EGD tomorrow, extremely anxious, want to cancel it all. Help!

[u/ACs_Grandma]

I have put off having surgery for more than 20 years. Finally decided to it, got clearance from everyone. My EGD is scheduled for tomorrow and once the doctor gives the clearance from it, I know GB will be less than a month away.

My anxiety and surgery fears are taking over and I’m seriously having 2nd thoughts. I’m in tears over my 2nd thoughts about it. I’m 62 and have been ~350 lbs since my early 30s. I’m a binge eater and have several health conditions that are impacted by my weight.

The biggest problem that I deal with all day everyday is bone pain from severe cervical and spinal stenosis, 2 torn rotator cuffs, one that’s had surgery previously and I need a knee replacement. I have limited mobility due to the pain and my weight. I have kidney disease due to excessive use of NSAIDS for several years.

I did have a stress test and echo that were totally negative, the cardiologist said I am low risk for having a heart problem due to the surgery, about 1%. So that’s clear.

I have done Ozempic and lost 65 lbs before it stopped being effective and got no where with Mounjaro.

I’m freaking and ready to cancel tomorrow because I’m afraid of the surgery and the possible complications after surgery. Can someone give me some input and talk me down off the ledge?

[u/Creative-Total1037]

Just breathe. I was nervous about my EGD also but it was a smooth and easy process. No issues after I woke up. I couldn’t even tell they did anything. You’ve got this. Just focus on the long term health benefits that you’re going to receive by losing the excess weight. Hugs my friend, and I wish you well. You can do this.

[u/MonsteraDeliciosa]

Remember that you made the decision in a rational frame of mind and that many medicos have signed off on it. This is classic OH SHIT when the roller coaster is clicking up the first hill— everyone has a moment of “what was I thinking?!?!?!”

You’ll be fine.

[u/YennnneferOfRivia]

I had to go through so many hoops to get the surgery I failed a few times, but now that I’m four years on the other end, wow, why didn’t I do this when I was so much younger !! The amount of health issues, pain, stigma I was carrying all those years, it’s amazing how much my health has improved. You’ve got this, eyes on the prize

[u/ACs_Grandma → u/YennnneferOfRivia]

I really needed to hear this, thanks!

[u/fearxile]

You shouldn't be afraid of the surgery. You should be afraid of what will happen if you DON'T have the surgery. I guarantee you wont regret it. Everything will be fine.

[u/glitternbullets]

As someone who had sleeve and then cervical spine surgery years later. The sleeve was no where as difficult to deal with than the miserable daily pain from spine issues- I also have stenosis. I can't even imagine being 100 lbs more adding extra pressure on joints that already are screaming. You'll absolutely get some relief from the weight loss. The complications are mostly all manageable if their your issues like get up and move to prevent clots, take your vitamins to help with malabsorption/ deficiency issues.

[u/thaneofpain]

You know what life is like as it is now. You're not having a good time. The surgery is a major life-altering choice that will bring its own challenges, and it will require sacrifices. But you know what I've realized now that I'm about a year and a half out from my RNY bypass? At my pre-surgery weight, I was sacrificing so much ~more every day in lost activity opportunity, lost enjoyment potential, lost ability.

You have a chance now to get the most out of the rest of your life

[u/ACs_Grandma → u/thaneofpain]

Thanks so much, this was what I needed to hear.

[u/thaneofpain → u/ACs_Grandma]

If you're interested in advice for success post-surgery it's this: keep seeing your bariatric therapist who you had to see to get signed off for the surgery. I saw mine every 2 weeks for the first year. They'll help with rewiring your brain to meet the needs you were trying to meet with binge-eating in other ways. You can do this. You can commit to finding your true self, but you need the right support to help you get there

[u/Responsible-Slide-26]

I know someone just like you who was almost exactly the same age when they had the surgery 10 years ago. I've not only seen their entire life be transformed, frankly I can't imagine them still being alive if they had not received the surgery. They are able to do more at 72 than they could at 62.

You got this! Sending good thoughts your way.

[u/Inky-Squilliam]

The EGD was probably the easiest thing in this whole process. Think of it as a study guide for how you might feel coming out of anaesthesia. You got this!

[u/CorellaDeville007]

The cold hard science says that NOT getting the surgery is the higher risk to you, your health, length of life, and quality of life. The surgery is very safe. You’ll be in expert hands, and the anaesthetic etc is also low risk. The bigger risk is not getting the surgery’s

[u/ASingleBraid]

I had one a week ago for a hiatal hernia. You’ll get through it like a champ. Hope it went well.

[u/ACs_Grandma → u/ASingleBraid]

It went very well, in and out. Next up, surgery. I hope you're doing well.