pre-op jitters.

for the past two years, i've been researching the procedure i'm about to have. (MONDAY! AHHH!) i spent a few weeks being afraid of it, and gathering up all the information i could find. i saw someone i cared about die after having the procedure, and not taking care of himself properly. and i pressed on, finding out as much as i could. i made my decision with cool determination, and absolute confidence. i'm sure, even as i sit here now, that this is the right decision for me. but right this second, in the dark of my apartment, with my roommate asleep in his room, and my cat curled up by my feet, i'm scared to death. is this the right choice for me? have i lost my mind? what would steve have to say to me about this? it's not that i'm doubting the surgery, and not that i'm even doubting my decision, not really. i recognize the fear. i'm trying to embrace it, and remember what made me make this decision. i'm picturing my life after surgery - the "movie" dr. alexander told me to "play" in my head. i'm thin - a size 10 - running in the park with my two adopted kids (yet to come) and tossing a ball around. i think about that "movie" and i remember why i'm doing this. sometimes, i guess i just need a minute to be afraid. i'm having a lot of those minutes lately. thanks for letting me get it out there.

Dear Amy, Just remember that God is with you and my prayers are too. You will have that healthy life that you want soon. May God Bless you, Sharon

Fear and second thoughts are normal. Stay away from the memorial page right now and focus on the positive outcomes that are all over these boards. Remember that fear will stop you in your tracks and will prevent you from moving forward if you let it. Don't let fear win. Remember that you chose your surgeon and that you've done the research on the surgery, the commitment you're making to take care of yourself that your friend didn't (from what you said) and the surgeon and his track record. I assume you have done your homework and are making a truly informed decision. Pray some. It helps. Take a deep breath and relax. Close your eyes and do it again. Pick up that cat and pet it!!! Relax some more and then go forward and get that surgery and that new life!! Congratulations! Jan

Amy, Most of us post-ops felt exactly as you do before our surgeries. Take a minute to think about your reasons for having surgery. Remember the problems you've had. You know the risks, you know your friend didn't take care of himself properly - but you won't do that. Now think of all the things you have to look forward to in the future. Play that "movie" in your head and look forward to your new, healthy life. You deserve it! Vickie J.

Higs to you Amy.....and I agree with the others. Sit back, take a deep breath and relax! You are normal, and we've been there and felt this too. Be confident in your decision and choices. You did not make them hap hazardly. God is in control. We will be praying you through and are busy now making room on the losers bench for you! Blessings, Tami

Just take a deep breath and relax,,, when its your time to go, its your time,, there is nothing you can do about it,, just incase that is what you were thinking.... I tell you what,, I would do it over in a heart beat!!! Its amazing what "normal" people do that we MO cant,,, I know I love that fact I can do simple things now without even thinking about it,,,, I love my new life you will love your too!!! Best of luck on monday, I wish you a uneventful surgery and quick recovery!!!! Christy 316/175/155ish

Sorry,, didnt realize I was under my DH profile,, so "ditto" to what I wrote earlier above,,, christy 316/175/155ish

We've all been there. A co-worker was doing the lapband with the same doc as I did and she had a bit of troube but despite that it didn't frighten me or set me back. I was having the open RNY and was totally confident in God about the whole thing - didn't even worry about IF i was gonna die..and I pulled through and I did. She went through so much and has not really worked at her process while I have and have lost 116 lbs and need 35 to go. Remember why you are doing, what you have to go through and never forget that so you don't repeat the past. I pray that I don't forget - cause I know a revision is not in my future! Good luck to you and keep us posted on your progress!!

I am in the same boat as you. My surgery is Nov. 1st. I have been playing my "movie" over and over too. It is the only thing keeping me from freaking out....actually....I am freaking out....but I need to feel better more than anything. Good luck and God Bless. Kim