HELP! Feeling nervous.Need support. Surgery date of 10/10. (Aranow)

Hi. I'm a 35 year old mother of two. Weight is 276. I have a surgery date of 10/10 and am getting scared. I dont have much support and my doc is about an hour away so I have ony been to one support group meeting since my husband commutes and doesnt get home until after the meeting begins. (However, I will be attending one this evening.) I havent told many people and I also havent had internet access over the past 3 months so I dont have a good support system which is crucial. I am looking for reassurance, success stories, in general anything to help me get throught this time when I am feeling so nervous. My biggest fear is not making it back home to my children. I also was wondering if anyone has struggled with the request by the doc to lose weight before the surgery date? When I went for a meeting in mid august the doc told me he would not schedule surgery unless I lost 10 lbs in two weeks. I ended up losing 9lbs by the deadline by doing the Atkins diet but it made me feel horible so stopped. Almost immediately I regained most of the weight I had lost. I am now trying weigh****chers to take it off by my final weigh in which is in 2.5 weeks. I feel like I am having my last fling with food and that it is hard. Also I tend to ******vous eater and I am very nervous now. The very few family and friends that know arent making it any better. My mom wont speak about it and my two friends who know are always telling me the latest horor story or saying "what if you tried weigh****chers again just one more time?" I have lost weight so many times before why cant I lose this 10lbs now? Any support would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!!!

Hi Maryann, I think its pretty normal to be nervous. I know I was. Even on my way to the operating room I kept saying "I can't believe I am doing this". But right now 2 months later I'm so glad I did. I have lost at least 50 pounds and am feeling better and better each day. This is a big decision but one you have to do for yourself and not worry what anyone else thinks or says. Make sure you've done your research and asked all of your questions. The more prepared you are I think the easier it is. A good attitude really helps also. As far as support this is a great place to come to. The people here are very honest, caring and we've all walked in each other's shoes. I'm not an expert but will gladly help in any way I can. I'm just an e-mail away. You are on your way to a healthier and happier new you. I'll include you in my prayers and wish you all the best. Mary Lou

Hi Maryann, You and I are in very similar situations. I'm also the mother of two young children and I know what you mean about being a spectator and not a participant in their lives. I made the decision to do something about it earlier this year. I had the Lap Band operation last Tuesday (9/16) I've lost about 22 lbs. The Lap band is a much less invasive procedure than the Bypass which is why I chose it. I too had the fear going in that I wouldn't make it home to my children, I think it's a common fear. I just kept telling myself that this isn't an option anymore, if I want to be around for their future, I've got to take this risk now. I'm so happy I decided to go through with it. My recovery has been great, very little pain and believe it or not, I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I feel like this was the best decison of my life...I"m sure you'll feel the same way. If you'd like to talk, feel free to look me up on aol instant messenger, my id is kimdeemax or email me. Take care, Kim

Maryann, I know exactly what your going through! I'm in the middle of testing and I was told by Dr. Aranow that I have to lose 15 lbs. before surgery. It is the hardest 15 lbs. I ever had to lose. I'm thinking the same way you are as far as it being my last fling with food. I'm an emotional eater and I'm not helping myself either but I do have the support of my family and friends and that really helps. I wish you could make a support group because that's where you'll get a lot of support and feedback from people who are going through what we're going through and those whose have gone through it. I felt very comfortable in the support group because for once in my life I was with a group of people *****ally understood and felt the way I've felt for so many years. And it's lot of fun. I'll be honest, I'M SCARED too !!!! But I've just been diagnosed with Diabetes and depression (I'm still waiting to see if I have sleep apnea) and my future with that doesn't seem bright. It's a risk that I feel is worth taking because of it. If it means being able to partake in the fun stuff instead of sitting on the side lines then that's what I need to do. I haven't been able to do anything with my 2 girls (now 20 & 22) because of my weight. My oldest daughter is getting married next year and that will mean grandchildren in the future and I definately what to be able to do fun stuff with them. If you would like to email me directly, my email address: [email protected] We need to stick together in this because it will all benefit us in the end. I hope to be hearing from you soon.