Second guessing myself
I think that being worried about quickly approaching vsg surgery puts you right on track for being a normal, rational person. Pre-surgery jitters are common.
I always thought that WLS was for "other people" because I have taken ALL the weight off in the past. But, I would regain plus a ton more, over and over again. I very reluctantly had the surgery because it was all too easy to project how bad my health would eventually be.
I'm only about 8 months out, but have absolutely ZERO regrets. And, as much as I hate the need for WLS, I am so grateful it was available.
"What should I do?" Of course only you can decide what is right for you. Maybe make a list of pros and cons? Talk it out with your surgeon's team?
Best wishes for your journey!
HW:361 SW:304 (VSG 12/04/2014)Mo 1:-32 Mo 2:-13.5 Mo 3: -13.5 Mo 4 -9.5 Mo 5: -15 Mo 6: -15 Mo 7: -13.5 Mo 8: -17 Mo 9: -13 Mo 10: -12.5 11/3/2015 Healthy BMI Reached! Mo 11: -9 Mo 12: -8 12/27/2015 Goal Weight Reached!
126 lbs since day of surgery. I also lost 55 lbs in the run up before surgery. Of course, every one's weight loss is different. I think I have done as well as my body will allow. During this weight loss phase I have not varied much (if at all) from the plan.
I am almost back to what I consider to be a "normal" weight which for me is simply overweight, not obese. But, maybe with the sleeve I can make it into a healthy BMI and stay there.
For now, I enjoy having energy and the ability to do most things that I want to do. What a difference from a year ago!!!
HW:361 SW:304 (VSG 12/04/2014)Mo 1:-32 Mo 2:-13.5 Mo 3: -13.5 Mo 4 -9.5 Mo 5: -15 Mo 6: -15 Mo 7: -13.5 Mo 8: -17 Mo 9: -13 Mo 10: -12.5 11/3/2015 Healthy BMI Reached! Mo 11: -9 Mo 12: -8 12/27/2015 Goal Weight Reached!
I was VERY worried pre-op. I felt like I was preparing for a last supper before my final demise. I was anxious. Crazy thoughts were going on in my head. I made my list of pros and cons. I revisited which weight loss attempts worked in the past (not many). I admitted to myself that my food issue was is that I eat too much volume (of high calorie food). I figured I needed the vsg as a physical tool (volume restriction) to help me make the necessary changes in my eating habits (small volume meals = weight loss). Baring having my mouth wired shut, this seems to be a much more viable and socially acceptable method (which has proven benefits).
I'm a little over a week out of vsg surgery. There first two days in the hosp were the toughest, but what major abdominal surgery doesn't turn your world upside down? I elected to have an On-Q pain pump inserted by the surgeon, which gently infused local anesthetic over my abdomdn post op. I am so happy I opted for this as I did not require any additional IV or oral pain medications after 48 hours post op. I was very comfortable for a week. I am up and about now and pretty much back to my pre surgical state (comfort and activity wise). I took 1.5 weeks off from work so I could rest and become familiar with a new food-hydration routine.
It's a new learning curve to continually sip small amounts of clear liquid (broth, water, sugar free juice, jello) the first week. I'm on full liquids and protein drinks now which helps satisfy taste (once you find a protein drink that you like). Making two tsp of applesauce or cottage cheese last 25 min is a very big challenge! (still working on this)
The support I have received from my family and friends is AMAZING. The night before I had my surgery I spent a lot of time on this site reading the stories of wls patients. Their success stories have been very encouraging. I am happy that I had the surgery. It's definitely different not being able eat the same full traditional meal with my family. But you don't really "feel" like eating. It's a psychological challenge. I know it won't last forever. I'm counting on the benefits of being healthy and trim outweighing the negatives.
Good luck!!
I'm having surgery on the 12th of August and I think if you go through the extreme of surgery and you follow your doctor's orders you will be successful the surgery isn't a cure it is a tool you have to make the right choices required to lose the weight it's going to be up to you. I'm taking full advantage of my first 6mo by doing it for me and my personal health. The rest of the time I'm going to try my best to not fall into bad habits. It's going to be hard no one ever said it would be easy but it Will be worth it.
Elia Maria Saenz
