Hello to all my new Friends

Hi all just like to say Thank you all for being here for all us we give each other so much hope.I have only post a few times have just stood back and read all your post .you all have gave me some great ideas and answers to many of my questions espically what to take to the hospital. My question to you all is it normal to be scared one minute and so extremely excited the next my biggest fear is dying have not heard anyone mention it, am I crazy are is it something that does run though your mine. I am putting my life in God's hands. Haven't told you all any thing about me I am 44 live in Belton, South Carolina I am 5-3 and weigh 367 pounds. Have wanted this surgery for 10 years when I lived in Los Angeles Ca. my hmo would not cover it was under 300 pound. Then in 2000 lost my job got robbed and fell into a deep depression after about a year got on social security but you can quess at my age it not enough to live. in 2003 my aunt was diganois with lung cancer she was my mother's care taker. moved back here to help my Mom. This is a very poor state but rich in friends and good neighbor's. got on the waiting list with Dr. Rowiz it took me almost a year but my 1st appt was 1-27-04 since then everything has went so fast now it is here I am in shock. I have 3 children 23 year old daughter who is California and my 2 younger children Craig who just turn 18 and my Angel girl April who is 21 she waits on me hand and foot and is my best friend and supporter she is always looking out for me and has given up so much she 1st quit high school in 2001 to take care of me tHEN SHE MARRIED HER LONG TIME BOYFRIEND and had a beautiful little boy her marrige has fallen apart because he didn't like being number 2 now it is just me and my daughter son and grandson who is 2 years old and I love him so much he makes me happy. well enough of my rambling. just a note on the recliner I am lucky to have a lift chair so at my weight I am sure I will be in it for a while .I am a SIDE SLEEPER AND i HAVE HEARD THAT IS HARD. All Marchers good luck and God Bless please keep me in your prayers I never found an Angel so I will just adopt all of you. Thank for listening to me Vent and God Bless. Dawn P p.s. would love to post a picture but not very tech like can anyone tell me how and I hope I can figure it out,

HI Dawn!!! Welcome to the Marchers!! Congrats on your big day finally getting here!! What a road you have traveled!!!! Your new life is so close you must be a bundle of emotions!!! Hang in there.. it's perfectly normal to be happy/excited/scared/anxious etc... all at once.. ready to cancel one minute and ready to meet them at the hospital the next!!! You've come this far so I know you're gonna be just fine!!! As for posting your pic .. go to "Update Your Profile" at the top and look for the part that says "posting a picture' you send a pic to a volunteer and they make it appear for us... Good thing too cause I am not so puter savvy.... Sinseerlee, Kathy Offishal Marchers Cheerleader Captain Flatulence Monitor Angel to the Queen "It's time to throw down the pom poms and get into the game!"

You sound very normal to me my friend. We all go through waves of fear and excitement. Arent granchildren the best? I have a 2 year old grandson too! I'm looking forward to being able to do so much more with him when I lose this extra person! As far as side sleeping, I am now beginning to be able to sleep on my right side (1 week post op), but it still hurts to sleep on my left. I guess that makes sense, since the stomach work is on the left and sleeping on that side throws all my other insides on top of it! Each day and each night is getting better. I'm so glad you are getting to have this surgery! Joy

Hey Dawn - Welcome to the Marchers. I'm the day after you, and know exactly how you are feeling. Up until this week I've been able to stay really excited - this board helped alot with that. Now that I'm only a week away though, I find myself wondering - what am I getting myself into!! I know it's just nerves, and that it's normal. I'm still so excited, but at the same time, all the other emotions are overwhelming at times. I read an earlier post that said this last week would be an emotional roller coaster for us 3rd weekers. Just hang in there, and we will do this!! Before we know it we will be on the losin side and getting a handle on our lives again. I have a 7 yr old, and when I start doubting, I think of her and all that I want to do but can't right now. Keep that grandson in your mind, and how much better his life will be as well, when he has a gramma that can keep up with him!! Prayers and Happy thoughts! mgm

THANKS MARLA, as for my grandson and keeping up with him that will never happen he has so much energy but I sure will give it a try.Stay in touch and hope all goes well I know it will all be great in the future but it is the fear of not knowing that gives me doudts but I will never give up I have came to far to back out now.God bless CAN ANYONE OUT THERE SHARE THERE FOOD LIST WHAT THEY NEED RIGHT AFTER THEY COME HOME.

Hi, Dawn! You've found "home"!!!! Be assured, you're in my prayers. I'm getting re-plumbed on Tuesday and plan to pass the time in pre-op holding by praying for all the Marchers. THAT ought to keep me occupied!!! We're here for ya. It's a transitional time right now as we're all going thru our surgeries...FINALLY!! It's totally awesome realizing that in less than 48 hours I'm going to begin a whole new life!! Like my precious (but often twisted ) Angel, Kathy, says...keep your eye on the goal. I'll be there to greet you on the other side!! Kimmer Queen of the Niners, Instigator to All Marchers, High Priestess of Giggles Zero-minus-ONE MORE DAY TO GET THRU!! WA-HOO!!!!!!!!!