Those are big deals and to have them tosssed at you the day before? No wonder you are asking is it worth it! My answer is a resounding YES! Look, if you could lose the weight without the surgery AND keep it off without the surgery, you would have. The fact that you are here the day before surgery says a lot about you needing the surgery. I have just one regret and that is that I waited so long to do something about my weight. If I had to do it all over again, knowing what I do now, three years out from surgery, I would do it all over again. This is the best thing that I have ever done for myself!

That said, if the $250 and the change in time requires you to postpone, then postpone. Just don't give up! Hang in there and be in touch if you need to talk or anything.

Pat

Yes- it really, really, really is worth it…I don’t think you can be sane and not wonder if it’s a good idea to have a perfectly healthy organ removed. But I can tell you, having had all those thoughts- and still sometimes as I pay the bills or have a rough day- being 80+ lighter than I was in March- I would have gone through all that and more. I think also- for me- there was a sense of shame involved that I got so obese it required surgical intervention to fix- but it did- and it worked- and that sense of shame is diminishing as I do the work every day to continue to loose and maintain. It’s worth it all just to shut off that horrible internal dialog that played constantly about how big I was getting and how much I was failing at getting some control over the problem. Beg, borrow and steal for the copay (ok, maybe don’t steal)- if you are in the NYC/ NJ area- message me and I’ll come pick you up and drive you there- but do keep moving towards your goal.

It seems you have been committed to this surgery since day one and to have issues come up at the last minute would be very discouraging. You have come this far and I think most of us got cold feet the day before our surgery. The last thing you need is more stress on top of that.

I hope these issues can be worked out with your surgeon and you are able to go ahead with the surgery tomorrow. The money would also throw me off finding out the day prior to surgery. There were so many things you need to do to get to this point that it just may have been something that slipped your mind as it wasn't brought up again like the rest of the pre-surgery instructions are. It's a lot of information dates/meetings/appointments to keep track of and remember. I know I forgot about a couple of things.

The bottom line is: you're committed to this complete lifestyle change, you've completed all the tests/labs/meetings/appointments necessary to be cleared for this surgery and a little apprehension the eve of the surger is very common. Most of us didn't make this decision lightly and I doubt that you have either. People who don't have the education/information on WLS have no idea how hard it is. It's not an EASY FIX and It takes a lot of willpower and determination to follow through with this complete change in both your eating habits and need for exercise4.

IT IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT!!!!!! I'll be thinking of you and wishing you the best of luck. Please keep us informed on how things are going for you. That's why we are here.

Karen

We all have doubts prior to surgery and also in the days following, if you can believe it. This is a major life change and you're the only person who can decide if it is a necessary life change and worth it to you.

Which is to say, it doesn't matter what 'everyone' is telling you. What are YOU telling you? if you don't think this is the right step for you, don't take it. If you are unsure, wait. Spend a little time in deep meditation. Search the deep places of your heart. Remind yourself why you wanted the surgery in the first place. A change in time and the co-pay are disturbing, but are they truly dealbreakers? Only YOU can answer that.

As far as time changes. I got all checked into the hospital...FINALLY on my day of surgery and they pushed me off to the next day, but not to first thing in the morning the next day, they pushed me off to last thing the next day. My insurance was covering, so not such a big deal, but BOY was I hungry! LOL!

Let us know how it is going, whatever your decision. All my best to you.

Yes. Absolutely.

Don't let your very normal anxiety derail your plans and all of your hard work.

$250 may seem like a lot now, but it is worth it in the long run. That is a small financial investment to make in your health. Honestly, you will probably end up eating so much less than you did before that you will start saving $100s in groceries and eating out on a monthly basis, and recoup your investment.

Good luck. Push forward! Do not look back.

You have to be 100% ready for the surgery. It's normal to be nervous but you have to be in the mindset to go through with it. I initially looked into surgery 5 years ago and began the POWL regimen only to quit because I wanted to give myself one last go at doing it on my own. I didn't come to the realization until July 2013 to have the surgery. I was sleeved on 11/6 and am really happy. I think my only regret is not having it done years ago. Good luck in whatever you decide. Feel free to reach out with questions or add as a friend.

It is VERY worth it! I am sorry that you have had all of these things thrown at you the day before the surgery, but hopefully you are able to work things out. Good luck and I hope all goes well. Having this surgery is the best thing I have ever done. I am a little over 2 months out and have more energy, lose fitting clothes (already have a pile of clothes to take to Goodwill), and look forward to getting on the scale now to see the results. Try not to stress too much and realize that on the other side of surgery is a new start!

ABSOLUTELY worth it. I am 5'7" also, and was 254 prior to surgery. It was a constant roller coaster for me. I am SO happy, I didn't change my mind prior. This is a very good tool to have on your side. Don't give up now.

Good for you. Just follow your surgeon's instructions to the letter, don't forget to splint (put pillow over abdomen when getting up/down or coughing, etc.,), try to get as much water in as you can. If you surgeon gave you prescriptions for pain, nausea and cramping take them if needed - that's why you have them. A lot of my cramping came from anesthesia (gas left in abdomen).

So glad you were able to go ahead with the surgery and begin your weight loss journey along with the rest of us. Take it one day at a time with an eye toward your end goal and you'll do just fine. You'll be so glad you have taken this step. It's not easy, but it is so worth it.

Keep us up-to-date on your health, feelings, progress and any questions you may have. That's why this is such a wonderful group. No judgment, just advice and support.

So happy you were able to get the surgery! Everything will get better. I am so happy I got this surgery, I feel great!

I completely forgot how much I saved in food. I used to eat breakfast out 4 days a week and dinner 2 times a wk. I can afford really good groceries now.

I second this. I can actually afford to shop at Whole Foods now!

Thanks everyone! Had surgery Wed. And going home today! It has definitely been a rough start with nausea, but feeling better today thankfully. Now it's just adjusting. I appreciate the encouragement!

Great work!