hello...new here!

I am scheduled for surgery December 16th.....I have been reading these boards before deciding to join. I think this will be a great asset for me. I have tons of support from family and friends, but not quite the same. I always hear...everything will be fine! I also want to hear, what really happens, just to be totally ready. I happened to come across the WLS memorial page, God bless all of them, and now I am kinda scrared. Of course I know there are risks, but reading how it happens even a year or two out, just sent me a shock. How did everyone here get over your fears????? I need this surgery, I want this surgery.....but it is still very scary. By the way, I am 25, married mom of three beautiful girls...My surgery will be in Iowa City. Thanks ahead of time for any answers! Jesi

Jesi: Everyone gets scared. The few hours before surgery, I wanted to run screaming/crying from the hospital. The standard doubts arose -that's natural. The thing that kept me calm was my belief in my surgeon. (Dr. Maher -University fo Iowa) I knew that if any complications arose, he would do everything in his power to do what he could. Yours will too. I also took a look at the way I was living my life and realized that I did not want to live the way anymore. I wasn't being fair to my husband, two little kids, or myself. I wasn't happy or healthly being that overweight. Now, a year after my open rny, I am happier and healthier. I have lost 114 pounds and am doing well. Yes, surgery and the first few months afterwards are not easy, and I'm sure that you will be asking yourself why in the world you did this to yourself (everyone does), but in the long run, you will be glad that you made this huge decision to take charge of your health. I was thinking of starting a support group in Iowa City. Would you be interested in joining? Either way, if you have any questions, I would be more than happy to help. My e-mail is [email protected]. Take care, Jennifer

things will be ok! dont forget to take before pictures , to make a brag book. god bless mary jo

hello welcome to the board i'm so happy that you have a date set, i had surgey in april and lost over a 100 pounds it really does work. i will keep you in my prayers god bless you.

Jesi, I understand what you are going through. I too am fairly new to the site. I have been approved for surgery will be getting done in Cedar Rapids. Actually just posted that I have been approved but still waiting on a date. I too have gone to the other sites and it is frightening to see what could or could not happen. I strongly believe in fate, if something keeps me from having the surgery then I was not meant to have it done, but so far things have gone wonderfully smooth. Got appointments to see docs fairly quick, approval only took one week, and now I just need to see the pulmonologist but can't get in til Dec, due to his office overflow. Anyways good luck, think positive and God Bless. Keep in touch