Hi Kniecey, you are not alone! It's normal to be scared before surgery. But keep in mind that the risks of obesity are a lot higher than the risks of surgery. Obesity is really what should be scaring you more!
I did not have a lot of pain after surgery. The gas pain was definitely there but it was manageable. I took my pain meds as directed and did just fine. I also had to brace my tummy with my hands when sitting down, standing up, etc. for several days after surgery, but really, it wasn't so bad.
I got my surgery date three weeks after receiving insurance approval, but I know that can vary a lot.
Feel free to friend me if you want to check out the daily food diary of someone over a year out.
If you haven't found them yet, there are other good online communities where you can get lots of information and support. obesityhelp.com and bariatricpal.com both have forums for the sleeve.

Hi Kniecey. SibylDiane is right, you are not alone. There a lot of us here who are either waiting like you for surgery or have had the surgery and now walking the journey. I had very little pain after the surgery and was off all pain meds by the 3rd day out. I too had to hold my stomach when sitting or getting up, but it really reminded me of the empty feeling I had after giving birth, just that big spcae where the baby used to be or in this case the stretchy part of my stomach.

Hair loss. It's normal and most of us experience this. It's temporary and manageable. Start taking Bitoin or Hair, Skin and Nails now and it will lessen the loss. I am 3 years out now and most of what I lost has grown back. The other thing that will minimilize the loss is making sure to get your protein in every day.

I was probably 6 months from my orientation to surgery. Getting sleeved was the best thing I've ever done for myself. It's a great tool, but it's just that, a tool. Use it and you will lose the weight. Keep using it for the rest of your life and you will keep the weight off.

Feel free to friend me and stay in touch if you have more questions. This is a great group of people and a wonderful support network.

Pat

Hello Kniecey, welcome! I'm Allison and I'm pre-op too. Im in Canada, so it's a different process as far as coverage goes. You will meet a lot of good people here, for sure. I've learned a lot just reading different threads in the forums too. As far as YouTube goes, that can also be a fairly good source for information, however there is some stuff there I found questionable. I make notes and take any questions to either the dietitians or nurses if Im not sure about something.
If you'd like, you can friend me. I'm online every day.

Pat, you changed your profile pic! Love the new pic!

Congrats on taking those first steps towards changing your life. WLS is an amazing tool that I wish I'd had done a long time ago. That being said, I, too was super scared. I think most of us were. It's totally normal.

I have the sleeve, too. I love it and I am glad I went with it. Feel free to friend request me if you're looking for some MFP support from those who've been there.

No one here will ever, ever ever give you a hard time for your choice to choose WLS. We all are here because we are pre-op, post or some somewhere in between. We all have our issues with food (obviously).

The truly important thing is to remember that it's a journey. Your goal is not simply to lose the weight, but to keep it off! I find that to be the hardest. Remember, you will have bad days. Every single one of us has had a few. You'll have one bad bite of food, then pay for it the rest of the day. Or you'll step on the scale, and see no change. It's okay. The next day is a completely new day!

We are all here to help you. You'll find many different perspectives on how to handle the rapid changes you will undertake post surgery. Just ask questions, and we'll be here to answer.

I had my RNY almost 2 years ago. In about 6 weeks I'll have my surgiverary. I'm on here almost everyday reading and responding. I love seeing the stories of all those just starting their journey. The first 6 months are the best part! Take lots of progress pictures because the weight, and the medical issues will just melt away!

I understand the fear. I was very afraid and to be honest for the first two weeks after surgery I thought I had made the biggest mistake of my life. Man was I wrong. It got a lot better after two weeks. I just went in for my 1 year check up. I've lost 111 lbs. I have 30 more lbs. to go. It will totally change your life. Good luck with everything. Feel free to ask me anything. I will be totally honest. Best of luck.