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First Step.....and kind of scared.

L

lobo4life

Member
My doctor has been telling me for over a year that she thought it was time to think about bariatric surgery. I had many tests with my cardiologist this summer and he too suggested that perhaps this would be the best next step for me. Today, after a long wait for insurance garbage, I made my first appointment with the surgeon. After making the appointment, which is less than two weeks away, I made the mistake of reading what I consider horror stories online. Stories about what could go wrong and about people who seriously regret having had the surgery. Please tell me it turns out well for some people! Tell me, even though it is hard, it gets better and will be worth the struggle. At 5'4" and 400lbs, I HAVE to do something NOW! I know I have a long road ahead even before surgery is scheduled, but it just seems so real and scary all of a sudden.
 
lobo4life said:
My doctor has been telling me for over a year that she thought it was time to think about bariatric surgery. I had many tests with my cardiologist this summer and he too suggested that perhaps this would be the best next step for me. Today, after a long wait for insurance garbage, I made my first appointment with the surgeon. After making the appointment, which is less than two weeks away, I made the mistake of reading what I consider horror stories online. Stories about what could go wrong and about people who seriously regret having had the surgery. Please tell me it turns out well for some people! Tell me, even though it is hard, it gets better and will be worth the struggle. At 5'4" and 400lbs, I HAVE to do something NOW! I know I have a long road ahead even before surgery is scheduled, but it just seems so real and scary all of a sudden.
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I feel you. I was a bit nervous about the surgery myself. Then I realized that the health issues with carrying the weight was very serious. I couldn't let myself go through that particular suffering any longer. I rather suffer the struggle to lose weight than wondering if my heart wouldn't be able to handle it some day and quit on me, or if I stop breathing because my lungs work too hard as it is. Then there is the psychological issues. I was told that I would be able to feel good about myself and feel healthy again. It is definitely something to look forward to. I had the sleeve done in August. The weight is coming off. Especially off my spine where there is arthritis. I can grocery shop without the darn mobility cart. I can walk further, breathe easier and somehow deal with the mental health. I know it's scary for the possibility of failure but it's also scary for never trying. You know life and lemons. I wish you well and hope that I can help ease your fears. Feel free to ask questions...and be well.
 
I would love to be able to go grocery shopping. I live with my daughter and her two children. She is in college and working full time, so I help with the children, they are eight and nine. I do homework, reading at bedtime, I cook and take care of the kitchen and laundry with the kids' help. Everything outside the house my daughter does. I would love to be able to just go where I want to without having to judge how far I might be required to walk if I leave the house. It's terrible! I've been fat my whole life really, but it never slowed me down raising my children. In fact, I ran a day care center and did foster care for years. Then one day I fell down and flight of stairs at DFW airport, broke my leg. I didn't walk again for six months, then had another surgery on that leg and all that time off my feet, and then with limited use of it just allowed me to pack on the pounds. I gained about a hundred pounds in a year. Haven't been able to live my life on my terms since that day. I want my life back. I don't mind being fat, I never have. I do mind being so big that I can't do what I want to do when I want to do it. If there is a good chance this will give me my life back and allow me to do more with these babies, and for longer, I'm going for it. Thank you for your message. I hadn't thought about how much I miss just shopping, walking around the store Christmas shopping or grocery shopping. Thank you again!
 
lobo4life said:
I would love to be able to go grocery shopping. I live with my daughter and her two children. She is in college and working full time, so I help with the children, they are eight and nine. I do homework, reading at bedtime, I cook and take care of the kitchen and laundry with the kids' help. Everything outside the house my daughter does. I would love to be able to just go where I want to without having to judge how far I might be required to walk if I leave the house. It's terrible! I've been fat my whole life really, but it never slowed me down raising my children. In fact, I ran a day care center and did foster care for years. Then one day I fell down and flight of stairs at DFW airport, broke my leg. I didn't walk again for six months, then had another surgery on that leg and all that time off my feet, and then with limited use of it just allowed me to pack on the pounds. I gained about a hundred pounds in a year. Haven't been able to live my life on my terms since that day. I want my life back. I don't mind being fat, I never have. I do mind being so big that I can't do what I want to do when I want to do it. If there is a good chance this will give me my life back and allow me to do more with these babies, and for longer, I'm going for it. Thank you for your message. I hadn't thought about how much I miss just shopping, walking around the store Christmas shopping or grocery shopping. Thank you again!
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This is a big step, I hope you choose to go through with it, I wish I would have done it along time ago, I know it may be a little scary, but it is worth it, and if you have any questions just ask, we are all here for you
 
