I AM NOT AFRAID

I posted this same message on my regular forum ( Vertical Sleeve ) a couple of days ago, and got several responses that made me think that those readying for the big day could use some encouragement, too. I have written to several of you that are May Babies.................I hope to reach each of you as we all are in this graduating class of May, together, and I intend to do all I can to help you make it over the rough spots and the hurdles!! You can write me anytime...................... I will answer. You can call me................. If I don't answer, leave a message, a number and the best time to call you................. I promise I will! (865) 223-6073.......................24 hrs a day!! ____________________________________________________________________- I can HONESTLY say...............I am not afraid. When I first became serious about WLS and went to the local seminar, here, I must admit that it was a bit concerning when the local surgeon said that he had only lost one patient.............. after RNY................ but, that wasn't the scary part. The thing was, he said............She did everything right, too!! Hmmmmmmmmm Makes you think more than once about this. When I made an appointment and asked him about it again............... He said that they had decided that there must have been something in her medical background that she hadn't revealed................ Hmmmmmmm .............................More thought. Then I did some soul searching.............. acknowledged to myself, that the difference in not having this done, is simply a slower death, and a more miserable life as the health problems continue from the age and the weight................. And, I know, that this is the "Miracle" I have looked for all my life............... my PCP I had years ago told me I was looking for a "Magic Pill" and there was none!! I have never asked for "Magic", just not to feel starved and driven to eat when I wish I could give it up entirely ........ and I would if it could resolve the problem............ But that isn't possible. This surgery is possible........................and I feel the VSG is the future...............And, I feel certain that God didn't bring me this far only for another dead end (sorry for the pun) I've been a dedicated mother and grandmother, always............. putting my family first above all..................and now it's my turn..............even my kids aren't 100% behind me.................I'm sure that's based on the fact that they don't wanna give up their dear ole mom who is always there when they want her to be.............. LOL But, as I told them..................you can say what you want........... it won't matter. I AM going to do this.................... You can be positive and accepting of that if you want to be helpful for me, or not......................YOUR CHOICE!! But, regardless.......................I have made up my mind. I firmly believe that God led me to this site, (after all, look at all the angels here!!) and answered my prayers......................... He always does, you know! I brought all my doubts and fears and laid them at His feet.............. "Be not afraid, for I am with thee" So I KNOW................ I am in good hands!!! And, I never felt more certain in my life......... I pray you find that peace and certainty, too! No Doubts!! No Fear!! Just Determination!! ......Karen May 2nd I am MX bound!!

Thank you so, so much for your post. I too am having surgery May 2nd. Getting a lap-band. I can hardly wait. Your words of encouragement have touched me. I'll be praying for you on "our" special day. I'm sorry to hear your children are not behind you in your decision. Hopefully when they see their new "healthier" mom they'll change their minds. God Bless, Lynn

Lynn, I am keeping a list of all the May babies that I meet............... I hope that we will all work together and support each other on the losing side of life. I am so pleased that we will be re-born on the same day!! My children are simply apprehensive............especially since their mother is crazy enough to go to MX to do it!! lol They'll get over it....................then when they see what it does for me, they will want the same thing!! ha Thank you for your sweet note. I appreciate the thoughts and prayers. Know that you will also be in mine, sis!! Blessings........Karen

Me too! We can all root for each other I understand your children being apprehensive. I was originally going to to MX myself and my daughter was a little skeptical at first. I did some research and found two doctors down there that I'm sure would have been terrific. Certainly more experienced with the lap-band than the surgeons here since it was available there so much sooner. It was the travel hassle that changed my mind. That and the aftercare my surgeon here is providing. I don't have any fear of surgery in another country but the travel and follow-up was a big factor so I'll be in Phoenix on our day. I'm saving the travel for when I lose some weight and can really enjoy it!!! A walking tour of France sounds kind of enticing!! Thanks for being there for us "babies".

Karen, Thanks for that post. As open and giving as your are here, I can only imagine how devoted you are to your family. I can see why they'd be nervous but I hope they come to accept your decision. But however that works out, remember we are always here for you. I do not usually presume to speak for anyone else in a forum like this and say "we", but I'm pretty confident making that statement after meeting the people here. You are right about all the angels. Your fellow traveller on the WLS journey, -- T.Rob

I say "we" all the time..........as I have never "needed" and not found, here!! You can feel the love................. All of us have had different experiences in their lives, have been affected differently...........yet somehow "we" all can relate ................. No one understands " us" like one who has felt the same or lived a similar experience. Isn't it wonderful that this site exists for each person to reach out for assistance, answers, encouragement, congratulations, prayer, understanding..................and always somewhere, there is a listening ear!! Wow..................now that is powerful!! You are a great asset on here T Rob as you are very open and encouraging and POSITIVE!! ................Maybe more guys will take the initiative and jump into these forums.................us girls don't have a monopoly.....and all of you are so welcome!! I gotta tell ya though.................... I like that T in your name................... My first born is named Todd!! ....................... Karen

Oh..............and by the way........... You R on my May baby list!!

Karen, I am going to call you after work. My office number is (909) 460-5675 but I won't be in my office today. Thanks for your support Karen. Your the best! Love, Esther

I'm behind all of you.....ALL THE WAY! May surgery is May 7 and I was fine until this weekend when my son, who is a doctor at Loma Linda University told me that I needed to be be afraid because they are taking me apart and putting me back together differently and it is a major surgery. I told him to stop scaring me but he said, Mother....I just want you to realize that this is a serious surgery and not take it so lightly. I know this is a major surgery but I have seen and heard so many successful stories that I know I will be okay. I need everyone to reassure me, especially after this weekend. Thanks, Esther

Esther...................R U home??.................. cause I am gonna call U in a little while??