I need positive feedback about GBS....I have a surgery date on Dec.6!

I have a surgery date of Dec. 6th and it seems like no matter who I tell, they feel is necessary to tell some kind of horror story of someone they know who had it done, or an article they have read. I know that they are just scared, but it really sets me back with negative thoughts. Anyone who has some positive advice for me would be really appreciated. I'm feeling a little lost and lonely. Thank you and God bless! Lisa

hi Lisa. I've had exactly the opposite feedback. I mean I've had some well-meaning friends who've tried to dissuade me with some stories, but an overwhelming majority of people I have met, talked to, chatted online with, been in groups with, etc, have had great success. Not only that, but my own Mom just had the surgery on 11/8 and she is doing great. She and her roommate both feel like they never even had surgery! They don't have pain,they're doing their protein thing and all is well. (They've kept in touch.) I myself am scheduled for 12/5. I spoke with a counselor about it during the pre-authorization process and she warned me that many people would be jealous, against or uncomfortable about it for various reasons. People often fear what they don't know. Be encouraged. You have a whole host of support here on this website and you will meet people that you will bond with and stay in touch with. There are so many great people who can give you advice, info and encouragement and read the postings. You can also go to Yahoo groups and join the gastric bypass groups there. Feel free to email me anytime at [email protected] I'll be praying for you. God is with you and He will give you peace and courage. Blessings~ Lisa

Lisa, I find that most people that are negative are the ones that have not done the research that we have done. They are ignorant of the surgery except for that one article they read. Be assertive and tell them about how much research you have done. I find it works. Carol

Hi. I just wanted to add that the majority of people would believe the sky is falling if they heard it on the radio, news, or in the newspaper. You need to look at sources. The media rarely reports about "good news" anymore because it tends to be pushed away by some sensational story that has been badly researched. Even well established papers have gotten into trouble recently. Look, think for yourself. Go to the AMA (Amer. Medical Assoc.) website and just claim you are a student (they don't check) and browse medical studies. Also check where the study was done and the variables. Also ask for your doctors death rates, complication rates, avg. # of surgeries in a week, # of years practicing, etc. He has to disclose it if you ask for it. We fear what we don't understand! That way, you can tell people " I appreciate your concern, but MY surgeon, Dr. XXX, has been doing this for X years. He went to school at X Medical School. He has a X.X% mortality rate and the avg age of fatalities are XX.I found out as much as I could about him before deciding to have this major surgery with him." I really recommend a book called "The Doctor's Guide to Weight Loss Surgery" by Louis Flancbaum, MD. It quotes sources, gives recipes, common side effects, diet guidelines, charts and tabkes, websites, etc. One thing it tells you to do is to write down 100 reasons why you want to have this surgery. That way you have something tangible to look at when you have any pre op jitters. I have a few of mine on my profile. Take a look if you'd like. I hope this helps. I wish the best of luck to you. God bless. I'm sorry to be so wordy. I didn't mean to preach either. I'm also pre op and I've been dealing with the same. God Bless and the best of hugs to you. Carol G. from Augusta

hi alisa, the same thing has been happening to me. i find that my friends, who are heavier are getting really negative the closer it gets. i think they are jealous. i am scared that they will be no longer wanting to be my friends after this is over. most people are just not informed and they just don't have a clue, so they hear things and fill in the blanks. i even had to go to a heart specialist because of a botched ekg. he was all over me about this surgery is bad, don't do it. i heard of someone dying once. what is that?we are here, and all at the same time. so, we can support each other, ok? i'm sure we all are a little scared, but guys look at the benifits. and not to mention new clothes!! we are getting a new life. i am gonna think of it as my new birthday. they can't believe in something they don't understand. but, we've all done our homework and it's all gonna be good from here out. love,kathb.

I AM HAVING SURGERY ON THE SAME DAY AS YOU. CONGRATULATIONS! ONLY 11 DAYS TO GO. I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN ABOUT THE STORIES. BUT I CAN TELL YOU THIS, I KNOW 6 PEOPLE PERSONALLY THAT HAVE HAD THIS SURGERY AND HAVE NO REGRETS. THEY ALL SAY THEY WOULD DO IT AGAIN AND IT WAS THE BEST DECISION THEY EVER MADE!! I HOPE THIS HELPS!! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU! JENNY

Alisa, There is always the fear of the unknown. The closer I get to my date the more people are asking me if I am sure that I'm doing the right thing? My special friend asked me this question: "How do you feel your quality of life will be if you don't have this surgery?" I believe that this surgery and the resulting weight loss will be the best thing for my health. This is not something to take lightly. I haven't heard too many awful stories about WLS. As a matter of fact, I run into people everyday that have had successful surgeries and weight loss stories. They all wish that they hadn't waited and had the surgery earlier. If you are truly having doubts talk it over with your surgeon and family. You can postpone it and/or put it off if you have such fears. Pray on it, and leave it in God's hands. Chauncine RNY 12/12/05