lobo4life said:
My doctor has been telling me for over a year that she thought it was time to think about bariatric surgery. I had many tests with my cardiologist this summer and he too suggested that perhaps this would be the best next step for me. Today, after a long wait for insurance garbage, I made my first appointment with the surgeon. After making the appointment, which is less than two weeks away, I made the mistake of reading what I consider horror stories online. Stories about what could go wrong and about people who seriously regret having had the surgery. Please tell me it turns out well for some people! Tell me, even though it is hard, it gets better and will be worth the struggle. At 5'4" and 400lbs, I HAVE to do something NOW! I know I have a long road ahead even before surgery is scheduled, but it just seems so real and scary all of a sudden.
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Hello and welcome lobo4life! Your in my state. That is so exciting. :) What's even more, I attended ACU :p Love Abilene :) Anyway, congrats on your decision to take back your life! Also, if you go to your appointment, and aren't happy or comfortable with the surgeon you've chosen, I had mine done in Dallas, with a top bariatric surgeon if you decide to find someone else, I'll get you his information. :) So anyway, forget the horror stories. They are just that. In fact, you need to blow aside the future comments that are coming your way as well. The ones that involve some saying something like "I have a friend, who had a friend, who died from getting that done." etc. Really? Yes, 10 -20 years ago, when they were figuring out the best methods and practices to get things done correctly, that might have been more common. There have been leaps and bounds in the field of WL surgeries and they have been able to significantly reduce the risks. So while it is scary, it's worth it. We are similar by the way, I was at my heaviest 410 lbs. I totally understand the need to lose the weight. I just reached my next drop in weight and I've lost a total so far of 90 lbs. in 5 months time. Everything I've done, endured, worked through since surgery has been worth it. I walked around a huge mall two days ago and wasn't tired after and I realized later I hadn't even stopped to think about if I could or would be tired doing it. That was more of a surprise to me than actually doing it and not feeling exhausted afterwards! I no longer worry about if chairs will hold my weight or if I can climb a flight of stairs without stopping multiple times to take a breath and rest. The sheer freedom of a lighter, healthier me has made it all worth it. So yes, it is going to be hard, it is a major surgery after all and the healing process takes time, but it does get better as you heal and recover, and it is completely worth the struggle! The non-scale victories almost outweigh what you will see on the scale throughout your journey. I've dropped 8 dress sizes. I never thought I would be able to say that, much less actually achieve it. You can do it too! Use this group to connect to real people who have been where you are, who have gone through what your about to embark on. Let us be your cheer team and help you along on your journey, because it is worth it! Again welcome, and best wishes as you begin your new lifestyle!
 
Tracy Lindenmuth said:
This is a big step, I hope you choose to go through with it, I wish I would have done it along time ago, I know it may be a little scary, but it is worth it, and if you have any questions just ask, we are all here for you
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Thank you, that's what I hoped I would hear. That the whole thing would be worth it. When I know enough to ask questions, I'll be asking, for sure!
 
