Did anybody else not

Have any angst or second thoughts before surgery? I have a couple of friends that have had it, and they all tell me that it was more emotional for them before surgery. But I have my preop consult next week, adn my surgery date on teh 27th, and it doesn't seem to be bothering me... any thoughts?

all ihave to say is... thank god i was knocked out before the words could get out of my mind

I had decided to do this back in my teens when the surgery was literally just stapling. Then I heard about Carnie Wilson doing it on the net - was not interested. Then a co-worker did after she left employment and when she lost 230 lbs I was a tiny bit interested but not decided. It wasn't until I tried Akins and gained almost 40 lbs and then I saw the Carnie Wilson commercial again - and then decided that I needed to make a change in my life - because I didn't feel I had a life. I went to a seminar given by the center who sponsored the commercial. After hearing the doc and the testimonial and seeing the incision made by the doc (which was my original fear) I said - I can handle that - however I didn't sign up with them. I got to talking about wanting to do it and a co-worker got motivated to do the same and she researched the insurance part and found the doc and I went for the consult. After the consult - I was sure - I was ready for this despite the fact that the surgeon was blunt about the posibility of dying and having complications etc. Yes, I would say it's emotional before surgery because you know you life will change for the better (providing you overcome the complications if any)..but it's emotional even after surgery. However in a more positive way. Ted, I have to say that only you know for sure if you want to do this surgery - you must be ready..there will be a LOT of changes inside you, around you etc. Many positives and some negatives. You may have complications or - - you know...but you want to make sure to express to your family that no matter what - you are ready to have this done - and whatever the outcome is - if it is a negative outcome they will not be left to be sad and have any regrets. I'm not trying to be negative but that is part of the process to be aware not only for yourself but for your loved ones that you accept all the challenges of your decison. Once all that is done..then the physical transformation begins. I can only say for myself - that I do not regret having done this...my diabetes, high cholesterol is almost all gone or at normal levels. I've lost 84 lbs I would have never been able to have done - not in 6 months anyway. I care more about myself and it reflects on others - it has been an all positive experience. But that's not to say that happens to everyone - w/o going into lengthy details I know of someone who I'm giving weekly calls because things aren't going smoothly for her - she is still in recovery (3 months out). Initially, youwill be nervous but that is normal. (sorry for the long post). Anyway, I wish you the best in whatever you decide.

I'm like you, I didn't have any second thoughts whatsoever! I knew this is what I wanted more than anything. They even offered me medicine to "calm me" while I was waiting for my surgery and I told her I didn't need anything. I was more excited than anything. I had complete faith in my surgeon, total faith in God, and I knew things were gonna be just fine! Hugs Kim

Hi Ted, I didn't have what you would call second thoughts, my thoughts were mostly about living through the surgery, how I would handle any post-op problems, etc. I had been by Omar's side throughout his whole pre/post op experience some of which wasn't good so I figured if he made it through I would be ok. It's normal to have some nerves but I went through more drama mentally post-op then I ever did pre-op. Good luck to you and if you need some support just let me and/or Omar know. We are in Orlando. Sincerely, Dawn Post-Op 9/23/04 399/271/200

I had second thoughts, which I wrote about in my profile. I had just lost my father two days previously, and my thoughts were all on my son losing his Mommy. I was actually relieved when they were going to give me a shot to knock me out - no more thinking. I have an MA in Psych, so I tend to overanalyze EVERYTHING. Congratulations on your surgery date! I'll be thinking of you and your surgeon. Kristen

I also did not have any angst or second thoughts before the surgery. I literally could not wait to be on table! I had decided that this was the solution for me and that everything would go smoothly. I really believe that (even though I understood the risks and possible complications - I am of the opinion that given that I am 28 years old, I would suffer worse complications for the possible 50 to 60 years left on my life). All I can say is that I now two and half months out and now it is confirmed - this was the best gift I have ever given myself. I have lost 60 pounds and I feel wonderful. Good luck Ted! Don't let anyone phase your lack of fear. Just keep in mind the realities of the surgery and be ready for battle. Take care, Selfi

I did not have 2nd thoughts. I was nervous about the surgery and just wished I could hurry and get past it. It finally happened. Although there were minor complications, I still a year later, do not regret my decision to have the surgery. Now I wonder what all the worry was about. But this was my first major surgery and I think we all go through that.

I didn't have a second thought nor was I nervous one bit! Would you believe I have been on medications most of my life for anxiety but nothing 6 months prior to surgery nor since. The morning they wheeled me in I was more at peace that any other time in my life would you believe! I even had to drive 2-1/2 hrs to the hospital and my surgery time was moved up so I had to leave 4 hours earlier than expected and I just rolled with it. Good luck!!