To All December Pre-Ops!!

I wish you luck, health, joy and excitement for the path you're all about to take. The 7th will be nine 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! Happy Holidays! And Good Luck!! Greg Sands (342/202/175)

THANK YOU GREG FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND WORDS OF WISDOM! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SUCCESS AS WELL TAKE CARE.

GREG, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO POST THIS!! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW AND IMPROVED LIFE! JENNY

Wow! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! Those were pure words of inspiration. My surgery is DEC 7 and i am nervous but after reading your post, IM READY!

That was an awesome post Greg.. really helped me to think! Only positive thoughts now.. all the way to the OR.... Denise Open RNY 12-20-05

Thank you, I CAN'T Wait!!!! ((HUGS)) Dori

thanks greg. great advice. i am going in for my surgery tomorrow. very excited but a bit nervous too. i think the pics are the best incentive you need. wish me luck. sincerely, nadia

Wow Greg, Thanks so much for your post. I really needed to hear that. I have been up and down for the last 2 weeks and read every story on the memorial page of OH....Big Mistake. I'm going straight back to the before and after section! My surgery is on 12/13. Congratulations to you on your success and thank you for taking the time to encourage all of us. Just call me Amelda.

Greg, Thanks for the inspirational post. The Before and After picture section is great. Best wishes to you and your wife, Linda. Chauncine RNY 12/12/05

Thanks Greg! I am so thrilled to hear HAPPY REPORTS! Blessings~ Becky