Hardest Thing I had to ever Do in My Life

Hi All, I just need to vent to my family if you do not mind. Going into this surgery I knew that it would not be easy. I did lots of research and went to support groups and read articles and looked at TV shows that talked about it. In doing all of this and knowing the risk and the life altering change I still felt the need to have this surgery, this was something I wanted to do without fail. However although I do not regret having the surgery nor can I yet say I would do this again, I just need to keep it real when I say that having this surgery was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and maintain in my life. Without the sole support of my new best friend Lisa Cohen and my longtime friendship with Lisa Dunlap, I have no idea what I would do. Lisa Cohen and I had our surgeries about 2 weeks apart so the things I am going through now she is so helpful with, my day does not feel complete unless I talk to her. Lisa Dunlap is almost a year out and she gives me that energy and the reassurance that things will definately get better. I said all of that to say this when you are going through this, it is so important to have someone to support you. My husband and my best friend Lea and my sister Rochelle are all having this surgery and I am so glad that I am the Guinea Pig of the circle, because when they have surrgery they will have all of me. I will have already worked the kinks out for them, I will be there to help them from day one, I will be able to encourage them when they go through the depression and the battles of what to eat and what not to eat.. This is a remarkeable journey that all of the post ops have began and all of the pre ops are thinking of taking, it requires hard work and determination and most of all support from someone who understands and is willing to be there for you when you need them. This message board is such a great place to come and read and get advice, sometimes it can be a little intimidating on the main board because people will just beat you down and make you feel bad about your questions. Just thought that I would let all of you know that we are all in this together, weither i know you or not I plan to be an advocate and a great support person for anyone that needs me, I call people on a daily basis, i send numerous emails daily and I call my Lisa C. daily to see how her day is, this surgery is life altering for me and i intend to be as supportive as i can to anyone that just wants to talk. You can email me directly at [email protected] and I will take your number and give you mine and just know that I am here for you all, anytime of the day and night, because i do not want anyone to feel they are alone. This is a winning battle, not one without a strong and hard fight. I just want you all to know that support is the key to success. I hope that i have not offended anyone with what i have said, it was never meant to come out that way. i also want you all to look for regular post from me, because anytime I learn anything new that is helpful I will be on here sharing it. Thanks for listening and good luck to US ALL!!!!!

Adreinne- Your message is far from offensive. It is obvious it was written from the heart by a very caring person! And your advice about support is so true. I couldn't have gone through this without my husband's approval and on-going support. In addition, Iowa has a fantastic group of people always willing to share and reach out. I wish you the best in your life-altering journey and hope to see more of you on this site!

Hi michelle, You know I posted this message on the main board as well, and more often times than not I have seen the folks on there take things the wrong way so that is why I made that statement. However I also posted this message on every state board because the state boards are the ones you can get the most support from. Thank you so much for your comments, they are very much appreciated.

Dear Adrienne, Thank you for your post. It greatly affected me. My surgery date was 9-16-03. I'm having a few problems. I went into the surgery I had heard of it, had an idea about it, but was so uninformed. I would do it again, but I would do it with a LOT more info. I'm on my own now, due to other medical problems, I'm having to do things a lot differently. It is all the little things that make a difference. The people in your life are very lucky to have you in theirs. It is great that they will have you to get answers to their questions, or at least someone to listen to them. I'm finding this very hard. I am a alcoholic, I've been dry since 1980, I quit smoking in 1999 haven't had a relationship since 1995 (I'm very hard to get along with) but I'm struggling with this. The only real info I have gotten has been on this web site God Bless Them. By all means I cannot see how you could of offended anyone!!!!!! You have given me a much needed shot in the arm!!! THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Sue

Hi Sue, I want to stay in contact with you, because everybody needs somebody and although you think you are hard to get with, i just think that you probably just need a good friend to be able to open up to. I want you to email me and send me your number so that I can call you. Take care and I will be looking for your email.