Is it just me?

Right after I found out that I was approved for the surgery I started hearing worse case scenerio stories. I knew there were risks. But, it's just odd that in the last few days I've heard of a death, close to death, and possible colostomy bag for life. I know there are risks. I feel comfortable w/ my surgeon. But, it's just odd that the scary stuff is SO in my face right now. I'm having a hard time keeping friends and family on my side during this time.. OK. I have to make dinner for the family. Hugs~ Heather LAP RNY 10/6/05

I have heard all kinds of stories, more good than bad. But my way of looking at it is simply this is a choice I have made in order to improve my quality of life. Whatever happens is the way God planned it and I will proceed with him holding my hand. Jane

AMEN MS JANE ... ISN'T IT WONDERFUL WHEN WE QUIT TRYING TO CONTROL OUR OWN LIVES ... JUST MAKE GOOD DECISIONS & THEN LEAVE EVERYTHING IN HIS HANDS! LIFE BECOMES A JOYFUL ADVENTURE! GOD'S BLESSINGS DURING YOUR JOURNEY! DAWN & NICK

Heather - unfortunately, the ONLY things people hear about most surgeries of any kind is the bad stuff.....just remember, there are THOUSANDS of surgeries that went swimming-ly well, and we DON'T hear about them, 'cause all went well !!! Just stick to the positive side, and read all the posts here about people who wouldn't do anything different for all the world...... Don't fret too much about your friends and family right now, just focus on doing YOUR thing, and getting YOUR self healthy. They'll see the change soon enough -- they are just thinking that we're a bit nutty for undergoing such a drastic thing, but probably they don't really (Can't really) empathazie because they don't have our same difficulty. Mostly they care about you, and are just concerned. That's how I see it, anyway. Best best wishes, and hang in there! Date is coming soon......

Heather, I know exactly what you mean, when I was just thinking about having the surgery stage, I got alot of flack from several family members, stating they all knew somebody that had the surgery and blah blah blah happened to them, and I better not do it blah blah blah.... I will admit hearing those stories made me very afraid -- but I had an inbreed determination to go through with this, so I never let those stories trip me up, I listened then I immediately put them out of my head... Well my answer to that is like some of the previous posters here, and basically how I try to live my life, "walk a day in my shoes", until you do that, its easy to say what you would or wouldnt do or what I should or shouldnt do. Yes unfortunately I did this to myself but now its {the weight}; has taken on a life seperate from my own and I need to rid myself of this problem, I've tried all the conventional methods with minimal results, I've researched WLS for over 2 yrs. and finally made up my mind, with my physicians assistance I am ready for this wholeheartedly.... Humans by nature are afraid of the "unknown" and with this surgery that's just it, but like yourself I'm confident in my surgeon and the hospital that I'm having the surgery in, I've been a pt. there for many many yrs. both my children were born there -- and most of all I trust in the all mighty and if it is his will "thy will be done", lets face it you could just as easily go out your door to work or the store and be faced with a tragedy, etc. etc -- tomorrow is not promised to us, however I do believe each one of us is here for a purpose and when that purpose is complete God will call you home, again as humans we would all love to know when our purpose is complete, but to me the not knowing is the beauty of it all, because each day that I am able to open my eyes and see the world {no matter how crummy it is}; I am glad and I rejoice in it.... Basically what I'm saying is try to put the stories of tragedy out of your head and think POSITIVELY -- and for those that are telling you all these tragic stories, simply ask them to pray for you and your family instead of torturing you, if their a real friend they will comply.... God bless you, keep your head up, and your eye on the prize, you'll make it.... Latricia Surgery scheduled for 10/25/05 {11 days after my 39th birthday} "I dont feel my purpose has been fulfilled" "We are finite, he is infinite in his wisdom"

Heather I know exactly what you are saying and the closer it gets the more opinions people have. You can read it anyway but I too would rather focus on the thousands of surgeries that are great than dwell on the few tragedies. I am sure you have researched this for a long time like I did and finally I decided if God can lead me to this, He'll lead me thru IT. My mind is clear and I know I am doing the right thing but you do take a big deap breath when you hear those stories. Good luck,

Hey sweetie, I completely understand. I always turned my head away from the stories. However, I find out today I have a date, and then a well loved member of our California boards passes away tonight. It's like a slap of reality, and it hit me loud and clear. I seem to think I'm invincible, and I know this isn't true, even more so now. I didn't think I would get the jitters, but I have.

JITTERS ARE UNDERSTANDABLE TINK, BUT OF NO HELP. WHETHER YOU BELIEVE IN GOD OR NOT, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE ROAD OF LIFE WE MUST COME TO THE REALIZATION THAT WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF MUCH MORE THAN OUR OWN DECISIONS, ACTIONS & ATTITUDES. IF IT IS OUR TIME TO DIE, IT WON'T MATTER IF WE ARE IN BED OR ON AN OPERATING TABLE. LIVE LIFE THE BEST YOU CAN & TO THE FULLEST, & NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS, YOU WILL BE READY! GOD BLESS DAWN & NICK