiclens, got all my Proteins, packed my bag, washed with Hibiclens for the 2nd time...

And then I started to have a meltdown.

I could hardly get to the car. Finally, I got in the car, went to the hospital did (a little late to my check-in time). I went to the counter to check in and just said, "I'd like to cancel my surgery." Dude raised his eyebrows, said OK. And I left. Slammed a Protein Drink in the car, came home and had a little broth with tofu.

I'm not sure how to feel about it. I felt a wave of peace after leaving the hospital. But now I just feel kind of empty. I've been planning this for so long. I told people about it. I did everything that would indicate I was going to have it... and then I didn't.

Has anyone been on this side of things? Did you end up getting surgery later?

I wish I had have had the balls to do that.

[SleeverSk 635]

On 11/10/2021 at 4:46 AM, You Are My Sunshine said:

Yes trying to do that. Feeling some shame, disappointment.

Don't feel bad you weren't ready and what you did was the right thing for now. I wish i had have listen to my instincts.