Any tips on the next steps

I have to first say thank you to everyone on here. All the information has been great. I have begun the process. I have submitted everything to the doctor, I am going to my 3 appts and having the blood work done. Then Sept 22 I am taking everything from the 3 appts, and having my consultation. What happens next? I know he said I will get a surgery date. But how long does this take? What are the real dangers in this surgery. I am having the open RNY. I guess now I am getting a little scared. Thank you Michelle

Hi Michelle, I'm a newbie at messaging, but here goes....Are you comfortable with your choice in a surgeon? I am asking this because I had all of these questions and more, but I was able to have most of my questions answered before I even was qualified. This might be a good time to look at your surgeon's support staff - do you feel comfortable asking them questions, and are they readily available to you? You are going to need them just as much as you need a skilled surgeon, because they will make a very big difference towards your success. If you are in Orlando, you probably have quite a few surgeons to choose from, so now is the time to really ask questions and make sure you are getting into this with eyes wide open Keep in touch and let us know how you are doing, Missy

Michelle...with this - as with any surgery - your concerns are valid. You can prepare for it but only God knows what will happen. Perhaps like in many of our cases - you will have the surgery - and survive and make a new life with the tool you've been given. The real danger is death but you can get there walking and slipping on a peel or get knocked around etc..or being heavy and not having much of a life with all the weight. We have to make a choice - and like you I made it and I survived and am living a new life - but yet struggling. Having the surgery didn't resolve the bad habits I had for so long - sometimes they creep up but with the support of my gastric buddies I do survive. Since you're in Orlando I'd like to invite you to our yahoo group and to our support meeting. Our next meeting will be September 15th. It is important - especially pre-op to join these meetings and ask questions to us that have been through this process. Our group leader has lost 420 lbs. She was 600 lbs and is now 195 lbs - but in the beginning she almost died but she survived. My hope is that you will join us. www.floridabariatriccenterwlssuppportocala@yahoogroups.com - and I hope to see you at our Sept. 15th meeting.