Cold Feet

Hello, I am Terri from East Haddam and have been thinking about this surgery for some time now. I have been through all the evaluations and on Nov. 11th last year had my visit with Dr. Aranow. Up until then, I had been attending the support group meetings pretty regularly, but had to put everything on hold to pursue the adoption of our 2nd daughter from China. Dr. A said to wait until we were settled and to call the office when I was ready to schedule my surgery. So here I am, I just made the call to Dr A's office to start things back up again and I am a nervous wreck! While I have been away, I have let a lot of scary thoughts creep into my head: surviving the surgery, wondering if I am up to the major changes post op, can I do it? Will I be able to keep this weight off for the rest of my life? I am so worried about so many things. Are these thoughts normal? Did anyone else feel this way before they had the surgery? I have lots of family and friends supporting my decision to have this surgery, but still feel very nervous, I mean they are not going on that table with me --- it will be just me. And it will be me that has to deal with all changes going on in my body and maintaining them for life! I want to be sure this is the right thing for me to do. I am planning to go back to the support group meetings this coming Monday. Are they still on Monday evenings at 7pm? I think that will probably help, but I am not good at talking at a meeting, so I wanted to use this forum to get my thoughts out and hope to get some feedback from those of you who have been there done that. Thanks for listening! Terri

Hi Terri, Welcome back to Ct message board I am Dr Aranow's patient too . I do understand about your feelings. Can you make an appointment to see Dr Kim Daniels, psychology in Middletown? She is so wonderful and helped me alot about my fears. Here is her office phone number 860 358 8760. I will be at Middlesex Hosptial on August 2 for pre operative information session at 630 to 800 pm. I hope to see you there. Kathy K

Thanks for your suggestion Kathy. It is a good idea to talk to Kim again. I was very comfortable talking with her during our 1st visit. Perhaps I will call for an appointment. Dr. A's office said he may be calling me in the next couple of days since my file hasn't been active in a while to talk to me. He may just suggest talking to her again too. You say that there is a pre-op meeting on the 2nd? I remember Amy saying that these meetings would be geared toward people waiting for surgery to answer pre op questions. Is this in another room than where the open meeting is held? I definately hope to attend. Thanks for responding, I am not happy that you have had these fears too, but feel better to know it is not unusual to have them. Terri

Hi again For monthly support group at Middlesex Hospital 2nd thru four weeks mondays 700 to 800 pm Amy is no longer to work there anymore. The new dietican *****placed Amy is Elina Schwartz I think it will be more benefit for you to come on Aug 2nd. It is for the people who have not completed surgery. Please ask us on Ct Message board for any questions or need to vent. We are very friendly , nice people here Kathy K

Thanks again Kathy. I am surprised to hear that Amy left! I will definately try to make it on the 2nd. It sounds like the right meeting at the right time. I also noticed that you are from Waterford. I grew up there and currently work there. Have you lived there long? See you Monday! Terri

Hi Terri, Welcome home! I just had my surgery last Wed. 7/21, and I can tell you that all the feelings and worries you are experiencing are very normal! I had them all, and am still experiencing the fear of not keeping the weight off once I lose it. So I know what you are saying. However, to switch to be a post-op, I can tell you I am NOT sorry that I had the surgery. It is the beginning of a whole new life, and I am so excited to start it. Good luck, and let us help you. JA

JA, Congratulations on being post op!!! And thanks for sharing that you had the same fears. I have never heard anyone say they were sorry they had the surgery... that is what I keep reminding myself when I feel the jitters. Terri

Hi Terri from East Haddam! Yup, your normal. This is a scary process...it will change your entire life, leave no stone unturned. BUT what it will do is change it for the better if you use this tool as it's meant to be. Luckily here in CT we have a great bunch of people who are so supportive, use us whenever you feel you have to. Plus you chose a wonderful doctor (I had dr Aranow and I owe that man my life) and he has a great staff that are dedicated to ensuring each and every of of his patients a successful journey as long as you do your work too. Hope to see you at a Monday support meeting! -Deb

Hi Terry, I am Dr Aranow's patient also..and the suggestion to see Kim is a great one! Congratulations on your adoption...we have another thing in common besides Gastric Bypass surgery...I am a mom of a beautiful daughter..who came to us from Bulgaria seven years ago! Would love to hear about your kids...(how old are they). Adopting is such a huge emotional experience and having this surgery is another... Just think of how healthy you will feel, watching your kids grow up. Good luck and God Bless you in your decision. Best Regards, Joanie RNY 7/2/04 down 25 lbs!

Thanks Joanie, Congratulations on 25 lbs down already in less than a month!!! I am glad to see so many success stories here. I guess we do have something a few things in common! Both my girls were born in China, Abrielle is 3.5 yrs. and Avaleigh is 1.5yrs. They are the lights of my life. Thank you for reminding my of one of my main reasons for pursuing this surgery --- to be a more healthy Mom. Terri