Sep 7, 2010 Posted by Jesse Friedman on Sep 7, 2010 in Surgery

Five Things That Terrified Me Before Surgery

On May 12, 2010 I received RNY Gastric Bypass

I had a ton of testing before hand and during that time I was so eager to get the tests done I really didn’t stop to think about the negatives. I was so amped to be like the countless others who had real success with the surgery. Then after the doctor approved me for surgery and the insurance company agreed to pay for it, it all hit me like a sledge hammer.

I Was Scared

It was an overwhelming feeling of “Am I making the right choice here?”. Luckily I have a very supportive wife and family. I of course went through with the surgery but what follows was my top 5 list of fears leading up to the surgery.

5. Giving Up My Favorite Foods

The number 1 thing you have to limit or exclude from your diet post-op is sugar. When you think about it sugar is in some of the best tasting foods. You have to limit the sugar consumption because you don’t want dumping syndrome and frankly sugar is the biggest reason I needed the surgery to begin with. There’s something reassuring when you’re dieting (pre-op) that if I wanted to I could have some chocolate or other high sugar item.

I figured now that I’m getting the surgery I’d have to eliminate it completely along with other foods that may just no agree with me. Still to this day I can’t eat grilled chicken or pork, it’s just too tough and difficult to digest.

I was very scared that I’d never be able to enjoy another smore, candy bar or scoop of ice cream. Now 3 1/2 months post-op I have enjoyed these items, rarely and in very small portions.

I do feel much better knowing I don’t have to eliminate those foods completely even though I do choose to stay away.

4. The Actual Surgery

Surgery complications are common in all cases. RNY Gastric Bypass is by no means a simple procedure. There are six laproscopic incisions made. Then they cut a small pouch out of your stomach and re-route your intestines. I also had my gallbladder removed since the ultrasound showed something unusual.

The whole idea of being knocked out and out of control of my own body was very scary. I have had surgery before but never as a Dad, Husband and Professional Businessman. All three come with responsibilities and priorities and the last thing I want is to have a complication from the surgery or worse die.

Well it’s 3 1/2 months later and I’m still here so obviously the surgery went well.

3. Hair Loss

A VERY common side effect is hair loss and having brittle and unhealthy finger nails. This is because you’re body struggles after the surgery to get the right amount of vitamins and minerals. This is why we take supplements. The hair starts falling out and your finger nails start becoming unhealthy.

This was something I was pretty afraid of but at the same time I have very thick hair. I figured losing some hair may not even be something that’s noticeable. My mother got the surgery and she has no real hair loss so maybe my genes would work in my benefit for once.

I still have not had any significant hair loss, and I’m taking my vitamins regularly to try and prevent this. My wife also gives me scalp massages which are awesome in their own right (thanks babe!). I do however still freak a bit when I see more than a normal amount of hair between my fingers or in the shower. I’ll keep you posted on this.

2. Loose Skin

Number 2 and 1 should really be a tie because I’m equally fearful of both. I’ve been overweight for almost my whole life, it’s the only thing I’ve ever known. I was used to being fat and what that comes with. What I’m not used to being is thin with skin hanging lose off my body.

I’m sure I can hide the skin from most people and in most situations. I won’t be able to hide it from my wife and while she is the most accepting and open minded person I know there are limits. “Will my wife still find me handsome, sexy or even just bearable?”

I felt like I might be trading one horror show for another but in the end I ruled that it’s worth it. I’d rather be alive with lose skin then dead.

At this moment I’ve lost about 90lbs. I am starting to see a slight sag in my skin. My mom refers to this as “deflating”. I have been hitting the gym like a mad man to do everything I can to tighten up my skin. I put up a post on ObesityHelp.com asking if its a myth that you can lose the extra skin by working out. The general concensis is “No”, however there were some promising stories of people who lost a great deal with no sagging skin.

At this point I’m hopeful but expecting the worst.

1. Failing Again

What could be worse than going through this entire process. The surgery, the life style changes, the hair loss and everything else all for nothing. There are countless stories of people who lose the weight and gain it all back.

The only thing about this fear is that it’s completely in my hands. Unlike the other fears the only one I can blame for failing is myself. I will NOT let that happen. I’m going to meet my goals and regain my life.

I can’t say that I’m totally over these fears but I am happy that I went through with the surgery and I’m thrilled with my current success.

Whether you’re pre or post op lets hear what you’re fears are/were

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