Pre-Ops and jitters - a little novelette!

Hey Guys! I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate all of you with upcoming surgeries and to let you know that I follow the dates, even if I am not always able to post to let you know that I am praying and pulling for each of you. I so desire for each of you to have tremendous success in your journey and regain back some of the health/life that can be lost with the complications of obesity. After reading about Gina, I also felt compelled to address the jitters that some of you may be having. I know that right before my surgery, there were a couple of huge issues on the main board that threw me for a major loop. I went into a whirlwind and finally had to take hold of my emotions and get my head back into the right frame. It was hard at first while facing the unknowns of this surgery. While I had done tons of research and thought I was prepared, sometimes we get blindsided ... but truly that research was what helped me to regain my balance. And I wanted to share this with you this afternoon. Please forgive me if I am simply rambling ... as I tend to do that at times ... but here goes! I know that facing this surgery can be a bit scary, even under the best of cir****tances ... but when someone close to us has complications, it can sometimes become almost insurmountable. But I wanted to once again let you all know that you have so many people here who truly care for you and want only the best for you. Trust that I and many others are praying for each and every one of you each and every day. When things seem to coming at you to make you jittery, remember to trust in your Creator, your decision, and your excellent surgery team. Honestly, I can not stress enough at how on top of everything they were when I was in the hospital. The slightest "problem" symptom and they were all over me checking me out. And yet those things that I thought were problems (and later found out were completely normal) didn't cause them to blink an eye). They know their stuff AND are concerned. All of us, with Gina being the latest, are so very blessed to have this team in charge of our surgeries and aftercare. I believe from the very depths of my heart that it is this excellence and concern that have kept all of us in such good health. Not every bariatric surgeon has the "numbers" that our docs/team has!!! This is not saying anything bad about any surgeon(s). I am simply saying that by checking the national statistics and our local doc's statistics, that obviously our docs are far and beyond those national numbers. I certainly can't speak for any particular numbers other than the national stats and our doc's stats. But those numbers certainly did/do tell a powerful story to me. And I trusted and continue to trust Dr Irgua, Dr Wynn and their entire team with my life. But remember, knowledge is power and it can only help to educate yourself as much as possible on the procedure and the lifestyle you will experience afterward. Remember also, that it is extremely important to get yourself as healthy as possible before surgery. (ie - follow your docs advice on meds to stop, stop smoking, start your vitamins, stop alcohol, it also helps to start cutting the sugar and caffeine before you get to the hospital if at all possible to help avoid those withdrawal headaches. Truly every little bit you do will help you in return multiplying it by leaps and bounds. The benefit will far outweigh the sacrifice. Also remember, that from this moment on, you are going to be your own best advocate so to be a good one, you NEED to research, research and then research some more to learn all you can to help ensure your own good health in the many, many years to come, thanks to your surgery and docs. Again, we all love you guys and want only the best for you. This surgery is not the easy way out, but it is A WAY out. There can be bumps along the way, but being overweight is not easy either. We all have the fortitude to do this. AND we can and will do this with the help of each other. Hugs to all our new losers and our soon to be losers!!! Oh and gosh ... hugs to all our oldies but goodies also!!! Your ever slowly shrinking weight loss buddette, Tammy

Tammy, Thank you so much sweetie I can always count on you for kind soothing words of comfort. With myself begin pre-op in less than 3 wks. dealing with Gina's situation hasn't been easy for me....yes I had second thoughts since yesterday and it's been very emotional as well. But we all know with any surgery there are risk and complications. I trust in the Lord to know that everyone's situation/health is different and I know I am doing what's right for Shay!!! And God only knows I have researched and researched. So, I say to you and all the rest of my weightloss friends thanks for the support/encourgments and advice. P.S. To all the pre-ops please research...reserach....research ask questions and attend support group meetings!!! This is not an easy journey traveling it alone. Remember knowledge is a powerful "tool", to be able to work your "tool". Let's continue to educate ourselves pre-op as well as post-op this is a life long journey. Shay

Tammy, Thank you for those very encouraging words. I have been a little nervous the last few days knowing that my day is coming, and reading your post made it very comforting. My nerves were not those of seconds thoughts or anything like that because my mind is set, and this is what will help me live a long healthy life! I think it's just nerves because my time is getting near. Thanks again! -joe-

You are such a sweetie! You always know exactly what I need to hear! Thank you.

You are so beautiful, Tammy...inside and out!!! Thanx for being such a wonderful inspiration... I'm so proud to call you my friend! (((hugs))) -Karen

Tammy, This was just what I needed to hear today. My surgery is next Wednesday so the jitters are really hopping right now. It's as if you knew just what I needed to hear. Thank you for your knowledge and compassion. Hugs, Kathleen

Thank you TT...... thank you for caring and writing to us all....Gail Burke

Oh my gosh did I need to hear this tonight. My nerves are shot as I get ready for my heart cath in the morning. I feel like I'm riding a roller coaster that just won't quit. Thank you, thank you, thank you-- you have me in tears but your words are going to be the strength that gets me thru tomorrow and the rest of this journey.....Gwen

Tammer - You Rock. And for the love of peter you are not ever slow shrinker - you look fabulous darling, fabulous... And if you are loosing slower then whatever the "average" is... take heart that maybe you don't have the gray elephant mamoth skin sagging wrinkles that are taking over my bod & making me think about adopting a shar pei for company!! Love you dear! Even if you do look wayy younger then me now that even my face is wrinkling up... C'mon firming lotion - do your thing! Dang birds are chirpin....I gotta get some sleep

Oh, Tammy!!! You are amazing! So inspirational! Thank You! Ken