I am scared!

Hi everyone, I am scheduled for surgery on March 8, 2005. The day after my 45th birthday and I am scared to death. And I am not sure what I am scared of. Some back ground, about 6 years ago, I weighed 300 +. Worked my as__ off literally and lost 70 +lbs. I continued to exercise and watch what I ate but it a plateau and stayed at that weight, give or take 5 or 10 lbs. That lasted a year or so until my hip started interferring with my exercise and walking. I have been having hip pain for 5 or 6 years now. Just this year I have finally found someone that has diagnosed it. Piriformis syndrome is what they are thinking. Needless to say, with the inactivity I have started putting the weight back on. 20lbs in the last 6 months and it scared the ___ out of me . I have to do a liquid fast for 2 weeks before my surgery. I start that 2/22. Any suggestions? I am worried that I won't be able to handle the drinks. My husband does not support me in this surgery. He has a problem with my weight on one hand but then will not support me doing this. He thinks I am just lazy! and has said so to me and the same to dr.Gluck. Dr. Gluck called my home and actually had to talk to him personally before he would sign the consent. My mother, aunt and sisters are not supporting me because they think I am doing this surgery for my husband. I AM NOT! I am doing this for me. I don't want to be like this the rest of my life. Again, I am just scared. I don't think of dying, God is going to take me when it is my time no matter what. I really don't know what I am feeling. Can someone help?????????? Kimberly you may e mail me at [email protected] if you wish

Kimberly, There is plenty of support here to go around! Feel free to post your questions, concerns, or vents here anytime. It is normal to be nervous before a surgery like this one. I sure was. It is harder that your closest family members are not backing you up. You are right, you dont want to live a limited life any more and good for you for making the choice to do something about it. Soon after surgery, I would be willing tobet that your hip doesnt have half of the pain it did and you will be surprised how much more you will be able to do! As far as a liquid diet... maybe soups, protein shakes... jello... things like that. You will be on these after surgery as well so stock up... Hang in there!! Beckie

Kim, I am fairly new as a 2 month post-op, however I have researched this surgery for many years. I went to see my surgeon in June 2001. I wanted the surgery then, I had done the research and new that this was my last chance to become healthier. I was 54 then, I am 57 now. I was very impressed and pleased with the surgeon and his staff. When I presented my findings and plans to my family, I hit a brick wall. My husband was against this, for fear of loosing me. I have had 9 abdominal surgeries and he had learned my intolerances to anesthesia and surgery in general. Nothing I said could change his mind or my childrens mind. I was so unhappy. Then in 2003 I joined Weigh****chers and a gym. I tried so hard to loose weight. My husband lost 50 pounds and gained a handsome 6 pack abdominal area..he is buff and beautiful. After he saw my struggles to lose the weight and be unsuccessful he agreed to the need for me to have the surgery to take back my life. When I went into the operating room, Kim I was at total peace in my heart, body, mind, and soul. I knew this operation would be fine for me and that I would do well with it. Not only that, I knew that given this great gift of a tool I would lose weight, become healthier, live longer, enjoy life and partake in life instead of it passing me by. Do what is good for you and you alone. You live in your body, you know what this feels like. Be true to you. TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE FOR YOU AND YOU ALONE. Moncia 12/06/05 330/287/???

Hi Kimberly, I agree with Monica. The surgery has to be for YOU. My family was against it at first. It was the fear of the unknown that scared them. They were afraid I would die because of the media and how they focus on the negatives of the surgery. I got myself AND them as informed as I could, but when I was ready and at peace with the decision I would have done it with or without them. Look inside yourself for the decision and send your dear hubby to this site and have him read some of what we write here. He is probably very scared, but also obviously cannot relate to how much we suffered by being trapped in our obesity. Hopefully he will come around, but if not, you are your own advocate. If you have a good surgeon, ask questions, and become well informed it will help you to make a decision. Good luck! My prayers go with you on your journey! Fran

It comes with the territory. I had several fears too going into my surgery, but I knew my surgeon would do everything he could to see me to the other side! Everything will be okay. Try to relax!! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!