My rebirth is set, I'm nervous

Hi folks, My surgery date is set, April 3rd for RNY, and like many I am getting last minute jitters. I keep thinking about the complications and some of my co-workers keep telling me that I'm nuts to do this to my body. See, I'm a Nurse and they keep reminding me of all the complications I could have, and that I have a little child to think about. I'm fully aware of all the facts and I know I want to do this for me and also my kid who's friends sometimes tease her about me and the fact that I can't even sit on the floor with her and play. Please send words of encouragement. I'm sure everyone has gone through last minute jitters, RIGHT? Help. Heidi

Hey Heidi... I am a nursing student so I knew all the right questions to ask and Lord knows I did my research... but I wanted to grow up healthy to see my 4-year-old nephew to grow up to be an old man... that was my "why" for surgery... and for you, I am sure that your daughter is your "why" too - or at least a big part of why... you are going to be just fine... and congrats on a date! ~ Monica OH Support Group Leader

Monica, thanks for the support, It makes me feel better just to hear someone say " I did, it and it'll be OK " My daughter is my whole world and so is my husband and I want to see her grow up and be part of it, not just on the side lines. I was just looking at some of the before and after pictures and I am so excited, I know it'll be OK, thanks again. Heidi

Hi Heidi We are almost neighbors, I live in Pembroke Pines. Where are you having your surgery? Your feelings are valid, everyone goes through this and second guessing themselfs. You have to do it for YOU !! I work for a hospital, not a nurse but they were the most supportive bunch I knew. Of course working for a hospital they promote being healthy... I had my lap rny on 8/15/05. And the morning of the surgery I just knew I had faith in my Dr and the team. You will be OK and then you will see the results. Take care Priscilla -117 8/15/05 LapRNY

Priscilla, Thank you for your words of encouragement. I have great faith in Dr. Bass. I live off of Griffin Rd. so we are pretty close. I wanted to go to the March 16th meeting at Memorial Miramar but I am working and won't be able to make it. Hopefully I can make Aprils meeting. Hope to see you then. Heidi

Heidi Aw, Dr Bass is excellent and his staff. Yes maybe we can met in April at the support grp. I always try to go I like to keep in the loop. Sometimes there isn't that many people there but they are hoping more people will get the word. Do you work for Memorial? Priscilla

Hello Heidi, I just wanted to say remember the reason you started this all in the first place. I want to be healthy again. I want to feel good. We have to stop and remember all these things. Their are alot of people that do not understand why I feel the need to have this surgery but it is not for them to understand. I am doing this for me and my family. No one else. Just know that God is in control and he will be there for you. Please keep us updated. I will be praying for you. God Bless Crystal

Crystal, you're absolutely right, this is for me. I have told my co-workers not to say anything about the surgery unless they are words of encouragement. I also told them that nothing would change my mind. It has been a long road to this point (1 yr). But still those jitters are there. I know that it is normal before any life altering decision. Last time I felt like this was right before my wedding (16 yrs ago) and that turned out pretty well. So here I go, I'll take the plunge again and I'm sure it will turn out great. Thanks again, Heidi

Jitters are normal!!! Don't listen to anyone!!! Co workers, negative family, they may mean well but it's not what you need to hear!!! The complications are real, they can happen, but most times they don't. I myself had a complication but since I went through pre op classes at the hospital I knew what was "ok pain" and what was "not ok" pain. I got through all the rough spots and I'm just fine!!! I'm 5 months as of this week and have never regretted my decision to do this once - even when times were rough. I'd do it all again if I had to - even the complication. If you trust your surgeon and have faith in God (sorry I don't know you hope you aren't offended by that) - everything will be fine! I think the most important thing is to be as prepared as possible with as much pre op education as you can get your hands on and just go in with a positive attitude. Don't be a stranger!!! Keep us posted - we're here!! Much love, Carol

To be nervous is a Natural reaction to go through with what you are about to go through....we all were there. I had someone who was having the surgery before me and she backed out and decided to do the the lap band. And while I understood her fears - that didn't deter me from going ahead and having the OPEN RNY that my doctor did. Im so glad that I stood by my guns despite listening to her and went ahead and did the procedure I thought was right for me because I had less complications than she did, I've lost more weight than she did (though it was not a competition between us) but I've had a better success wl rate and I feel much better and look much better on choosing what I did. And to know that I so healthy and vibrant 17 months out and will be able to have and play with my future children..that's a PLUS for me!!