As my excitment grows, I wonder if I am normal!

My surgery date is October 12th, Colombus day. I can't believe it is almost here! My journey began so long ago(I actually feel it began at birth!), my consult was August 2003! The days are going by so fast, my last day of work is Oct. 1st and it is getting closer and closer! Sometimes it doesn't feel like it is really happening. I think it will really sink-in the day I read my October message board email and I scroll down to the bottom and see my name in the list of upcoming surgeries. I am sure we all will be excited when we see our names there! Sometimes I wonder if I really do accept it as a reality. I wonder this because I read a lot of messages where people are really scared. I don't feel this way, I am more sure of this than any thing I have ever done in my life. Don't get me wrong, I have moments where things cross my mind, like complications and what ifs, but they are fleeting moments. I just feel that if something does happen it is meant to be that way. I had an uncle who died at 31 and his obesity contributed to it. I just turned 31 at the beginning of the month and I know that this is my only chance to prolong my life, perhaps that is why I am not that scared. Perhaps as the date nears I will discover new fears, I don't know. Am I normal for not being very scared? Congratulations and good luck to everyone! -Amber

Amber, if you're not normal, we'll just be abnormal together. I'm not scared at all - mostly because I've met a great bunch of people in my area who've had the surgery and they're doing just fine. Of course, my date isn't until October 27, so maybe as I get closer I'll start to get nervous. Good luck to you - I know you'll do just fine!

Hi! Amber My new birth date is Oct. 8, 2004. Boy am I glad that I am not the only one that feels this way. I am so looking forward to it. To be able to do the normal things will be heaven, like just breathing, being able to clean your house, mow grass, plant a garden in the summer. Right now I am such a couch potato (food). I get up in the morning eat breakfas****ch TV, eat lunch, watch TV, get a shower and go to work, and it all starts all over again the next day. I am so looking forward to having a real life. I am not scared at all about this. I am older I am 54 with 2 daughters your age, but thank God they aren't going to have to go through this. I will keep you in my prayers that all goes well. Deb

Hi Amber- I am getting 'switched' on 10-5. I wake up, remember, and am a little nervous, but that goes away, or turns into excitement! Once I made the decision, found a fabulous surgeon, and got a date, it got better. 4 months ago, this was not even a consideration. It has moved very fast for me, but thanks to this site, I know I am making the right decision!!! GOOD LUCK!!!

Amber: I'm really glad you wrote that. It's helpful to hear. I certainly have times when things go through my mind, but I really believe that God has me and my family in his hands. He knows what my struggles have been all these years and He knows how wonderful my husband and children are. He will be there for them as well. I just really have decided that this is right for me. Drastic, yes. But, not without careful thought and planning. I'm not writing letters to my family because they know how much I love them and they know how difficult this one issue has been for me all of my life. I really believe I will make it through with flying colors and will be happy to see the "new me" soon. Good Blessings to you and your family. You'll do great!!!