Gastric Bypass Surgery Support Group

It is very normal to be worried about any surgery. On the drive to the hospital I asked to be taken home, I feared what could happen. But my mind kicked in and new that I could make this choice now to get medical help or I would just be a ticking time bomb of bad health and I would not know the time/place when this bomb would go off. I went from 400 lbs to about 185 lbs and I am living a life that I could not have ever dreamed. I am active with my kids and I am in very healthy and loving relationship. Instead of watching life go by, I am now grabbing it and taking full advantage. You can do this too. Best wishes - Paul

Thank you. I have 2 children as well. An 9 year old girl and a 4 year old girl. I find myself always saying in a minute. In 2011 I had half of my thyroid taken out, so if I thought it was hard then its only going to be harder. I also have pcos so with that I am considered insulin resisitant.I know its the right thing to do but just so scared.

Hi and welcome! You've totally come to the right place. I spent hours on here reading posts going back 2 years wanting to be sure I knew what I was getting into and making sure I was as prepared as possible.

Pre-surgery, I stopped drinking Diet Coke and read Geneen Roth's book "Breaking free from Emotional Eating." I practiced eating like I'd already had GBS (and lost 30 lbs). I started walking (had to take Tylenol before I walked because it hurt so much). I had my RNY 2 ½ years ago and have gone from over 300 lbs to 125 lbs. That walk I couldn’t do pre-op? I can sprint it, now. It doesn’t hurt to move anymore…I don’t hate myself for failing in this area of my life anymore…I can wear cute clothes and shoes…I can dance, zumba, hike mountains, ski down mountains, roller-skate, shop like a crazy woman, and enjoy every minute of life.

Have I given up a lot? Yep. But I gained even more. Have there been difficult times? Yep. But, for me, they’ve been totally worth it.

My only regret? I wasn’t emotionally ready for this surgery sooner. I lost too many years of my life watching on the sidelines. Now I get to live it!!

JJ

I remember the day of my surgery I asked my niece if I was doing the right thing. I had a case of the "nerves". I did the right thing for me. I am now 125 pounds lighter with so much more energy. It is normal to be worried. Good luck and keep us posted.

Of course your worried - totally normal. This is a great site though. We have everything from people first considering surgery to pros like JJ who keep us all straight!

Right before my surgery I got really scared. I watched Extreme Weight Makeover and was sold. I'm two months out (tomorrow) and down 40 lbs. Still have a LOT more to lose but at least I'm on my way.

It's been one week for me. Life isn't great quite yet but after surgery I had to get an X-ray to make sure thati had no leakage. When I saw my surgeon I hugged her and thanked her for saving my life. I am 32 and when they got in there they realized I had a huge liver. Way way to big for my weight. With two small children I know she added years and years back onto my life. I would have never of known without doing the surgery. Hope this helps. Good luck

Hi and welcome! You are on the right track. Everyone gets scared. I was gungho in the beginning and then was getting cold feet as I continued to a step closer. Then I got excited again with the support that I got here. When they called from the surgeons office to schedule my pre-op appointment to get my sugery date, my heart dropped into my stomach and fear overtook me briefly. Now I have my surgery date I'm so happy..I just wish it would've been sooner but he didn't have anytime until the 17th of September. So there will be times of being scared but don't let it derail you. You will make it through. Many thoughts and prayers will be pulling for you. Please find peace. debby

Hi and welcome to the group.
There are so many wonderfully supportive people here!

Being scared is normal.
The question I had to ask myself was, do I want to stay the same course and continue to live life on the sidelines watching my family or take a risk and do something to increase my health so I can participate in their lives and be a better example for them?

Having lost my mother to cancer only 3 months before deciding to go through this process, it was terribly scary for me. (I also lost my Dad to cancer years before) I decided that something was going to take my life eventually and how I lived the life I was given was up to me. I needed to be as healthy as possible and enjoy each and every day because I don't know what tomorrow holds. I was scared to death, but I also knew in my heart, that for ME, this was the right decision.

Yesterday I spent 3 hours outside in the HOT Texas sun doing yard work with my husband. Neither of us could remember the last time that happened. I also ALMOST climed a tree!!!! If I didn't have one artificial knee already and the other that needs to be replaced, I would have. I was actually half way up it when it dawned on me............I could NOT have done this 65 lbs ago. I wouldn't have even thought about it.

My daughter and my husband are thrilled with the changes so far and love having me around - walking with them, playing, shopping, doing so many things I never had energy for before.

This is my story. I hope it helps.
Praying you find peace to do what is right for YOU.
Hugs.

Hello. I am five days post-op and I was very scared last week. You can do this! My dad had his first heart attack when he was 33. I have the same issues. I just finally told myself it's time to take charge! My surgery went well and I think you have to be confident with your surgeon, too. Mine was great. If you are comfortable with the doc, know you are in good hands and have faith. This is a great group. Reach out to them. We are all here for you.

Good luck! Do you have a date yet?
Kim

It is normal to be scared. this time last year as I prepared for my surgery--I was afraid and had doubts--I prayed a lot and this group kept me focused on the goal I wanted for myself. My only regret also is that I didn't have it years ago:)