Connect
← Return to Pre-bariatric surgery questions
Discussion
Pre-bariatric surgery questions
Bariatric Surgery & Weight Loss | Last Active: 2 days ago | Replies (56)Comment receiving replies
I have not been scheduled for surgery yet. I've attended all of the classes and have an appointment with my surgeon in January. I am 71, I weigh 244 and I am 5' 3" tall, and I desperately don't want to go through the rest of my life this size, not only because I don't like how I look, but because it's just so darned uncomfortable! I've tried various GLP-1 drugs and can't use any of them because they make me so nauseous, along with bowel issues (these side effects don't go away even after weeks). I am really having second thoughts about proceeding with the surgery. In my first meeting with the surgeon, he actually showed me the amount of food I would be able to eat in one meal, which was just about the size of a shot glass or ramikin. This is why it is suggested that you eat 6 or so meals per day. Until I had a full hysterectomy and my weight shot up in my 40's, I had always been thin and able to eat anything. I am worried that I won't be able to train myself to eat the way I have to after the surgery. Of course the surgeon wants to see that I can change my eating habits and lose some weight before surgery, but what comes to mind is that, if you can change your eating habits and lose weight before surgery, and you HAVE to eat right after surgery (or you'll be in misery), why have the surgery? All these concerns might be normal at this point, but can anyone who had these thoughts and went through with the surgery respond? Any input would be appreciated. I've sent a message to the bariatric nurse on my team to get her ideas too, but it's always so helpful to hear from people who have had the surgery. Thanks.
Replies to "I have not been scheduled for surgery yet. I've attended all of the classes and have..."
@loriskt
I had my surgery one year ago today. I’m 68. I just had my 1 year check up and all is going well. I lost 95 lbs and have 21 more to go to get to high school weight. I have no regrets. I choose to eat a limited diet. I don’t want to fall into old, bad habits so I do not eat sugar, bread, pasta, potatoes, fast food, etc. I take food with me when I go places. I feel so good now. I love being able to physically do anything I want. I do get cold easily so I bought a coat. I never wore coats in the winter, even though I live in northwest Wisconsin. I don’t miss any of the food that made me gain weight. I feel a sense of freedom from the hold those foods had on me. Now I eat to live instead of live to eat. I think feeling anxious before surgery is normal. It was almost pain free for me. The pain was minimal. It did take time to retrain my brain about eating but I worked on it and it happened.
Connect
@loriskt
I think everyone gets nervous before surgery. You did all the work beforehand, so you're knowledgeable going in.
Right before my surgery, I asked the same question. If I can lose weight before surgery, then why have surgery? But then I thought of my previous "diets". I would lose weight, but then gain it back. The surgery is a tool to help keep weight off. It does not come with a 100% guarantee, but for me, it was successful.
I advise you to look back at previous attempts to lose weight. Were they successful? Did it work long-term?
I agree that reaching out to your nurse for questions or reassurance is a good idea. If you have serious doubts, maybe you can ask about moving the surgery to a later date and see how you do on your own
What is your biggest fear about proceeding with surgery?