Mixed feelings

I have been reading messages here and on another forum. I am so confused. I need to lose weight, some days I can bearly walk, but I am afraid of the surgery. I have contacted Dr. Maurie, Iowa City AND signed up for the seminar in Ft. Dodge. I guess I am shopping around. Did everyone else know for sure that the surgery is what they wanted, or how long did it take people to decide? I am a single parent of a `14 year old boy. I am trying to decide if this is somtheing I can do on my own or not. My mom is too old to be of help and my sister is up by fort Dodge, but I am not, I guess I really don[t have to worry yet, because my appointment with Dr. M isn't until Jan. 28, 2004. I didn't realize that there would be such a wait. do you suppose this is to weed out those of us who will lose interest?

Hi Beverly! I think we all have our doubts about the surgery, but it can save your life, so it's all a personal decision, and you have lots of time to read everything you can and everyone here is GREAT about answering questions and trying to help. I was afraid up to the last very moment that I went into the operating room, I think I was actually crying I was that scared, but here I am and I'm fine! I started seeing my surgeon and completing all of my post-op tests in January of 2003 and I had my surgery on July 15th so it does take awhile to make it happen but it is so worth it! As for doing it on your own, I'm 24 and I'm single, I dont have any kids, but I live on my own and I took care of myself after I came home from the surgery. My best friend stopped by once a day to check on me and help with stuff. So it is possible to do it on your own Good luck and keep us posted!

How are you related to Dr. Ver STeeg in Fort Dodge?

Beverly, It took me over 6 months just to decide that surgery was my last option. My mom had surgery 3 years ago and my natural reaction was "I want it too!" However I didn't understand and comprehend everything involved. All I did was saw her losing weight, so I wanted it. Mentally I had not thought it through but was acting reactively. I had never let my weight stop me from doing anything I wanted (though I would be embarrassed at times). I couldn't acknowledge that I was obese. Finally one day I looked in the mirror and said "You are obese". It was that day that I decided that surgery was my last option. As a single person I too was very scared. I had never had surgery before ever. But I know that it was only a matter of time, with the way my hips and knees were starting to ache. Everyone's post-op recovery is different. For me I had little pain. Though my mom offered to stay with me, I sent her home after she dropped me off and slept in my bed from the first night on. Even after you make the decision to have surgery and up until your surgery you will have second thoughts and will question if "you have done everything you can to lose weight". I know I did. I go today for my 3 month check-up. The surgery has really helped me. I was active before surgery and am now even more active now. It is wonderful to see that in being active I can lose weight! Best of luck in your journey!

Hi Beverly, I had the same feelings for quite some time. It took me about 2 surgeries on my feet to realize that I had to do something. So I made an appt in Rochester @Mayo I had too wait for abt 2 mos before I got in to see a pcp then I went thru a whole bunch of test it was until March that I finally got to see the surgeon after that I made monthly trips up there until June, now I don't see her again until Sept 5 and be there pre-op test so its usually around 6-8 mos at Mayo before surgery is done . but it's major decision for you and only you can make it. Hoping everything works out for you....Sheila

Your feelings are so normal. When the hospital I work at started performing a lot of wls, I just couldn't ever see myself having one done. But as I have seen more and more people go through the surgery and then come back for a panniculectomy after they have lost weight, it has really changed my opinion on the surgery. Even patients who have had problems with the surgery have said to me that they would do it all over again. I want it done so badly, but I am still half scared to death! Just do all the research you can before making a final decision. If you ever need to talk, feel free to email me!