Pixx said:
Hello and welcome lobo4life! Your in my state. That is so exciting. :) What's even more, I attended ACU :p Love Abilene :) Anyway, congrats on your decision to take back your life! Also, if you go to your appointment, and aren't happy or comfortable with the surgeon you've chosen, I had mine done in Dallas, with a top bariatric surgeon if you decide to find someone else, I'll get you his information. :) So anyway, forget the horror stories. They are just that. In fact, you need to blow aside the future comments that are coming your way as well. The ones that involve some saying something like "I have a friend, who had a friend, who died from getting that done." etc. Really? Yes, 10 -20 years ago, when they were figuring out the best methods and practices to get things done correctly, that might have been more common. There have been leaps and bounds in the field of WL surgeries and they have been able to significantly reduce the risks. So while it is scary, it's worth it. We are similar by the way, I was at my heaviest 410 lbs. I totally understand the need to lose the weight. I just reached my next drop in weight and I've lost a total so far of 90 lbs. in 5 months time. Everything I've done, endured, worked through since surgery has been worth it. I walked around a huge mall two days ago and wasn't tired after and I realized later I hadn't even stopped to think about if I could or would be tired doing it. That was more of a surprise to me than actually doing it and not feeling exhausted afterwards! I no longer worry about if chairs will hold my weight or if I can climb a flight of stairs without stopping multiple times to take a breath and rest. The sheer freedom of a lighter, healthier me has made it all worth it. So yes, it is going to be hard, it is a major surgery after all and the healing process takes time, but it does get better as you heal and recover, and it is completely worth the struggle! The non-scale victories almost outweigh what you will see on the scale throughout your journey. I've dropped 8 dress sizes. I never thought I would be able to say that, much less actually achieve it. You can do it too! Use this group to connect to real people who have been where you are, who have gone through what your about to embark on. Let us be your cheer team and help you along on your journey, because it is worth it! Again welcome, and best wishes as you begin your new lifestyle!
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Thank you! I love Abilene too. Also, my surgeon is in Dallas as well. My doctor has other patient who have used him, or this practice I suppose, and she is impressed with their commitment to life long care after surgery. She says it's very important to be mentally and emotionally prepared for the surgery as well as the changes that will take place after surgery. Anyway, I love my doctor and I trust her completely. Dallas is a bit of a drive from Abilene, and I know there will be lots of appointments there, but I'd rather make the trips if it means having better care.
Congrats on your 90 pound loss...that's amazing. I can't imagine losing that much weight, no matter the time frame. I have always been overweight, my entire life. It never bothered me too much and never really slowed me down. I did what I wanted to and went where I wanted to, no problems. UNTIL....there is always an until in these things. Until DFW...once I got back on my feet, six months later, I found that I had gained so much, and couldn't go back to walking because of the pain, so the weight just kept coming. Now, I leave the house once a week to go to Church and that's about it. The last time I went grocery shopping was two years ago, and even then, I sat most of the time while my daughter shopped. I want to go somewhere without calculating how far I might have to walk and how long I might have to stand.
My doctor keeps telling me I'm ready for this and it will be a good thing. I think she's right. I can get through the hard parts, I'm resilient and come from "strong stock" health-wise. The scared is still there in the background, but that's probably a good thing because I am going in knowing it will be a struggle. I'll probably even have days when I wonder if I've made a good choice or if I'll ever feel good again, but I do believe it will be worth it in the end.
My grandson, he's nine and I'm his "favorite thing in the world", is skeptical about it because he doesn't want me to change, he hates change of any kind by the way. But, I look forward to a time when I will be able to go back to Disneyland with him and NOT have to rent a scooter to get around all day. He will see that it was worth the change when I can do things with him that I just can't do right now.
Anyway, I'm a writer and a rambler. Sorry....thank you again though. So, who DID you use in Dallas, just curious. Maybe the same people I'm using! That would be cool.
 
