less than 20 hours till WLS....

and I'm a basket case... all I keep thinking is what if Im a statistic... I'm SOOOO scared. I'm not ready to leave my kids, my husband. I'm doing this for them, and I know I HAVE to do this, cause I CAN"T and WON'T live like this!!! I HATE BEING FAT!!!!!!! I'm READY its just the fear of what will happen to my kids if something happens to me!! I'm just really nervous... I know this is the right thing to do!!! I know I HAVE to do this!! If anyone has any words of encouragement I'd surely like to hear them right know Thanks, Lori June 14th A New Beginning

I am new at this so I can't give you much assurance except that I will send a prayer for you and you will be fine--you have the support of many behind you. Crystal--July 13

Lori--It is funny that you phrase your fears this way--I am always concerned about becoming a "statistic" and I only think of it in terms of the negative. However--the statistics are greatly in your favor. I don't know your doc, but I assume you chose him carefully and he has a good safety rate. That being said--you are so lucky! 5 kids! Wow! I only have two kids and unfortunately waited to have this surgery til they were in college. How I wish I had gotten off my duff and made the choice to get healthy when they were younger. I would have been a much better mother if I had been a healthier weight. One thing that my doc kept saying to me is to look at this as the first step in my journey toward a better future. I can tell from reading your profile you feel that way too. Think positive and it will be hard at first. Just keep sipping on tha****er. If you need any support please feel free to email me. Good luck!

Lori- Remember you could become a statistic if you were not to have surgery!!! If you believe in God, he will give you the strength and love to handle anything. You should be sooo... very proud of yourself for taking this next step in your life. I will make my next step on July 6th. So trust me, I know exactly how you are feeling. I am having the same feelings. So please keep in touch and let us know how your surgery goes!!! Many blessing and prayers for you and your family!!! Hugs, Jen W.

Lori- I am always concerned when I read a post like yours. I wonder if the person is truly scared or just having a case of the jitters. If you are truly scared, there is nothing that says you have to have this surgery. All you have to do is call your surgeon and tell them you need to postpone the surgery. No harm no foul. If it is a case of the jitters, or a bit of nervous anticipation, that is another matter altogether. That is perfectly understandable. I am a pre-op, but I have had several major surgeries so I can relate. Do whatever it takes to keep yourself busy. Clean your house from top to bottom, spend time with your family, do the things you know you need to get done -- since you will be off your feet for a couple of weeks. Then breath- breath deeply. Find your center and connect with your higher power. Pray for peace of heart. Sit with your husband and hold his hands and look into his eyes and find his strength -- see his love. The two of you are partners -- let him help you with this. Then before you know it -- it will be time to go to the hospital and you will be home again. I will hold you close in heart and prayers-- that you can count on. Red

Hi Lori, I am 1 week behind you and having my boys, I truely understand the fear of "what if?" I am truely ready to have this done. I will enter this with no regrets, I know I am making a decission that will effect my children, spouse and mom for the rest of our lives. I am ready to take the "risk" of getting healthy and live a happier life for all involved. I have been through so many surgeries, that it is not as scary for me. I know that when God is ready for us, he is ready. There is nothing we can do about that. I look at this surgery as an opportunity for health and a longer life to see my family...especially my children grow. I do not want anyone (or everyone) wondering when the next time is I will pass out...due to my weight...or have to carry a laundry basket up stairs for me because of my arthritis...and weight. I want to pull my own...and let everyone relax around me instead of feeling like they have to cater or worry because they see my facing turning 4 shades of red and me breathing heavier. As someone else posted, if you are not ready, there is no rule saying you cant post-pone or cancel if you choose...and that option is there right up until they actually begin cutting you. You know what is right for you. I have you close to my heart as always and I wish the best for you. I will probably be in your shoes nextweek...scared too! lol Look forward to seeing you later this afternoon. Regards, Laurie P