STARTING TO FREAK OUT

HI, MY NAME IS LAURIE AND I'M SCHEDULED TO HAVE SURGERY ON MARCH 31ST(ONLY 4 DAYS AWAY!!!). UP UNTIL THIS POINT I'VE BEEN VERY CALM BUT NOW WITH THE SURGERY JUST A FEW DAYS AWAY I'M STARTING TO GET A LITTLE NERVOUS. NOT REALLY AOUT THE SURGERY, (ALTHOUGH I'VE BEEN TOLD BY A FRIEND THAT HAD THE SURGERY A FEW MONTHS AGO THAT THE I.V IS A REAL *****) BUT ABOUT HOW MY HUSBAND AND THREE KIDS WOULD BE AFFECTED IF I DON'T MAKE IT THROUGH. I'VE BEEN WRITING LETTERS TO THEM IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS AND I GUESS THAT IS WHY I'M SO CONCERNED. I'M COMMITTED TO HAVING THE SURGERY THOUGH, I CAN'T TAKE THE WAY I LOOK AND FEEL ANYMORE. I HAVE TRIED SO MANY DIETS OVER THE YEARS AND THEY ALL FAILED THAT PART OF ME FEELS AS THOUGH I'LL BE THE ONLY PERSON TO HAVE THIS SURGERY AND NOT LOSE ANY WEIGHT. GOD HOW DEPRESSING AM I??? SORRY I GUESS I JUST NEEDED TO VENT SOME FEARS, I KNOW EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE. THANKS FOR LISTENING LAURIE

Hi Laurie!! OK so basically this means your normal and really honestly pre-op!!!! Try not to write letters and dwell on negatives.. You need all of the happy positive energy you can get right now.. So instead of thinking "What would happen to my kids IF" think of the happy healthy active mom you're giving them!!!! Concentrate on the future. From days at the beach in the summer to dancing at their weddings and rockin' the grandbabies!!! SEE??? It's easy to see all the positives in your very happy future!!! Hang in there!!! You're gonna do great!!!!! 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!"

Hi Laurie; I had the exact same fears. I talked them out a lot with my husband and my best friend and I prayed and paryed that helped a lot. Just keep thinking about the wonderful "other side" and all the good things you're opening yourself up for. I'll keep you in my prayers as will a lot of other folks around here. Cheryl

Hi Laurie This is very normal. I am normally an incredibly calm and logical person and I did the exact same thing. I wrote letters to my children as well...even though I knew this decision was the right one for me, I also knew the risks going in and I believed that if anything were to happen I wanted them to know how much I loved them. I don't see anything wrong with that in the least! But, you also need to boost your spirits after the emotional task of writing those letters. If you have a list of the reasons why you are having the surgery then review it and if you don't, then make one. Here are some of my reasons: I want to love my body! I want to play and live and love my children in a way they deserve to be played with and loved. I want to go dancing!!! I don't want to have to look at the weight limit on a chair, bed, etc before I buy it! You can also do some wonderful focusing exercises. You will make it through! You will have a wonderful life beyond the surgery! The rebirth of your body is just the beginning...imagine a world where you feel "normal" and "average". Going for walks and enjoying being in a swimsuit! The path is endless and its your's to walk upon. So do those things you need to do for your emotional health...hold your head high...know with all your heart this is the right thing for you...and the world is your's. I wish you all the love and grace in the world! Lissa 386/360/150

Hey Laurie, We're surgery mates! Just remember fear and nervousness are merely thoughts. It's up to you to give your thoughts power. When you start to think negatively, just remind yourself that all that's happening is you are thinking, nothing more, nothing less. It's not real as our futures are only imagined. Let those negative thoughts pass through you and try and hold on to all the positive ones. I am so looking forward to this surgery. I am looking forward to being given a tool that can help me lead a healthy life. This is all exciting and good. Focus on these types of things. Best of luck, Caboose T-4

Laurie, you are perfectly normal. Up until the week before my surgery I was all fine and dandy..then it HIT Me. I kept telling my husband that I could nto do this surgery. I had thought about writing letters but then thought about not wanting to set myself up for a bad experience. You will do great in surgery and look at everything you will be able to do afterwards. The world is yours. You have no limits on what you could do. I am only 28 lbs lighter but I feel myself finally feeling like my "old" self. Back to normal... back to when I could walk without losing my breath. Put your faith in God. He will see you through it. By the way..welcome to the Marchers!!! Bethany AKA Da Offishal Riddler and Bertha 24 Days into NewPouch and feeling great! -28 lbs!!!! Yayyyy A riddle a day will keep the Marchers pounds AWAY!

Laurie, it is ok to be a little scared, I think that is so "normal." You are going to be OK!!! You're in my prayers!

Hi Laurie, You are not alone my surgery is on Monday and I am having the same feelings. I also have wrote letters to my children. Today I cleaned my house from top to bottom, did all of my laundry and paid all of my bills. Just in case something happens to me my husband won't have to worry about thoose things. I know everyone says don't even think that way but I wouldn't want to have something happen and not have left letters for my children. I know I'll be fine my surgen has not had any deaths and I have total confidance in him. But it doesn't stop me from being scared.

Laurie - Okay, have a little freak-fest and then take a deep breath, say a prayer and give all that anxiety over to God and get ready for a great ride! We'll be here waiting for you! Dina

I did write a letter to my son and today I showed it to him. We cried and laughed over it. He told me he was glad I didn't die. I told him, me too. I'm glad I did it. Your mileage may vary. Linda - The Resident Witch.