RNY/RYGB Surgery Soon

Hi, my RNY or RYGB as its classified with my doctor is 11/20 and I'm having second thoughts. Been reading the materials and even talking with a friend of mine who had hers this summer and also called my insurance company this weeked to see if I could postpone it (they are closed...of course..smile). Talked with a friend and its just nerves, which is expected...would love to hae other people weigh in on how they dealt with the nerves before surgery and dealing with how your life changes, not just due to being cut, but the way you approach food for the rest of your life. 

Thanks for the information. 

It's a big decision! Only you can decide if you are at that point in your life where you can make the life altering decisions that come with this surgery. The surgery will help you lose weight but only you and your lifestyle changes will keep it off, or determine how successful you are. With that being said, I'd do it again tomorrow! But I didn't have the nerves, just excitement as the time approached because I was at the end of my rope and I needed the change. What will change if you postpone it? How will you feel any different later? If it's just nerves? then suck it up and go for it. If it's doubt examine that doubt and try to look at it realistically. Most people here seem to say the only regret they have is not doing it sooner. Don't let that be your regret if you are ready now.

As for how your life changes? I don't know how I dealt with it being like it was for so long! How did I not go swimming? jet skiing? hiking? How did I avoid pictures with my family? How did I sit in the house whenever I wasn't at work because I was too embarrassed to go anywhere or too tired?

Also I can't put into words how things changed after surgery as far as want and hunger. No one could of explained to me that I would forget to eat, or not be hungry, I can't describe what I've experienced adequately. I will say that I don't think I would have been as successful as I've been had I not gone to therapy for the first year post op to examine the why and what for of my compulsion to eat, my depression, etc.

Ask yourself questions,. Read posts on here the good the bad and the ugly and the beautiful and if you are person who prays pray on it, if not meditate on it and the answer will be there. Follow both your head and your heart.

MrsLitch, thank you for the response. Congrats on your journey. A lot of the things you advise I have done, except pray. That will be my next thing. (smile). I think the main thing I'm feeling is fear and regret. Fear of going through the procedure, and fear of the unknown and also regret that it took other serious health issues for me to get to the point where I need to have this procedure done. Also regret that once I've gone through this and my life turns around, I've presented myself from living a full life and not only doing some of the things you mentioned in your reply but traveling more, perhaps a new career, dating, etc. I'm going to do it and have been falling all of the guidelines, not cheating once...although its only been four days (smile). I am excited too, excited for what this will mean for my life and turning a new chapter. You are right of the stories I've read have me scared but then I've ready some wonderful stories where it may have been difficulty at first but then it got easier and easier and even through the difficult times, the story teller did not regret having the procedure done. I'm touching bases with my friend tomorrow evening to talk some other stuff out, but this forum is being a big help already. 

The fear from reading and my own thoughts was far worse than my reality. I totally get where you are coming from. But let me tell you this... this side of the fence the grass is definitely greener! It took my child telling me "mom you aren't fun anymore" to really sink in for me. I started researching that night and a few months later I was headed into surgery. I was worried that I jumped to the decision too quickly, that I hadn't tried hard enough, that I was taking the easy way out etc etc. But like Kelly says on here all the time.. what's wrong with the easy way? We do use a stove, a microwave, a washing machine... after all they are the easy way! I think the doctor hit home when he said in his seminar that only 5% of people who lose weight the traditional way (hard way) keep it off. I'm not one of those 5% I'd lost 80 pounds years ago, had a tummy tuck and with the infection I got from it I was unable to exercise, by the time I healed 11 months later I had put on 100 pounds. EEK! Yeah it just doesn't work for me, so far this is! Keep talking to your friend. Come here for support. We're all in this together!

Excellent response. 

At 9 years + out, I have never regretted it for one minute.   The first few weeks./months may take a bit of adjusting, but I live life like any other healthy normal weight person and I am considered a long term success (maintaining my weight within normal BMI) ...

If you read the forums here, you will think it's an horrendous journey but the vast majority of us SAIL THROUGH without a look behind.

Do the research.  I thought I was informed and went ahead-- now am learning more afterwards... I guess it isn't anything I can't handle, but I was surprised by a few things.  

Just make sure you know everything-  then you will be able to make the right decision.  I had jitters right up until I went into the operating room!

Hi, BigTMoe, thanks for the reply. It appears you just had your procedure. Have you returned to work? How long have you been off work? What things have you learned afterwards, good or bad? 

I've been researching and reading, and reading and reading and reading again, just so much information to absorb. Going out tomorrow and buying my vitamins, taking the advice and buying kid size plates and a few items like drink mix and popsicles since those are the only things on the sugar-free liquid list that I like to have on hand after my surgery. 

I'm 9 days post op.  I thought that hair loss was a myth- and I didn't realize that the malabsorption ends.  I thought it was that way for life.  A least I know the restriction is form life though.  The main thing is to know that this is forever -- don't think you can do this for awhile and then be done.  I'm committed, but am learning more from this forum than I did from any of the docs, class, nutritionists, dietitians, or anything.  

Im planning a two week leave from work- but my docs advised 4-6 typically.  They didn't think two weeks was out of line though when I asked.   It depends on what you do for work- I'm at a desk so it is not physically demanding at least.  I'm sure I'll be tired, but it will get better.

i was spastic with nerves before my surgery- ready to jump off the bed on the way into the operating room!  It seems to be common, but remember why you decided in the first place - and keep learning!

TMoe

@TMOE,

What did you mean by "Malabsorption ends"?  I am confused. There is less of an absorptive area of the small intestine.

Please explain.