Just starting the process, scared and unsure

[jojo53]

Hello all,
Like many, I have struggled with my weight since childhood. Now at 53 it has becoming obvious that if I don't do something now, I will likely die as a result of my obesity. I am pre diabetic, have gerd, high cholesterol, suffer from vertigo, diagnosed a month ago with psoriatic arthritis, sleep apnea, and my family history includes heart disease. I have been on more diets than I care to mention. I have lost significant amounts of weight and as most, put all and more back on. I always wanted to avoid surgery because I was so afraid of post op symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and feelings of weakness. I already suffer from dizziness and have regular bouts of weakness because of my blood sugars so I'm not sure why I'm so afraid. I worry about the emotional impact as well, but I know I'm at a point where something has to be done. I want to be as informed as possible before moving forward. Any and all advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

 

[Cheyenne]

Hello all,
Like many, I have struggled with my weight since childhood. Now at 53 it has becoming obvious that if I don't do something now, I will likely die as a result of my obesity. I am pre diabetic, have gerd, high cholesterol, suffer from vertigo, diagnosed a month ago with psoriatic arthritis, sleep apnea, and my family history includes heart disease. I have been on more diets than I care to mention. I have lost significant amounts of weight and as most, put all and more back on. I always wanted to avoid surgery because I was so afraid of post op symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and feelings of weakness. I already suffer from dizziness and have regular bouts of weakness because of my blood sugars so I'm not sure why I'm so afraid. I worry about the emotional impact as well, but I know I'm at a point where something has to be done. I want to be as informed as possible before moving forward. Any and all advice would be very much appreciated. Thank you.

Hi JoJo! WELCOME to this Forum!

Everyone is scared of surgery. That is quite normal. I picked a surgeon who hasn't ever lost a patient in over 2,000 surgeries. Look for a Surgeon and Hospital of Bariatric Excellence. Look your surgeon up on line. Find out how his patients rate him. Read everything you can on line about your chosen surgery. Once you find your surgeon, then dive in to follow his instructions to the letter. Some sugeons want their patients to be on a liquid diet a month before surgery. Other surgeon's want a liquid diet for 2 weeks, or 10 days or mine has his patients on the liquid for 3 days before surgery. Every surgeon has different rules. Find a surgeon who has rules that make sense to you.

I was considering bariatric surgery for over 10 yrs before I decided to have it done at age 64. My operation went great and there was very little pain. I really wish I would have had this done 10 yrs ago. My only problem I have had was with my gallbladder which is from the gallbladder having to process the fats that are lost in the body. Gallbladder surgery was easy except they left a stone inside of me which was a nightmare getting it out. If I had it to do over I would have had my surgeon take out my gallbladder when I had my bariatric surgery.

Good luck to you!

Cheyenne

 

[patay37]

JoJo & Cheyenne,

Thanks for your comments and advice. I was dead set against having surgery to lose weight for years. But at 50 I realized that my health issues are not going to clear up on their own without some drastic measures being taken. I am 51 now and have jumped through all the preliminary hoops needed to get to surgery. I am scheduled for September 8th and I wax and wane between being excited and terrified. I have a good surgeon and the hospital where I am having my surgery is one of the best in the country, esp. for this type of surgery. I am having the RNY Gastric Bypass. I try to focus on all the good outcomes but I am glad that I have found you guys. Hang in there JoJo. We'll get through this together.
Pat Bumpass

 

[Cheyenne]

JoJo & Cheyenne,

Thanks for your comments and advice. I was dead set against having surgery to lose weight for years. But at 50 I realized that my health issues are not going to clear up on their own without some drastic measures being taken. I am 51 now and have jumped through all the preliminary hoops needed to get to surgery. I am scheduled for September 8th and I wax and wane between being excited and terrified. I have a good surgeon and the hospital where I am having my surgery is one of the best in the country, esp. for this type of surgery. I am having the RNY Gastric Bypass. I try to focus on all the good outcomes but I am glad that I have found you guys. Hang in there JoJo. We'll get through this together.
Pat Bumpass

Hi Pat! WELCOME to the Forum!!!

You will be happy you decided to have the surgery! It is a wonderful life changing decision!

Best of luck to you!!!


Cheyenne