I've got a date!

Hello Everyone, I had my second visit with the surgeon yesterday. I've done the nutritionist, psychologist, cardioligist, support group meeting at St. Raphael's, and the "small group meeting" they require. That was very informative, because they go through all the stages we'll have after surgery. So, with my second visit was the date, August 3rd! I'm surprised at how emotional I've been in the last 24 hours. When I was there last week, they had told me that all of July was still open. I guess it filled up fast- I'm a little nervous about the date. We've planned a vacation the third week of August to go camping (not real camping, but in an air conditioned cabin) and I'm hoping I'll be up to it two weeks out. I figure that all I'm going to do is lay around, but the fear of something going wrong when I'm three hours away freaks me out a bit. Hopefully, I'll know by then if something is wrong. I was scheduling with the nurse, so I'll speak to the surgeon about it at my next pre-op visit and see what he thinks. One minute I'm very calm and looking forward to it, and the next I launch into the "what if I die?" thoughts. I look at food and say, "gee, I won't be able to have this anymore", and things like that, and wonder if I'll miss it. Today I found a great sale at a store and refrained, telling myself to save the money to buy smaller clothes. That part was good. I went to the church carnival last night, and I kept looking at different people and wondering if that is what I'll look like when I loose the weight. Very weird. I hope this is not me going I have no idea what to tell people at work, I haven't discussed it at all, and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to hide it too long when I get back. What to do? I think I'll find a therapist now, and then I'll have someone to talk to about all the issues that are bound to come up, does this seem like a wise idea? Anyway, I'm rambling. So, August 3rd it is Anne

Anne: WOW good for you!!! August will be here before you know it. Welcome to the emotion rollercoaster. I just got my date this week. I did tell some people at work. I have to fill out my STD papers next week. A therapist is always a good choice. It is nice to be able to talk to someone. Remember your friends here and we will talk for free!!! LOL I keep trying to picture what I will look like thin. I was thin in HS but I am afraid my skin will not shrink up and I will look like a Sharpei. Best wishes, Chryssie

First of all CONGRATULATIONS Secondly, everything you are saying it sooo normal. We are all feeling that way or post ops have felt this way already! Chryssie and I have been talking about the rollercoaster ride, and boy it's not a fun one, believe us...but I know it will be worth it!! it's funny I've been people watching since I made my decision to have this surgery. It's amazing that we can't picture ourselves thin. I lost 70 lbs on weigh****chers in 1983, and I still can't remember what I look like thin. Plus not to mention that I'm 20 yrs older! So we are all in the same boat, which makes this board such a wonderful place! We all really can relate! Hang in there! and good luck! JA

Congratulations Anne, May your slide to the losing side be as uneventful and pain free as possible. This is soooo exciting for you. You will go through a miriade of emotions and see things and people in a different light than you did before you decided to have this surgery. It still amazes me how much in denial about limitations in my life that I was until I took this step. Finding a therapist is a great idea especially if you can find someone who will be supportive of your decision. Keep us updated. Linda

Congratulations on your date! Its a scary process..but you know you are doing what is right for you. I want to live healthy..and with this surgery I know I can get there. Hang in there and keep in touch with this board...its a great support Joanie

Congrats, Anne!! Yup, gotta agree, the emotional rollercoaster is no fun, but very normal. Aug 3rd will be here before you know it. I know what you mean, I have no idea of what I look like anymore. When my mind's eye pictures me I see the MO woman I used to be. I always ask my poor DH if I'm smaller or larger than a particular person who I see...poor guy never knows how to answer because thats a loaded question! Right up there with 'Do these jeans make me look fat?' Hang in there, enjoy the 'ride' and use the Boards when you need us. Now go out and celebrate!

Congratulations!! Are you having Open or Lap? I will be curious to see how you are feeling two weeks out and will pray that you can enjoy your vacation! Phyllis

Thank you everyone for your kind words. The reality is setting in a bit, I told one of my co-workers today at work and they took it pretty well. Not that I really care if they don't, it's my decision and that's that . Phylis, I'm having the Lap, and I am guessing (and hoping)that it doesn't really matter if I lay around on a chair in a campground or in my backyard Anne