last chance to chicken out - argh

:cry:I have my RNY on Monday and after a mainly positive week with of research and positive support from my sister and husband, I'm having a bit of a panic.

My concerns are around what it's like to live as someone who has had weight loss surgery. I've got such a long list of positives to gain, from health reasons to just living the fullest life I can reasons but its all those things have have a hold of us food lovers that are holding me back.

Can I face a life of small portions? Have I chosen the right surgery? Will I be able to cope with the mental side of changing the way I think?

I ask myself these over and over and my answer is normally - Yes!, yes I can. But then I wobble again.

Please let me know how the RNY has made a positive difference you your life - looking for reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. (probably doesnt help that it's "that" time of the month too)

Thanks all

I'm in Surrey too and had mine on a Monday.

Who is your surgeon and which hospital are you going to.

It has certainly changed my life, just recently had cosmetic done to finish up the process.

Good luck, it's definitely been worth it for me. Not had a great recovery but onwards and upwards!

I had my op in November last year, I now am 6 stones lighter I can do so much more than I used to be able to do, I am sooooooooooo glad I had it done, as for food, well I have very little interest in food and I miss nothing from my *old* life

I am now almost 2 years post gastric bypass. Life is amazing! I work hard now to lose weight, I joined slimming world to keep it coming off as its not the easy journey it is purported to be in the media.

The first six months will be difficult as you adjust to the new way of eating, and also learn what your new stomach will and won't tolerate and what your limits are. You'll get it wrong sometimes, and pick yourself back up and go again. It will also be exhilarating as the weight will really fall off in those first six months.

Nowadays I eat pretty much what I want. I can go out and eat with my family and I still enjoy my food. I know my limits so rarely have issues eating out and my portions, although larger, will never approach what they used to be.

I can run, and dance and I feel so much happier in myself. I look so much younger and healthier. I won't lie, the mental side is the hardest, but it is an ongoing battle. I still wake up and fight my demons every day. I probably always will. But they're easier to fight when you're slim.

Jemima, I'm going to Spire Gatwick Park. Mr Monkhouse is the surgeon.
Dumping is one of the things that scares me, I know why it's going to be a useful tool, but I am just having doubts about if I should stick with RNY or opt for Sleeve.
Argh - head is in a spin.

You can still get dumping with a sleeve hon, but they're both good options. I would go by the recommendation of your surgeon.

Sleeve or bypass both good options. From your particular eating your surgeon will have recommended what is best for you. It's natural to be wondering if you are doing the right thing. I'm still debating whether to have the bypass and I had it last May I'm further north in Surrey, had my cosmetic done at East Grinstead.

If you are (un)lucky enough to get dumping, embrace it, you won't be repeating it too often, but that's kind of the point. It's not life threatening and it passes.

You'll be used to your new normal life within a short while, and it's then normal .

My Surgeon felt RNY was best for me. I'm just a big panic pants and don't like the idea of not being able to eat a whole pizza or half a bar of galaxy but that it just my head controlling what I actually need.
I've never been an emotional eater, I just love food and eat too much.

You have given me some good info Guys thanks.

Yvessa, what sort of portion do you have now you are a couple years out?

Oh and do you feel hungry with a RNY? was just a thought, as your stomach is all still there, just bypassed!

I have felt normal hunger from quite early on, but I mean normal like most people not like what I used to feel preop. My portions vary as my restriction varies. I can eat a small meal - I stick to my teaplate when I'm at home, but if I'm out I can manage about 1/2 an adults meal.

Thanks all, just what I needed to hear. I know that this is the right thing to do and a happy, healthy full life and new closet awaits me on the other side but its the fear of the unknown that gives me the jitters! Xx

I can't add anything different to what the others have said but wanted to wish you good luck xx

No regrets at all. 7 months out. 7 stone gone for ever hopefully. Feel great and look great according to everyone I meet!! Just want to lose another stone.

Don't be scared, just imagine the voice that is worrying you is the voice that stops you from being healthy and you want to be healthy so just ignore it and embrace the journey.
Nothing to be scared of, everything to look forward to!!

Just imagine being able to walk into any shop and try on any clothes. Run up and down stairs. Fit comfortably in an aeroplane seat. It's all going to happen. That's what you should be thinking about. Your happy new life!!

Good luck

:gen126: Aw, what a great bunch you are ! :gen126: