NEWBIE ... Feeling Down

I found out on May 19 that I'm approved for my surgery. I even have my surgery date, which is July 5. It's almost a month away and I seriously thought that I would be so excited by now. Reality is, I'm worried. Before I had my date I guess I was so happy about possibly having the surgery that I didn't really think about anything else. Now, all I think about is "what if". I know I should stay positive but I can't help being afraid. Today is not a good day for me so that's probably why I feel the way I do.

Jennifer-I am a newbie, too, and have had a similar experience-my date is July11. For me, it is because it has moved into a reality I have not yet fully grasped. I know my life will change radically, but don't know in what ways and how I will cope with the changes. I suspect we are not so abnormal. I hope positivity will return to you soon. Just don't beat yourself up over it! Margo

Jennifer: Congratulations on getting your date. You've got nothing to worry about: you've got the best doc in the world. I should know - he did me. Oh, that sounded dirty, didn't it? I mean, He DID MY PROCEDURE! If you want to, tell me your specific worries and I'll see if I can help assuage them. Having worries is normal, as is feeling down. We've all had worries and down days and I think we all STILL have them. You'll do fine. Try to focus on the positive: the positive change you are making for yourself, your family, your health and your future! Bette 376/176 ~~ December 2003

By the way . . . Hola back atcha from Laurel Avenue in Bridgeport!

I'm new to the Bridgeport area but that street sounds familiar. I'm so glad you responded, your profile was the first I read when I was looking into this surgery. I also saw you at my informational seminar at the Trumbull Library and then again on my pre-op support group on May 19. I'm just too shy to talk to anyone, so I didn't have the guts to go up to you and introduce myself to you or anyone else there. Where about Bridgeport is Laurel Ave.? Jen

Hi Jennifer, I'm sorry to hear that you are feeling down. I had my surgery, RNY in New York on 4/26/05. I've lost 44 lbs, and I'm happy about it, but you're right, reality sometimes doesn't set in right away! It realy helps if you set aside some small amount of time each day to sit quietly by yourself to concentrate on what you are doing for yourself. What you are expecting from this, what your goals are going to be, how your life is going to be better, and in what ways you feel this is going to be a positive impact for you. It might also help to write down the one or two things that you feel the absolute strongest about, the most positive reasons why you made this awesome decision to better your life, and read it each morning when you get up, and every night before you go to sleep. There truly is a wonderful thing that happens to you when you take the initiative to take control of your life!! I welcome you to club! You are no longer part of the "US OR THEM SOCIETY"! And YOU have made the choice!----Mo

I had my surgury 3/29/05 and the only thing I feel sad about is that I didn't get it done sooner. Have lost 65 pounds so far and Feel great. I started practicing how I was going to eat before I had my surgury. I started eating small portions on those little dessert plates. Eating with a baby spoon also works great as it lets you eat just a little at a time . Don't feel blue, you have a new life waiting for you after the operation. Good Luck and God Bless Jules

Hi Jennifer! I understand totally how you feel. I was lucky, when I got approved I was schedule in less than 2 weeks. But it had taken me 2 years to be approved. I had had myself hyped up just like you and then when it happened every other feeling rushed in. Try to relax, be informed, but be sure that you're 100% sure. I know that even though I'm only 9 days out from surgery, that this is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I was nervous until I got to the hospital that day and for whatever reason I just settled down. You'll be fine, talk with your Dr about every and any question or concern you have. Remember that there is no stupid question. And you have the legal right to know every detail of your medical care. Use this board!!! Everyone is wonderful! We'll be here for you! Take good care! Brightest Blessings Heather

Hey, I had exactly the opposite happen....I was feeling really scared and anxious before i got my date, but now that I have my date I'm excited!...I gues the important thing to remember is that this is a journey...We'll probably go through an emotional rollercoaster before it's all set and done. Hang in there and feel free to e-mail me if you want to talk!

Hey guys, I just wanted to say thank you for all your support. It really helped to hear that others have had the same fear before me. Thank you so much! Jen