Mulling it over
I have 2 more items to get my Doctor before they submit for insurance approval. I have taken a year to get to this point and about 4 years to even make the appointment to talk to a surgeon. I have consistently gained 20lbs a year for the last 12 years. I am 36 years old, 5'7 and 280..281...282..who knows right now. I am scared to death to keep gaining. I the last 20lbs are really making a difference. My joints hurt, I have pains in my legs, I have sleep apnea. Its by luck I dont have other medical problems. I still work out but it hurts now there is no joy in it. SOOO here is the real issue. I am scared to death. I am a bit of hypochondriac and can work a small cough into TB Anxiety if I wanted to. I am working with a counselor but I am really worried I will think every pain and ache after surgery is me dieing. I am very afraid of the bad side effects. Anyone else feel this way? How has it been? I have a high pain tolerance just a low "what if its something really bad and not just gas" tolerance. Thought?
Sara- there are soooo many "what if's" in life that we can think of. You really have to get thinking "what if" you continue gaining this way. I know- I was there and still am on my journey. I am 5'7" also and my pre op was 293. I am so glad i went through this process on Oct. 1, 2012. I am only 3 months post op and feel like a whole new person. I am down 67 lbs, my joints don't hurt anymore, I am not winded walking around, I don't crave sweets any more, I don't have heart palpitations like before, I am off my blood pressure medication...and the list goes on. I am so glad I took the chance on this process. I was like you- I was just spiraling down hill. I was scared to death too- which I think that is like alot of the people going through this- it is normal. I can only tell you my story- I have not had any problems at all. I am learning sooooo much about eating nutritious foods and not eating out of boredom, emotions, or just plain mindless eating...which I was very good at. All I can say is do your research, get as comfortable as you can with the process and GO FOR IT! You deserve this for yourself. Good luck and keep us posted.
It's a major surgery, so I'm not going to tell you that it's a cake walk. My abdomen was sore for a few weeks, but with each day it became easier. It was the best decision I could've ever made for myself. Most of the bad side effects are self-induced, so it seems to me. I've had very little problems since having RNY. I've vomited and not felt good at times, but that was from my own doing.....eating/drinking too fast, eating too much/not paying attention to portions, etc. Everyone's body is different, so you'll have to figure out what works for you. (example: I can't tolerate much sugar, but grease isn't too big of an issue for me) If it helps any, I had hernia surgery 4 months after RNY and the hernia surgery was WAY more painful. (I'm a tough cookie, too.) =)
Surgery: 5/9/12 HW: 302 SW: 287.6 CW: 158
It helps that you have had some time to get the paperwork going. It will also help with you follow ( if you have) any pre surgery requirements for diet. This gets your mind used to how you will eat after surgery. Remember this is only a tool. How you use the tool will determine how successful you will be.
RNY 8/29/12 5' 9" tall
Well, you might think every ache and pain means you're dying, but it probably will just be gas. People do occasionally die after this surgery but it's very rare. Does knowing the statistics help?
Kelly
Please note: I AM NOT A DOCTOR. If you want medical advice, talk to your doctor. Whatever I post, there is probably some surgeon or other health care provider somewhere that disagrees with me. If you want to know what your surgeon thinks, then ask him or her. Check out my blog.
My height and weight were exactly the same as yours. I spent a lot of time balancing the pros and cons, in fact I made lists and it helped to see that either way I was in decline and I wasn't having any fun. It took me two years to find a surgeon that I was comfortable with and when I did, it was a breeze. I do not encourage anybody to go through a serious surgery because it has to be your commitment. Your doctor will order enough tests to be certain that you are physically fit for surgery and if you want to get healthy, you will have to put your faith in him. Make sure he/she is part of A Center Of Excellence and check to see how much follow up they include with their service.
The only thing that might happen is you change your mind at the last moment and you can always cancel out.
