New here ~ November 18th!

Hi everyone. My "real" name is Laura, but I mostly go by Indi. I have been mostly a lurker for the past few months. I am a 42yo wife & mom of 5. I am scheduled for my Lap RNY on November 18th at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH. When people ask me if I'm scared to have the surgery, I have to honestly answer "no." I'm an RN and did a lot of research, and I know all of the possible complications, side-effects,etc...but for some reason, I'm not afraid. It makes me wonder what's wrong with me? What I *am* afraid of, if this surgery should fail me, if I should have complications (or even the most minimal side-effects,) is what to say to the nay-sayers, or how to respond to all the "I-told-ya-so's." I'm going head-on into this surgery on the heals of all the "new" stats on WLS that came out in the news last week...all the people who have died to try to live, all the people who tell me now that I will die of malnutrition, all the people *****ally *do* love me but are much more worried about me dying than I am myself. What is wrong with me? Why am I not afraid? Does this mean I *am* going to die? You get the picture... Anyway, I'm looking forward to getting to know many of you here, and maybe we can all help each other over some of these bumpity-bumps. Overall, I'm pretty excited. Blessings to all, Indi

The surgery doesnt fail us we fail the surgery. it is a tool.. hope.. a promise for a future.. we drop weight quickly then we become like normal peole and actually have to work at being healthy.. eatting correctly. meaning veggies and protien. Exercising... FLUIDS, Milk... I am here for the bumpity bumps... enjoy your journey and prove the nay sayers wrong.. be healthy!!!! Its a choice. Linda

Hi Indi, I am also a Nov. 18 surgery baby. I am starting to get scared a little. Mostly when I actually think about kissing my kids goodbye the morning of surgery. I am very excited though and can't wit to be on the other side. Good luck with your surgery. R.Sperry

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone. It's much appreciated. R, looks like we'll be twins, with "rebirthdays" on the same day! I'll keep you in my thoughts that day if you keep me in yours! I haven't even gone so far as to think what it will be like to say goodbye to my kids. They are older and so understand somewhat (9, 14, 16, 17 and 21) but my 9yo is still my baby... I'm trying to stay strong and positive though. I know I'll be back home with them in no time. How old are your children, R?

My kids are babies. 4, 3, and 8 mos. (you can see them on my profile) They just know that the doctor is going to fix my tummy. My husband had Lap RNY on 9/6/05, so they have that experience as reference point. I got very emotional when the wheeled my hubby in to surgery--the goodbyes are hard. I am really not scared about the actual surgery though. I have a lot of confidence in my doctor and I really feel like I need this surgery. Well, Oct 18, folks. We will definately have to keep each other posted. As the date approaches, Maybe I will do a post to get all 11/18 folks names together in one place and maybe we can create our own email list to keep each other updated. Well, good luck everybody! R. Sperry

November 18th here too and yep, I'm going through some of the same things. My M-I-L swears I'm going to die and that all I need is a little physical therapy. Makes it difficult to talk to her about anything when I can't mention what is happening in MY life. I've had 5 serious surgeries in the last 5 years and I think that's why this one have me as concerned as maybe I should be. Starla