news and nerves

My surgery date is Dec. 1st and I'm getting very anxious. It's been difficult to stay focused on the positive when there is something on the TV or in the newspaper every day. The day I received my surgery date there was a story on the news about the death of a woman in Boston and today the death of a 27 year old man in RI. This is going to be my first surgery of any kind and I'm terrified of not coming out of it. I know this is me being paranoid. This is something I am choosing to do to better myself and my family. I know it's the right thing to do but I don't want my boys to be without me. Words of wisdom and support would be great right now.

Dear Carolyn. I understand your worries but try to focus on the positive side and do everything you doctor has told you too. I have had 9 surgeries in my lifetime and I'm feeling better than ever......I'm down 54 pounds and off my diabetes and blood pressure medicine. Almost everyday I wake up I can feel a different in my overall health and I feel truly blessed. I will pray for your wellbeing and recovery and don't hessitate to contact me if you need. Lot's of possitive vibrations on their way to you, hugs from Tove

Hi Carolyn, My surgery is December 4th...and believe me I had the same exact anxieties when I heard that story... As Tove mentioned...however, I am trying my hardest to remain focused on the end goal in sight. I know I am doing the right thing. I have been working hard for this day, and I am ready to go. I will think of you on the 1st!!! Joann

Hi Carolyn, Boy I sure know what your feeling, I'll be right behind you with my surgery on 12/3. When I saw the news flash about the man in Rhode Island it made me very nervous but then I thought about why I am having the surgery and that I have great confidence in my surgeon and that since I started this whole process I've known I am doing the best thing for myself, so I'm not going to doubt it now. Its natural to be a bit nervous and of course that gets heightened when we hear sad news, but just believe in what your doing and I'll be sending you positive thoughts and energy on your special day! Deb

girls it is very normal to be nervous and its neat that 3 of you are all going so close together.... but if nothing else know that we are all sending you tons of good vibes and best of wishes...i am a nurse and there are horror stories on all surgeries but look at the 'large' amout of people who have benefited from it and much better for it!!! the power of love, thoughts and prayers are stronger than anything else and the ones we are sending will overpower anything negative so u have to do well all of you so not to worry we would all do it again in a heartbeat so we are with u all...soon u will be with us on the other side and better for it!! so hugs and squeezes from all of us and we are with u in spirit so u cant loose.... we are here for u! and we love u

Hi Carolyn- Your nerves are understandable given the only WLS that seems to be news worthy is the 1 out of 200 that is unsuccessful. I think we all would be a lot less anxious if stories were done on each of the 199 successful cases. I am sure you will do great and I will most definitely keep you in my prayers.

Carolyn, I definately can relate I will be having surgery on Dec. 2- just a day after you. I know that it is hard when you hear the bad news. You just have to stay positive. If I start thinking about what could happen then I try to think about if I don't have the surgery what life will be like. As with any surgery there is a risk. If you asked me 2 years ago if I would even consider having the surgery I would have said no. My sister had the surgery 1 year and 4 months ago- her surgery went fine and she has lost 155 1bs. I see what a difference it has made for her and not just in the physical but just overall in her life it has just made such difference. After seeing that I knew that it was the right choice for me. I am a single mother ( I have a daughter who will be 9 in January) so I do understand. I feel though that by taking the chance and doing this I will be able to have a much better quality of life with my daughter. Stay positive- think about all the good that will come of this. Good luck! Jessica