After 16 months I have the date of my surgery.

Yes, after 16 months I finally have the date for my surgery and it is October 11th. I am really excited but wondering how I will be after surgery as far as the changes that I will go through mentally as well as physically. I need all the support and best wishes I can get. Thanks to everyone out there. Cindi

Wow ! what a long time to wait for your surgery date.It has been 9 months for me so I won't complain. well first of all congratualtions and lots of luck. We will be praying for you hope all goes well. Just keep your spirits up.

congradulation on your date best wishes for a speedy recovery and 16 month is a LONG time been there done that too...three years waiting here in canada but move aside my turn is coming up

Congratulations

Well, if it means anything to you, I too had to wait 16 months! So I know exactly what you have had to endure! My surgery won't be until the 19th, however. I'll be anxious to hear how it goes for you! Julie

Hi Cindi, It is amazing the feelings one goes through. My journey began in April of 2003 and I finally was given a surgery date in end of July. Originally my date was Oct. 12th but it was pushed back to Oct. 19th., so another week was added on! Anyway, I understand how it feels to wait for so long. It (at least for me) is like I worked so hard and long and the moment is finally here, all I can do is wait. I almost feel as though I forgot to do a test or something, I keep checking. Waiting is the hardest part, though. I envy you in a way, having just been given your surgery date and it really isn't that far away. Don't get me wrong, I am VERY happy that I even have a date and I am also thankful for the extra time I have to get things done before surgery. So, to address your anxiety about the changes you will go through mentally and physically. I have to let you know that I am right there with you! I feel as though I have already gone through some mental changes, but I won't get into that right now. I do, however, totally share your anxiety. I find it ironic that I am not really scared of having complications or anything along those lines(It crosses my mind, but doesn't weigh on it like this stuff). I worry (a lot) about the changes I will go through and the way people will treat me because of these changes. I have watched two women who have gone through wls successfully be chastised by people they thought were their friends, and to their faces they acted like their friends! After watching this happen first hand I worry so much about what will happen with me. Not only have they been through a lot of back stabbing but they have had a lot of marital problems (this isn't a concern for me, I am single.) But, people, including friends and family, have their own issues. Their insecurities often lead them to feel jealous and threatened by a person changing so drastically for the good. Often other women like to keep us around because in their minds we make them look better(like the pretty one) or because they think we are not a threat to them(all the guys will like me, not the fat one.) We know better than this, but everyone has insecurities. Unfortunately the changes we go through tends to bring them out in some people. They have never been where we are so they can not realize what we have gone through for this. They don't realize the health issues we have and that this is the only thing that will help us. So, basically the issues other people have with us is their problem, it is their insecurities and their ignorance. Try to keep that in mind. Also, try not to get too upset over it. In time all will settle. Directly after surgery we begin to lose weight and generally keep losing it. People will notice and pay attention, more attention than they paid us before. Some people will say how we are changing, but really they didn't notice us much before so how could they know us enough to know if we are changing? Basically, people will notice... I noticed and paid more attention to the women I know as they lost weight! Not only do I worry about how people will treat me, but I worry about how I may act. I have never been near 'normal' weight. How will I act, will I change? It is something I worry about. I also worry about the physical changes. What will life be like with less pain? To be able to run, and walk briskly? To not have sleep apnea? Will I be able to adjust? What if I fail? What is it going to feel like to not have a huge tummy? To cross my legs? Buy clothes in smaller sizes? What will it be like to not be able to eat anything I want whenever I want? What will dumping be like? And so many other things! Last but not least, I worry about what is going to happen once I reach my goals? Will I feel empty, like there is nothing to strive for? After such a long winding road to this surgery, will it be worth it in the end? It has been so long since I began this journey it has become a part of me. It consumes me. I spend my time reading and talking about it. I am always on the internet and on this site. What happens when the surgery is done and I am long term post-op? I am so sorry that this post has ended up this long. I just want you to know that I worry about these things and many others not written here. You are not alone in this and many, many of us feel the same way. I hope in some way this has helped you. I wish you luck, love, and happiness! Have a great day! -Amber