Newbie having second thoughts about surgery

I am about to have surgery on October 16th. 2012 and I am so nervous.  It makes me even more nervous when i read on the message board about people over a year out and they are still having some troubles.  I need some motivation and some advice.  Please help.

Well I am only 5 months out, but the surgery was a snap, I feel great, have lost a lot of weight and can do things I could not have done for most of my life. I am eating well and feel great. All web pages like this are for folks who have questions or need a little help. Those of us who are doing just great don’t post about it that much so it looks like there are way to many people having problems when in fact it is only a small percentage. You will do fine and in 4 or 5 months you will wish like I do that I had the surgery years ago. Go for it and stop over thinking yourself.

Thanks for the feedback and you are so right about me over thinking things and all the what if factors.  I am getting more and more secure in my decision to have the surgery and thanks again.

 
What surgery are you scheduled for?  

Being nervous is normal, so is having "buyer's remorse" in the initial weeks after surgery. . . all normal reactions, and the same experience that most of us went through. 

Everyone is different. . .you don't know what YOUR experience will be until you have it. . .some people have issues with the surgery itself or post op, more people don't have issues than do. . . . . . . any surgery is a risk. . .obviously you have decided that the benefits outweigh the risks and are moving forward. . .this is the same decision the rest of us had to come to and you just have to have faith in your surgeon and yourself that you made the right decision.  

I had issues postop, and some during surgery, but that was because of my poor health, damaged body and previous multiple abdominal surgeries (4 major ones). . .however, my surgeon is amazing and was able to correct the previous damage that he found along with completing my revision (this was my 2nd WLS).  You are welcome to read my blog on my page and look at my pics.  Honestly, I don't even think about the immediate postop issues I had, it was just a blip on the radar and gone from my memory unless something reminds me about it.  

Would I do it again?  Yup, in a heartbeat, because my health is soooooo much improved already that it is remarkable!  Most of the time I feel like a new person, and that is a wonderful feeling!  I also like buying smaller clothes lol.  

Preop I was in a 2x-3x shirt, 4 months later I am in an XL in Juniors or a L in Women's clothes.  In pants I was wearing 20-22's (mostly carry my weight in my belly) and now I am in a 13/14 skinny jean from Aeropostale or a 15 in Juniors anywhere else.  I can go to a shoe store and buy knee-high boots and they go up past mid-calf, all the way to my knee like they are supposed to.  

I am off several of my medications, and have health issues that have resolved since surgery.  So, yes, the surgery was a risk, but the benefits?  The benefits of having had this surgery (RNY) blow the risks out of the water!  

Hope this helps!

Thanks for your response.  You are so encouraging.  I have had sevearl stomach surgeries like gallbladder removed and appendix.  I am having the RNY surgery.  My biggest concern is how will I be feeling right after surgery.  But whatever minor hiccups that may occur, you have reassured me that I will be just fine.

I had my surgery in March 2010.  I'm happier, healthier & my only regret is not doing this sooner.

I understand your feelings -- I thought about backing out until I was wheeled into surgery.  I thought that I would vomit continually and suffer many of the issues presented here.  I have not vomitted once since surgery.  Other side effects, like dumping, were expected.....  although they might have caught me by surprise a couple times.   Keep in mind that people frequently come here to run their issues by others -- people with no isssues frequently disappear.

Laura

Thanks for your reply, it helps me out alot.  I hope I dont get too sick and I know the way to prevent this is to follow the diet to a t.

Surgery is so worth it in the long run. I am almost 3 weeks post op and Yes there are times it sucks but stick to your meal plan and walk, get your fluids and protein and watch the weight fall off. If it was easy everyone would be doing it. It will be hard at times but for me I had to look at my life and life span, its worth the crap for a longer life with my family.

Thanks for your reply.  I so have to start looking at the pros.  For me that will be getting rid of most or all of this diabetic medication.  I am looking forward to being able to do things I have not been able to do in a long time, like ride on a swing with my 4yr old daughter.

Foremost, remember that this surgery is a TOOL, not a fix. It is a lot of work. Everyone is nervous beforehand. We have all been there. Although I am not at goal weight yet, the changes that have taken place in my body as well as my mind are well worth this surgery. I would do it all over again. Never regretted it because I knew it would be hard. Stick around this site.
Jane