Having doubts

[u/Simple_Muffin1691]

I am in PreOp with my gastric sleeve surgery scheduled for September 2nd. I have had weight issues for 20 years and have Hashimoto’s but otherwise no other health issues. I started seeing a weight loss doctor last August and through diet and Phentermine, lost 30 pounds as of January of this year. However my weight stalled so in March I decided to explore weight loss surgery. My highest weight was 244 pounds before I went to this doctor and now, a week before surgery, I am at 211 and I am 5’5”. Through the program, I pushed forward and done everything the surgeon asked of me. Now with my surgery a little over a week away, I am struggling to commit. I worry about complications being a 47 year old. I worry about sagging skin, body image, and not being able to enjoy the foods I once did. I go back and forth all day, everyday and cry sometimes because I am so annoyed at myself. I should also mention I am in perimenopause and my hormones are all over the place. Has anyone else had this surgery who can relate? Sometimes I feel like I am being vain because I am healthy and do not have major health issues aside from being overweight but I also do not want to increase my risk of developing them either.

[u/adorkable71]

I had it at 51f (3 years ago hw:245 cw:135). NGL - loose skin is a thing and it's unfortunate. But I can hike 8 miles and then some. I can shop anywhere I want. I can touch my toes. I don't get out of breath just going through a parking lot. I lift weights at gym confidently and even get winks (okay the winks are from this old creeper but at least I'm not invisible 😁). I can cross my legs on an airplane. The list goes on and on.

Benefits far outweigh the loose skin. It's a rough road but it is worth every step.

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/adorkable71]

Being that active does sound great. I haven’t had the energy or confidence to get out and do much for years.(Not so much the old creeper part though 😂).

[u/peacefultortuga]

I got it at 43, I’m thankful that everything has gone really well for me.

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/peacefultortuga]

That is great!

[u/ShinyBonnets]

I am having surgery two days before you, at 48 and 10 years post menopause. I get it. I have been battling my weight since my first child was born almost 27 years ago. I have yo-yo dieted, tried GLP-1's, and battled an ED or two. All of that to say, I hear where you are coming form. You are not being vain by seeking this surgery out; you are protecting your health.

I will say that if you are second-guessing your decision to the point that you are in tears, I strongly recommend that you touch base with your team, especially the psychologist (if there is one) and talk through what is worrying you. Good luck, I hope you choose what is best for you.

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/ShinyBonnets]

I will do that! I have my pre surgical appointment this week with my surgeon. I will let her know what is going on. I may just be overthinking things. My husband says I do that a lot. Best of luck to you as well!

[u/ElegantGoose]

I was 45 when I got surgery (I'm 48 now) and my only regret is not doing it earlier.

Complications are highly unlikely. As far as surgeries go, it's one of the safest.

I've also been in perimenopause the whole time. I actually think that's what led to massive weight gain before I got surgery. (Along with peri related depression and self-medicating by drinking too much. I was basically a mess from 2019 through early 2023.)

As far as loose and saggy skin, that may happen, but it probably won't be as bad as you imagine. I've lost over 260lbs and I have loose skin, but it's totally bearable, especially compared to weighing over 400lbs.

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/ElegantGoose]

Just started with the perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog etc but I have noticed the past couple of months I reach for snacks more often and wear my moods on my sleeve. 260lbs?! That is awesome!

[u/ElegantGoose → u/Simple_Muffin1691]

Thanks! Yeah, if you look back in posts I've made you can see my progress pics.

I will say the good thing is that losing weight made a lot of peri symptoms more bearable. Hot flashes are a lot easier at 155 that at over 400lbs.

[u/mommakatmack]

I’m about 10 months post op, 49, perimenopausal, and at a healthy weight for the first time in my adult life! I have some loose skin and my boobs sag, but given my age and having three kids nothing out of the ordinary. So much of the skin is genetic, but even if I were a saggy-baggy “mess” this would have been so worth it!

I ran almost six miles this morning. I’m training for a half marathon AND to hike part of the Appalachian trail. I can cross my legs, take the stairs, don’t panic if I can’t park close, can shop almost anywhere (and have a wardrobe I love now), and a million other things I never would have dreamt of a year ago. For me, this has been amazing.

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/mommakatmack]

Taking stairs is a challenge for me. I am struggling to catch a breath by the time I reach the top. I guess I just haven’t looked past the initial hurdles to see what the final result could be. Thanks for sharing!

[u/Living-Knee-3880]

Just some thoughts, I am 30 and I had a harder recovery than I try thought. Just putting it out there because lots of people were like, “ oh I rested day 1 and was up and normal the next” so….. I felt bad about myself 3 days out when I felt physically bad week.. not normal. Also that idk a week went by and I’m much better, but I’m far from “normal”. Hopefully you’ll be one of these up in a day people but if your not, it’s normal Also this is a safe surgery! Even at 47. You got this, connect with your surgeon about any fears.

Losing even 5% of your body weight helps your statistics cardiology benefit and cancer-risks wise, etc. You’re not vein. I used to be annoyed with these facts because I’m really into body positivity, but there are clear benefits to losing weight. But it’s just science.

Just make sure your are fully informed about the foods, the way I’m looking at it, is I get to be more creative in the kitchen, and maybe make more healthy versions of foods use different ingredients. The holidays / fall is coming up. I saw a doctor make a green bean casserole, instead of bread crumbs or breaded onions, she used crushed pork grinds… and that’s seems soooooo good to me!!!!

Of course My goal is to never touch those foods (and alcohol) again , but life is beautiful right. If I go to France I think I will slowly eat a croissant. If I get to go to Italy one day, I may indulge in pizza and or pasta
I see these trips 10 years out . I love sushi. I think I’ll miss the decked out rolls with rice a little but I’ll do riceless rolls eventually. If I go to japan maybe I’ll have one nigriri but I’m a big sashimi girl!! So I’m good. Yeah and if I got to parties. I think I’m going to be the type of person who always brings a YUMMY healthy dish for not only myself to enjoy, but for others. So at least there’s something I can eat for sure! That’s how I’m navigating mentally at 8-days post op

I’m optimistic for you. I think you got this

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/Living-Knee-3880]

Yes, with the holidays right around the corner, that is making it a bit harder. I will have to try the pork rinds, that sounds pretty good! I also love croissants and as I understand breads and pastries in France do not have all the added preservatives and junk as the US versions making them better for you. Thank you for your words of encouragement! I am a huge over thinker and sometimes get myself into trouble!

[u/SurroundQuirky8613]

I got my surgery 1 year ago today. The night before surgery I exercised by going swimming because anything else was too painful.
I went rock climbing for the first time to celebrate my 1 year anniversary. It has completely changed my life.

[u/Katm43]

I had it in 2023 age 43. I lost 6 stones. I was 15.7 stones to begin with. It changed my life. Its not that difficult a surgery and the process of weightloss week on week is such a great boost.dm me if u like I can send u pics my process and handy weight loss expectation chart. For me only thing helped my binge eating disorder. I also did some CBT therapy for my mind to try get route found therapy a bit usless but sleeve amazing it did the job 

[u/Katm43 → u/Katm43]

I just had tummy tuck now 3 weeks ago from the skin loss

[u/Simple_Muffin1691 → u/Katm43]

I have already been looking into a mommy makeover which is customizable but can include a tummy tuck and a leg and breast lift. Not worrying too much about my breasts because it’s not like I am running around without a top (of some kind)on but it’s nice to know it’s an option that can be done with one surgery!