i have no regrets
carbonated drinks will be out of the question
i still drink coffee
if i had the opertunity to do it all over again i would

i am 9 mths out and 143 lbs down :)

Hi Kristy,
I'm in the same boat you are. My surgery is in less than two weeks, and I've started to become pretty anxious about the whole procedure. Your statement isn't petty at all; we used food as a comfort, a friend to turn to in times of need. So to not have that crutch to fall back on is very scary. I've been trying to tell myself that this experience is going to change my life for the better.
I hope everything works out for you. Please let us know how you're doing.

Erin

When I first started to think about GBS and saw the list of foods to avoid, it was a shock to think I could never have those again. But then I figured, I have had a lifetime of eating those food, I dont need any more. At two months out I was kicking myself because I was not able to handle the abrupt separation from food.

Now I am little over 5 months post op, I feel and look so much better. I know I have a ways to go, but it was all worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

My dr says no caffeine and no carbonation. I don't want to do anything that might risk hurting my pouch so I keep caffeine to a minimum and just don't drink soda at all. I drink crystal light, mostly. I have no regrets, I'm SO happy I did this.

It might help you to focus on what you WILL be able to do.

Some examples:
It is such a thrill to me to be able to sit in a chair and not have the arms crushing my sides - I actually have room to move now! I'm not self-concious going to the movie theater, or riding on theme park rides, etc.

I can squat to pick something up and not have my knees give out on me.

I don't snore at night any more. (at least I don't think I do! haha) (I don't wake myself up doing it at least)

I can cross my legs - I think this is my favorite, not having to grab my pant leg and pull my foot up on my knee and hold it there, now I can cross my legs at the knees.

Shopping in the 'regular sized' people departments. I'm no longer shopping in the plus sized sections..

And the list goes on and on. I am more than happy to give up some things to have all of these other things.. it is SO WORTH IT!!

I will be 4 months out on March 11th and I don't know if I have regrets but I also don't know if I could change my decision to have the surgery if I would go ahead and have it again. I have lost over 100 lbs. since Oct. 2/09 but I am alway tired and just don't feel like "this is the best thing that I could ever have done". I read everyone's posts saying the only regret they have is that they wished they hadn't waited so long to have the surgery". This is my honest answer to your question. I hope in time I feel great about having this surgery but I am not there yet. Good luck with your decision.

I've regained some weight post-op (4 years on 3/30) and I STILL have no regrets!!! Just because you're having the surgery, doesn't mean you'll never eat again. After a year or so, you can work some of the old foods back in in moderation and tolerability. My husband mourns some foods and quatities sometimes (he's two years post-op) but would do it all over again too. Fear of the unknown is very human. We have all been there at one time or another. I promise, it's a gift you give yourself. You will lose the most weight in the first year (honeymoon period) and then level off. Embrace that first year!!

Hugs,
Charlene

Hello!
I had my surgery 11/09- I have no regrets!- it has been an interesting journey, but I am really enjoying my life- I have worked off almost 80 pounds and I forgot how much I liked working out, and I love playing raquetball with my kids. I think the toughest thing right now, is learning to take compliments...

Shelly06, have you had bloodwork done recently? They should check you periodically for anemia, etc. You sound like you might be anemic. Check with your doctors office. As time goes on, you will feel better and more energized. It is quite a shock to your system, losing so much weight in such a short period of time.

Hugs,
Charlene

6 weeks post-op, no regrets, no more diabetes, no more high blood pressure. it's not always easy but it's better than ending up with plastic knees and hips which is where I was headed. good luck whatever you decide. I guess I just asked myself this question--if I don't have it done, where will I be in a year. I did have it done and I know I'll be in a much better place in a year...

I'm a little over 5 months out, and don't regret it at all. I would do it all again without any hesitation.
As far as the food goes, I haven't been hungry once since my surgery. It doesn't bother me to see people eat, even the foods that were my favs. I still drink tea and coffee, I actually just bought my first package of Sugar Free Oatmeal Cookies, and had 2 with a cup of tea last night. I won't make it a habit but they were actually very good.
Your taste changes so much from this surgery, you'll be surprised at just what you might want to eat as opposed to what you might think you will want. Make sense?

I am 2 weeks out and have no regrets what so ever, I feel so much better even after 2 weeks.

My husband and I had our 3 month check-up today and he has lost 70# and I have lost 50# not bad for 3 months.. as for any regrets oh my goodness NO he and I feel so much better and we no longer are on any meds other then our vitamins, B12 and calcium...so needless to say we would do it again in a heartbeat, Good luck with your dession what ever you chose to do.

Linda :)

Kristy I'm scheduled for later this month and yes I am anxious also but what is the alternative? To be unhealthy and not enjoying life.
That food that you like lasts only while you are chewing it - then it's gone - it deserts you. Celebrate that there can be a new you. And a healthy you.

No regrets! None at all.......and you are sooooo normal to be going through all of these feelings. I had a huge mourning period for the first 3-4 months after surgery - giving up my comfort (food) - dealing with my addiction - the mental things were the hardest for me by far. Now 7 months out and feeling terrific! Love the way I look and feel - in control of what I eat for the first time in a looong time.

Be patient with yourself - give yourself the time to heal both physically and mentally. It's not an easy journey, but it is VERY rewarding and worthwhile.

You have all of us here for support - we know exactly what you are going through! Good luck and welcome to the Losers Bench!!

No regrets. My surgery date 10/13/09 and down 110. I FEEL GREAT AND WOULD DO THIS OVER AGAIN IN A SECOND!