A Guy getting Sleeved tomorrow...and very anxious, nervous and scared

My surgurey is tomorrow morning.  I have been having second thoughts, which I know is natural.  I am just very nervous for what is about to come.  I know I need this change and this tool.  But a week on liquids only?  I hear all the stories both good and bad, but it still doesn't quite put it all into perspective is all..I guess it is one of those things you figure out for yourself...

I just keep thinking, why can't I just do this on my own?  I have been good at it.  For like 4-5 weeks...Then I cheat or drop off, or hit a stall and get frustrated.  I have never been able to control it for a long term....That is why I turned to this as a tool to aid me when those times get tough...I think losing it isn't the hard part, its working through the longevity of it.  Making the habits change...

I know if I don't do something now, I will have issues later.  My biggest fear is diabetes, which I don't have...But my father in law and mother does and I see the crap they go through to maintain theirs...no thanks...

I guess I am having a pitty party and feeling sorry for myself...Everybody does it to some extent...

I just hope in 6 months from now I can look back on this and say..."I can't beleive I was so anxious!!"

If you weren't having these thoughts then I would suggest you weren't serious about the surgery anyway. I am going through many of the same, but I guess I have accepted the process and the positive outcome I hope for. My surgery is on Friday and I am at peace with it. I still geek anxious about the surgery, but I look forward to the opportunity and benefit I will get from it. Gook luck, take a deep breath and relax.

Yes, your feelings are quite normal. Let me assure you, a week on liquids after surgery is completely different from before surgery (my requirement is two weeks before going to soft foods). I had to have one day of liquids before surgery but I thought I wouldn't make it. Now? If it wasn't for the reminder to have an eating schedule, I could go all day without eating a thing; I'm NEVER hungry! It is really weird but I thank God for it. 

I believe that every WLS person questions why he or she could not do this on his or her own. Let me tell you, even after VSG, you will be doing this on your own! Although you can't eat as much at one time, you still have to be diligent and make the right choices, be accountable for your exercise and healthy eating and do the work. I call this the ultimate diet because you have to be just as diligent (if not more) than you did before. Just know there is no magic diet, plan or pill that exist that you just need to hold out for.

I am an optimist and believed what the non WLS people have said over and over, but 8 days out I can tell you that this is the best decision I have ever made and I would do this 1,000 times over. I learned right after I got my surgery date that I was prediabetic and felt all the side effects of that. I had several episodes in two weeks of extreme tiredness after eating, frequent periods where I was going to pass out and a lot of other issues. I had high blood pressure and osteo arthritis in my left leg. After surgery, all of these symptoms are gone but going through them was my motivation and peace of mind that I had made the right decision. I refused to live that way or go through what my family members have because of obesity.

You have every right to live an optimal life and you have made a bold decision to get there. Don't let anything stop you from being at peace with that decision and go in focused on your new life. Best of luck to you and I pray that you will have a speedy recovery.

If you have been reading the threads on this board, you will see all of us had the same feelings you are having.

It has been 2 months now, and all I can say is, why didn't I do this sooner.  I know longer have diabetes, high blood pressure or low self esteem. I have never felt so great...

With the sleeve, you can not hel but change your attitude towards food..  Relax, and enjoy your journey

This is totally normal what you are going through Sleever.

Everything single feeling you are having, a majority of us went through it.  I was in the same exact boat, losing sleep, wondering what if?  I did a lot of praying during the last few days before surgery.  The first week after surgery went by so fast.  I remember the majority of the time of not having an appetite for anything.  The few times I did, I drank some warm liquids, and the "brain craving" went away quickly. 

I did not think I could survive those first weeks.  This is a woman who pre-surgery had to eat every 2 hours.  If I can do it, trust me you can do this also.

It's been eight months since my sleeve surgery with over 70 lbs lost and I don't regret one second of my post op life.

My prayers are with you, I know you will do well, Glory to God.

I appreciate the feedback, it very much helps.  I know I am in the same boat as you all were...Trying to remember that.  My phone has been blowing up by family and friends.  I know their concerned and care.  I found out through the nurse today I will have a private room and my wife will be able to stay with me.  So that knocks down some anxiety there.  I am 6' 1" tall.  Started at 377 before pre-op diet 9 days ago.  I am 357 this morning, so down 20 already.  Today is my clear liquid.  Today has not been as bad as I thought.  No headache.  Been drinking low calorie gatorade.  I bought some IOSPure to have one today and for post op when I get home Saturday. 

When I talked to the Nurse I asked if they had wireless Internet.  They do!!  So I know I won't get super bored.  I did some research on my surgeon today, should have done it sooner, and found he has excellent feedback.  So that builds some confidence there.  It will be a strange feeling being on a liquid diet next week and not starving.  Right now my stomach is growling so loud my dog will look at me stangely...No head ache, so the stomach doesn't really bother me there...

I have a 70 Camaro SS.  Am going to take it out tonight and go see a friend tonight and play some pool to get my mind off of things.  Plus it would be something I would want to do if today was my last one.  I know it won't be, but I could get hit by a bus walking accross the hospital parking lot you know!!!

I look forward to participating in these forums and hopefully I won't be a rookie in a few months...

 mine is tomorrow also and i am having the same nervousness and thoughts... alot of the "how crazy am i that i am going to have most of my stomach removed just because i can't control what i put in my mouth?".  but that's exactly it.  i can't control it, or i would have.  none of us wanted to be overweight.  food addiction is a dangerous thing and i keep looking back to my food/eating habits the past 20 years and think, how long have i been trying to get down to a "normal" weight?  for me i keep telling myself that it will be 5 days of discomfort, for a lifetime full of living.  good luck to you and see you on the other side!

Jessica...Good luck...Were kinda connected doing this on the same day.  I am doing better after talking to some family and friends...I am going to see my buddie tonight who is always very supportive and a good ear....I think we both will be fine, and I hope you can come back here in a few days and we both post that it went well.....

Good Luck with Surgery and All the best for recovery...I'm pretty new to this and had all the same thoughts pre-op.. I was even second guessing it hours before they took me to the OR. Once I woke up and came home I couldn't believe I was soo worried... All will be well...

Sorry Sleever- you are 100% normal.  I felt the same way and 3 months later I want to tell everybody that is thinking about this and even some who aren't  "do it- you'll be so happy.  Guess what?  I woke up the morning of the surgery all happy relaxed and peaceful.  I hope you do too.  PS  I'm thinking about buying a new camaro as a goal gift when I get there!