feeling scared....

I was talking to my cousin the other day about how I was goign to see a surgeonabout surgery. she was going on and on about mortality rates and weight loss surgery I was wondering if any one had any info or soothing words to help calm my nerves.

Morning April, I get kind of cranky when people try to scare others! ANY surgery is dangerous. It seems like WLS seems to hit the papers more. When my mom was in intensive care they brought a woman in, she had had gallbladder surgery (same day) & as she was getting ready to leave the hospital she had a stroke which did take her life. THAT story didn't hit the paper, but if it had been WLS it would have. Just remind your cousin that all surgeries are dangerous & this is your choice & you know that there are risks involved. Your surgeon will also go over the risks with you. I've also told people if they can't say anything positive please don't say anything at all. Granted they are concerned. There is a wealth of info out there on WLS. I think you'll feel better once you've talked to your surgeon, ask questions that's what they are there for. Who are you going to see? Good luck to you & keep us posted. Carolyn

I've had a few people like that too....I was one of them until I did some reasearch into the surgery. I thought it was way too risky. When I heard it was about the same risk as a C-section that changed everything for me. Tell your cousin that fact or tell her you've throughly checked it out and it's the right decision for you. I always want to ask people who question it (especially skinny ones) where they are getting their information from and is it accurate. Hee hee!

Dearest April- I'm with Carolyn! I hope your "friend" was just worried about losing you, but I think some folks have ulterior motives. Fortunatley, I've had nothing but support from my family, friends and co-workers. Someone told me people die every day for the most obscure reasons. At least this surgery is a positive step to make your life not only longer, but with a much better quality for you and those who love you. Consider your options, talk to experts and those of us here who have been through the procedure, and smile and ignore the nay sayers! I'd personally do it again in a heart beat- and I know most of the others here would too. Good luck in your journey! Jeri H.

I was fortunate & only my MIL said these things to me. I told her that we could take a small (1 in 200) chance that I would die from this surgery or know that eventually the obesity would kill me, possibly causing great expense to my husband first with medical bills, loss of my job, & very possibly going to a nursing home. That shut her up! I also asked why she didn't express that concern when I had the hysterectomy just months earlier. At my size then it probably was just as dangerous but she didn't consider it at all. Dixie

Well I started out with reminding her that I have had three c-sections and one of them was while I was really really big. And that it cant be much worse then that I see my family doctor on the fourth to discuss this, then the nurse said from there he will refer me to a surgeon.

It is a lot more risky to die from obesity than the surgery!!! YOu also have a better chance of dying everytime you drive somewhere! Some people are caring and say the wrong things....or are just plain rude!!! There are risks involved and the only thing you can do is know everything there is to know and then make an informed decision about your life and health! It is scary, but it is also scary to think about your life and being MO and miserable for the rest of it! This is a great place for support in whatever you decide! I know for me the surgery was a lifesaver, but it also was a hard decision! Take Care and best of luck Jesi

Don't be scared!! I was a little at first and I think my husband is a little worried still but hey....I would not make it through another pregnancy and my current weight. My doctor point blank told me that I would die from complications. I need to get this weight off for good and live healthier for my children...and so my husband doesn't have to raise them by himself!! Look into your doctor's credentials and trust him. You have to remain positive and positive things will happen. I'm tired of hearing all of the negatives that the media has put out there on this surgery...it's ridiculous! Take care and keep us posted!! Hugs, Jen