I really need some encouragement.

Thanks Brenda, I really needed to hear about Dr. Wynn's history of taking care of her patients.

Hi Joni - I don't have anything to add, what has been posted has been any and all of what I would tell you. You are on the right path and you will make the right decision for you. You are absolutely in the best of hands! I love Dr Wynn..she's awesome! She has a great bedside manner and is kind, caring and worries about her patient..she isn't in this just for the money. Let us know if you need any guidance or support. We are all here for you. Valerie

Hi Joni. I'll pray for you while you decide how to proceed with your life. Either way you choose, we'll all stand behind you. This was one of the hardest decisions I ever made in my life. For me it has been like a miracle. Come to the PMRI support meeting on Saturday. Make sure you let us know who you are. Sounds like you are reaching out for some comfort and positive support. We'll be here for you. I went to the Memorial pages 1 time. Then I put that behind me. I rarely go to the main boards. Sometimes they can be super negative. I try to surround myself with all that is good & positive. I knew the risks. But I think Charles said it best in another post. If I die I'll meet Jesus. If I survive I'll get healthier. Either way I'm a Winner. God Bless. Elissa

Hi Joni, I was like you I read the memorial page, but one thing I do know you have to go into the surgery with nothing weighing on your mind. Before I got far into my surgery I felt the way that you did. The only thing that got me through it was GOD. I prayed everyday that things would be fine. Although there are down sides, have you looked at all the positive sides? This was one thing I did not take into consideration. The most important thing is making sure that it is what YOU want. If you are not ready, then you should not go through with it. Christie 3 weeks post op

Hi Jonie! I know EXACTLY how you feel! I actually canceled my original surgery date of 10/26/04 because I was still full of doubt. If you ask the folks here and at the PMRI meetings about Cassandra and her doubts and misgivings, they'll laugh. I was brutal with my questions and was skeptical about the need for surgery. The only co-morbidity that I had was elevated cholesterol - which was not high enough to need medication. I kept wondering if I was trading my relatively good health for the potential of death or permanent disability from this surgery. I even had a friend of mine die from complications due to gastric bypass! I was terrified! Then something happened. Folks on this message board encouraged me to take my time, pray and talk to people who had positive experiences. I did those things. I also had a "surgery buddy" who went through her surgery on 12/20/04. When I visited her in the hospital, she looked fabulous! More importantly, she felt fabulous! That helped me to set aside my fears and move my life forward. I had my surgery on 1/3/05. I have lost 50 pounds since surgery. I look and feel fantastic! Dr. Irgau was wonderful. I went armed to my pre-op visits with a list of my concerns, fears, rumors, etc. and he took the time to address each point. You've already taken the most important step - selecting a doctor who is skilled and who has pre and post-op support systems in place. Fear of the unknown is natural. No doctor can guarantee you that there will not be any problems. The good thing about CHRIAS is that they are very aggressive in getting and keeping you healthy. Good luck in your decision-making process! Cassandra Surgery - 1/3/05 Weight Lost - 50 pounds