SCARED

Well, my roux-en-y is scheduled for March 9th. My Pre-OP class for February 6th. Things are on a roll..... NOW.... I've decided to get scared. I'm so sick of feeling sick, and dragging this body around. I know I can loose huge amounts of weight , but I can never keep it off. I know if I don't make some permanent alterations and provide myself with a permanent tool for weight loss, I will never keep the excess weight off. I'm an RN....I know the routine.......I know I'll die sooner if I don't get this weight off.....but now I'm getting scared. What's up with that?! I think I'm grieving to some extent. Food has been such a coping mechanism for me. Plus, I worry about how I'm going to anticipate, and get everthing together to keep myself healthy once I do have the procedure. I want to look better. I don't want to look like a pale, ghostly, wrinkled old woman. Is it possible to eat normally, healthfully after surgery? Is it possible to feel really well and full of energy? I don't want to be thin, but feel so bad I can barely function.....Any help out there.....words of wisdom......Thank you!

Mine is March 8th, and I know exactly how u feel. I get this nervous jumpy feeling in my stomach whenever I think about the surgery. I keep asking myself "what have I gotten myself into?' but then I think about all the good stuff that I will get to enjoy and how much happier I am going to feel...don't worry at first it'll probably be hell but in the long run it will all be worth it.

Do you attend a support group? I do, and it has helped ease my fears a lot. I have met people in all stages of this process. Every week after group there is a bunch that goes out to eat together, so I would say that yes, you can lead a normal life, but it does take discipline and it will be a big change, especially at first. My surgery date is March 9, but I have been attending the support group for about 2 months already. There are a lot of to go boxes at these dinners, but I have never seen anyone have trouble finding something to eat. Immediately after surgery maybe different, but I think in the long run, for most people... it will be ok. I have a friend who had this surgery 5 years ago who says it is the best decision she ever made. And everyone I have asked in group says they would do it again in a minute. So hang in there, I am sure it will be ok. I can't wait for my day to get here! Yay!

Hi my name is Linda and I live in NM. I am scheduled for surgery on March 8th in Lubbock TX. I am a CNA at a local hospital on a med surg floor. I too feel a little over whelmed at times but I am very excited! Let me tell you this. My sister had the surgery in August, 2005. At her largest she weighed in at roughly 350+ pounds. Now she is an amazing 152! She looks so good and so healthy for the first time since I can remember. Referring to your questions: YES IT IS POSSIBLE TO EAT HEALTHY! The diet has changed since my sister had hers done but now the diet seems more "filling" if you will. And now, haha, my sister can actually run and play with her two small boys who are full of energy, something she couldnt even think about before. So please do yourself a favor: DO IT! I wish I had a pic to post of her on here to show you the difference, you wouldnt believe your eyes. i will have to get one. GOOD LUCK AND I WISH YOU THE BEST! TRY NOT TO BE SCARED! JUST REMEMBER: THIS IS FOR THE "NEW" AND BETTER YOU! I CANT WAIT TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE IT MAKES IN MY LIFE. ALL I KNOW IS MY LIFE WILL BE BETTER IN SO MANY WAYS AND THAT HELPS KILL OFF THE NEGATIVE FEELINGS, NO MATTER HOW LITTLE OR HOW MANY ONE MAY HAVE!

Unlike you, I don't have a date yet. I'm waiting for insurance to decide, etc. I don't know how long it takes once insurance says alright, etc. I know I'm ready to do the surgery, but then I get myself all worked up. I'm scared, but mostly of the anethesia. Am I crazy for that part? I have great confidence in my surgeon, but I keep thinking of the craziest things that can occur. I get so angry at myself for not taking weigh lose more seriously when I was younger and it seemed to come off easier. I am 37 years old and have a BMI of nearly 81. After all of the information I've been pumping into my brain I have started making some changes beforehand, and looking at things like giving up caffeine and carbonated drinks. I'm starting a light exercise program to build up my heart strength and keep the blood pumping smoothly. I'm also starting to drink more water. I want to give my body every possible advantage to the negative things I've heard can happen with surgery. The only thing I'm thinking is going to be really rough is I read I have to go off all pain meds at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. My knees are HORRIBLE. I don't know how well I'll do without any pain med at all. This is also why I'm hoping the more I get rid of the caffeine and exercise my joints will feel better. I feel the most important thing we can do for ourselves is keep ourselves informed and surrounded by as many people that understand this as possible. I truly believe we are in the BEST place possible here online. Let me know what all you've been through and more about your progress. Prayer and thoughts Melissa :)

It's okay to be scared. My date is March 1 and I have too much to do right now to be scared. I 'm and RN too, on a surgical floor and I have run into quite a few women who have come in for their tummy tucks and they look as if they've never been fat. They have energy, they feel good, their medical problems are better or gone. Some have had complications but nothing life threatening. I have asked them all the same question, would you do it again?...they all say yes...You will be okay. As a nurses, we know too much. You know what I'm afraid of, IV's, and blood draws. I don't have very good veins and I know its going to hurt. I know they are going to put a huge 18 gauge in my hand while I'm out and I won't be able to protest. Those IV's never last more than a few hours!! I guess what I'm trying to tell you is this is a very positive change you are making in your life and it will be okay!! Try to keep your sense of humor (I know you have one) stay focused and know that there are people here to help you!! GOOD LUCK!! Signed, Another RN