To All November Pre-Ops!

I wish you luck, health, joy and excitement for the path you're all about to take. The 7th will be eight months for me and it has been the most exciting time of my life! I know you're all feeling a bit jittery right about now. It's completely normal. I suggest two things: First, go to the "before and after" pics section and look at them and think "this will be me, soon!" Do not, Do NOT, DO NOT read profiles right now! Occasionally, you will hit a land mine (a profile of a procedure that didn't go well) that'll scare the holy poo out of you. JUST LOOK AT THE PICS. Second, time to do some visualization: Close your eyes, a couple times a day, and picture yourself, 12 months from now: How you feel, how you look, the fun of buying clothes OFF THE NORMAL RACK, how other people are complimenting you, the shock of recognition by people you haven't seen in awhile. Feel the feelings, smell the smells, all of it. Take your time. Bask in it. Enjoy it. Then, just for a minute, visualize yourself, one year from now, if you DON'T have the surgery done. If you're like me, you'll almost SKIP into the OR!!! Peace; God Bless! And Good Luck!! Greg Sands (342/196/175)

Thanks Greg, Got to get those jitters under control. 7 more days for me. Your suggestions are excellent!!! I am doing them now. Sheila

Thank you, Greg!! It is getting a bit nerve-wracking for me as I approach my surgery date, and reading your tips helps put it all in better perspective. The next twelve months are going to go by one way or another, so why not have them be working towards a healthier, thinner, better me!!! I realize it won't all be sunshine and roses, but without the surgery, it won't be that, either. Thanks, again, and I'll let you know how I make out once I'm on the "losing side"!! *Kam* PS Congratulations on your weight loss....that, too, is an inspiration!!!

Thank-you so much, Greg! I really appreciate you kind words and encouragement. Congrats on your success as well! Take care, Jacki K from PA

Thanks Greg! My surgery is scheduled for Nov. 21 so I am either thinking about the whole thing or sticking my head under the covers...LOL! I have been dieting for 2 years (just one of the many weightloss attempts I have done) and have lost close to 50 pounds, I know that I would gain that back if I don't have the surgery. But just that weight loss and the exercise I do I have gone from 3X pants and some 4X shirts, to now fitting into 1X. I am looking forward to losing more, and my mind is already thinking about the plastic surgery I am going to get to get rid of my belly flap. Much success to everyone as they go into surgery this month. Hugs, Ellen Johnson

OMG!!! THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!! i am a bundle of nerves right now.LOL. you are surly right on time. i can hardly sleep at all. i just have so much running through my head. i will be glad to have this part of the journey past already! i am not going to give up though! thanks for the advice about reading peoples profiles. that was good advice. *good luck on your journey* ~susanne~

Greg, I had just decided not to read much on profiles as I am 12 days pre surgery. Thank you for the advice. It will help a lot. God bless you too. Colette

Greg, your advice rocks! Thanks, it is nice to hear some upbeat advice for a change. :*)

Thanks Greg - your words of encouragement are well timed! I just posted that I'm very scared and the 1st post I read after posting is yours - it's as if you're the angel that's bringing the words of encouragement directly from God to us pre=ops.... Congrats to you for your courage and all you've overcome in 8 months! I can't wait to post and share you're words that I am living a very exciting time of my life! Peace and love to you from Naples, FL Barbi

Thanks Greg Nov 14th......God Bless