lobo4life said:
Thank you! I love Abilene too. Also, my surgeon is in Dallas as well. My doctor has other patient who have used him, or this practice I suppose, and she is impressed with their commitment to life long care after surgery. She says it's very important to be mentally and emotionally prepared for the surgery as well as the changes that will take place after surgery. Anyway, I love my doctor and I trust her completely. Dallas is a bit of a drive from Abilene, and I know there will be lots of appointments there, but I'd rather make the trips if it means having better care.
Congrats on your 90 pound loss...that's amazing. I can't imagine losing that much weight, no matter the time frame. I have always been overweight, my entire life. It never bothered me too much and never really slowed me down. I did what I wanted to and went where I wanted to, no problems. UNTIL....there is always an until in these things. Until DFW...once I got back on my feet, six months later, I found that I had gained so much, and couldn't go back to walking because of the pain, so the weight just kept coming. Now, I leave the house once a week to go to Church and that's about it. The last time I went grocery shopping was two years ago, and even then, I sat most of the time while my daughter shopped. I want to go somewhere without calculating how far I might have to walk and how long I might have to stand.
My doctor keeps telling me I'm ready for this and it will be a good thing. I think she's right. I can get through the hard parts, I'm resilient and come from "strong stock" health-wise. The scared is still there in the background, but that's probably a good thing because I am going in knowing it will be a struggle. I'll probably even have days when I wonder if I've made a good choice or if I'll ever feel good again, but I do believe it will be worth it in the end.
My grandson, he's nine and I'm his "favorite thing in the world", is skeptical about it because he doesn't want me to change, he hates change of any kind by the way. But, I look forward to a time when I will be able to go back to Disneyland with him and NOT have to rent a scooter to get around all day. He will see that it was worth the change when I can do things with him that I just can't do right now.
Anyway, I'm a writer and a rambler. Sorry....thank you again though. So, who DID you use in Dallas, just curious. Maybe the same people I'm using! That would be cool.
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Your grandson will love you even more when you get on the rides with him
 
I used Dr. Bryan Brewer :) He is actually in Irving. The hospital is next door and the teams work well together. :) I don't have to go that far most of the time, as they do office visits once a month in Plainview, where I'll be for my 6 month check up this week. o_O Keeping my fingers crossed for good blood work results! :D
 
lobo4life said:
My doctor has been telling me for over a year that she thought it was time to think about bariatric surgery. I had many tests with my cardiologist this summer and he too suggested that perhaps this would be the best next step for me. Today, after a long wait for insurance garbage, I made my first appointment with the surgeon. After making the appointment, which is less than two weeks away, I made the mistake of reading what I consider horror stories online. Stories about what could go wrong and about people who seriously regret having had the surgery. Please tell me it turns out well for some people! Tell me, even though it is hard, it gets better and will be worth the struggle. At 5'4" and 400lbs, I HAVE to do something NOW! I know I have a long road ahead even before surgery is scheduled, but it just seems so real and scary all of a sudden.
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don't give up and go for it your in gods hands I'm scared to but I believe this is for us to help us we will live a longer better life that's for sure.I'm new on here also and I'm getting the sleeve I don't no when yet due to insurance got to lose 17 more pounds before they approve it,but I hope you do this for you hun.
 
I am new too. I will be having the bypass surgery. In about 12 days I will find out when my surgery will be. I am nervous about it too but I know it is for the best. It has been almost 7 months of following their diet, going to classes and a support group. It felt like I was living at Dr.s but lucky all my different Dr.s are working together. Good luck to you.
 
Nancy R said:
I am new too. I will be having the bypass surgery. In about 12 days I will find out when my surgery will be. I am nervous about it too but I know it is for the best. It has been almost 7 months of following their diet, going to classes and a support group. It felt like I was living at Dr.s but lucky all my different Dr.s are working together. Good luck to you.
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This is kind of what I'm concerned about too....I'm about three hours away from the surgeon that I'm going to. I'm worried about how often I'm going to have to make that trip back and forth, but I guess whatever I have to do, I'll do. It's just that my daughter is in school full time, she has a full time job and two school aged kids....and I don't drive. It's not going to be easy! We'll see.
 
Nancy R said:
I am new too. I will be having the bypass surgery. In about 12 days I will find out when my surgery will be. I am nervous about it too but I know it is for the best. It has been almost 7 months of following their diet, going to classes and a support group. It felt like I was living at Dr.s but lucky all my different Dr.s are working together. Good luck to you.
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good luck to you also hun,and congrats,wish mine was in 12 days I still am fighting to lose 17 pounds,am struggling.
 
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