I'm an absolute wreck!!

Hi!!

I am new here and this may be a bit long, but any input, similar experiences or advice, would be much appreciated! I've been tossing around the idea of VSG for five years. This time last year, I was gonna bite the bullet and do it. I jumped through all the hoops and all I needed was a heart and lung clearance. Well, a CAT scan revealed that I have a small portion of one of my lungs that is collapsed (no clue why) and my heart is "mildly" enlarged. This made me fear being under anesthesia, so I chickened out. I've done well under general anesthesia in the past, but I am also very paranoid about my health and keep having anxiety about croaking on the operating table. The thing is, I NEED to do this to save my life. I've done diets, pills, hypnosis, OA, and counseling-nothing has worked yet. I'm not worried about failing after surgery, just getting through the surgery itself. Anyway, I have a cardiology and pulmonology appt on Jan 27th, and a new appt w/ the surgeon on Mar 5. I'm nervous they gonna find something really wrong and say I can't have the surgery, I'm nervous about them saying yes I can have the surgery haha. I am sure that people who are in worse health than me have gotten through the surgery, but I am still anxious either way. Anyone else ever experience this? How did you get through it? Am I hyping myself up too much? 

Thanks for any inut! 

Oh my goodness....Take a deep breath and RELAX.

I had a heart attack a year and half ago and have 3 stents.  Before I had the attack I was like you and kept mulling it over.  Should I or shouldn't I.  Now that I look back I may not have gone through what I did if I had the surgery.  I'll never be sure.  I came on OH back in August and read, read, read.  I decided to bite the bullet and I found a great surgeon.  It took all of Sept., Oct. and November to get all of my tests done.  December 8th I had my VSG.  The first couple of weeks after surgery  were kind of tough but now it's all a blure.  Almost 6 weeks post-op and I feel fabulous.  I've lost lbs and inches.  Everyday my energy level increases.  There were days when I had buyers remorse.  But those days are gone.  I'm getting healthier and I'm so much happier.  Only you can make the decision to do what's best for you.  Just know that there are a lot of wonderful people on this site who are all to willing to help a newbie on her journey.

Take care and the best of luck to you...
Kim

Thanks for that Kim. I am so happy to hear that you are doing well! Your have really made me feel a bit better about it. Your post has motivated me in a way because the thought of what you went through terrifies me. Thanks so much and keep up the good work!

Hi I am thinking also about removing the band and getting the sleeve. The band hasn't done too much for me  I lost about 20 pounds but I think that came from the pre diet and soon after surgery. It's been 3 years .... But it has kept me from gaining more!!!  I am thinking to do it before i get too old.... Better now than later. But I am hesitant my son doesn't think it's a good idea... Cutting the stomach!!!! So how old are you??? I  am 58. 

I'm nearly 33, but the surgeon that I am going to see has done sleeves on patients up to 65. Now would probably be a good time for you to do it. I have never heard of anyone who has had great success with the lap band. It's valid for your son to be worried, because he doesn't want anything to jeopardize you being around for a while, but losing weight will extend your life! I say go for it! 

Hi Spiky ~

I am 62....  I did this first and foremost to get my health back.  Losing the weight and being able to dress in pretty clothes again is just a bonus.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I'm almost 6 weeks post-op and I feel really GOOD.  I am sooo happy with my choice.  I weighed the pros and cons and always came back to VSG.  Just having your 2/3 of your tummy removed is way better I feel than having all of your intestines re-routed.  The best advice I can give is do a lot of research and read a lot of posts.

Whatever your decision ~ The very best of luck to you!

Kim

Kim, Thanks for sharing! I am also age 62 and my VSG is scheduled a week from tomorrow!

Could we be OH Friends since we are the same age and are surgery dates are only one and a half months apart?  I tried to "friend" you but couldn't get to your profile. Could you please click on my name and "friend" me? Thanks. :-)

:-)

Spikey...I am 62 and my VSG is scheduled for Mon, Jan 26. I made a friend here on OH who got her sleeve at age 65 and 2 1/2 years later she is still doing fabulously! HTH! :-)

We all kick the idea of WLS around for a few years before taking the plunge. And most people that are morbidly obese have enlarged hearts. It comes with the territory.

A lot of us are total wrecks before we come around and have WLS. Don't diagnose yourself. Let the docs examine you thoroughly, and if they clear you for surgery, you should trust their expertise.

You are absolutely right. I used to be a terrible hypochondriac and some habits, like self-diagnosing, die hard. I am also kinda glad to hear that I'm not the only one who has kicked the idea around for so long. I felt like I was nuts for mulling over it like this. Thank you for your input!