Help! I am really afraid

I wanted to get insurance approval so badly and now that I have it and have a surgery date, I am full of fear.  I'm afraid of losing lots of hair and I'm afraid of being sick afterward but most of all I'm afraid of looking old (I'm 51) once I lose the weight.  Did any one in my age range feel that your face drooped and looked older after losing the weight?

I know I'm sounding whinny, but I think the reality of this is starting to sink in. 

Fear is fine.... the best combat to fear is knowledge, ask about what others have experienced.  I'm not 51 so I can't comment on that but I can tell you that I haven't been sick, nor have I lost hair. And I can tell you that even if I did get sick or lost some of my hair..... I would have still done it. Nothing feels better than looking in the mirror, or walking into a store and buying what you want... or just feel all over BETTER...

wow

i am gonna tell you that i have yet to have the surgery but from what i have seen everyone that has had it looks way YOUNGER and happier so although its normal to be afraid, think of the new you and how great you will be looking

Are you kidding, If you picture is true then the rest will be just fine.  Your right, reality is your gonna be so glad when this is behind you.  We want your post and the great news that follows.  If you are positive then your journey will be.  See you on the other side.

A year ago I was 250 pounds and getting ready for surgery on 9/26/07.  It has been almost a year now and I have lost 114 pounds.  Gone from a 24/26 to a 4/6.   Here is the deal. 

1.  I look 6 years younger than I did before.  That is a plus.. I am 41 now.
2. I did loose some hair around the 6 month mark - but I didn't loose all my hair and it just thinned it out.  However, at that point, I had lost around 60 pounds and I would rather have the weight gone than the head of hair.  So, at that point in time - it didn't matter.  By the way - it grows back so that is no big deal.  And you still will have hair - it is not as if your getting chemo.
3. sick afterwards - if you cheat - you will get sick.  If you do what they tell you to do - then you will not get sick.  Try to eat a candybar.... yeah you will get sick... but it is just your body making sure that you stick to the plan.  I look it as this... I can't cheat because my body will not allow me.  So, in that regards I have the best weight loss coach around... me.
4. Your face will not drop, however you will notice bones in your face that you didn't see before.  I think the biggest issue is sagging skin.  However.... if your wearing clothes - no one will see.... but if your pole dancing... well - yeah they will notice... LOL

People have asked me - will I do it again.... my response is - YES YES and YES.  Wish I had done it sooner.  Was not that big a deal (as in the actual surgery) having 2 kids c-section and a breast reduction was way worse than RYN Surgery.

Good Luck - and if you want to know more - you can check out my site and I have pictures too of my before and after. 

Kendall

Damn, I was really counting on pole dancing once I lost the weight . LOL!

Thanks for the encouragement and advice Kendall, it really helps to hear and you look great!!

I am 58.  I was terrified right up til surgery but hid it from everyone.  I was sure I was going to die.  Surgery went great.  I did not bounce back as quickly as I expected because I developed pnumonia and it caused some pain from all the coughing.  But even with that I only tooks pain med 3 times after I left the hospital except tylenol.  I  don't think I look older from the loss of 35 pounds (so far). but i can see the lines in my face are a little deeper but you know what.  All the aches from arthritis are much better.  I am off cholesterol and diabetes meds.  My bp med is halved and I love shopping for a large instead of xxl or size 22. 

I exercise 5 times a week.  Something I never did.  I started with swimming at 6 weeks and thought it was great.

I am glad I made the decision and got a lap band.    IT WAS MUCH EASIER than I thought.  Not as painful.  Not as scarey.  Not as anything bad I had imagined.
Good luck to ya

ali

GOD BLEESS YOU
your post was like a    .....i really enjoy this forum     you people ..you are all great ..
i will have my sleeve on 29 sept  in stockholm sweden,,,really scared,,,,,
but you all really help people like me,,so good to speak whit somebody................

helo
i will have my surgery (SLEEVE)  on 29 sept ,,,,,just 10 days ..i?m really scared to ...i do all i can to take this out off  my head...and i tell to my self that it will all be ok