Hi there

My name is Sheryl and I live in Princeton, IA (in between Clinton and LeClaire on the Mississippi). I am having a RNY this coming Monday at Genesis East. I'm not really worried about complications...I can handle those, but I worry about dying and leaving my son without a mother. I've had operations before (shoulder, 2 back, c-sect) but this is the first one to scare me. On the positive side, I'm really looking forward to getting to wear a lot of my skinnier clothes again, and I can't wait to see my face without the layer of fat. I used to have great cheekbones. Anyway....just wanted to introduce myself.

Dear Sheryl: Welcome to the IA boards!! It is scary to have this surgery, sure there's risk, as with any surgery, especially in MO people, but think of the risk of continuing down the road you're on!!! You can do it, just keep thinking of improved health, and added years to your life!! (and yes skinnier clothes ) Best of luck, and keep on posting!!! DeeAnn R

Welcome Sheryl.....you have picked a darn good hospital to have your surgery at.....they have great aftercare programs! Do you make it to the support group? I try, but honestly I don't make it very much I didn't have my surgery at Genesis, but have made a lot of good friends there! It is scary thinking about leaving are little ones behind, I too have three little ones. But I also hated being the mother I was, miserable and fat, never doing anything with them.....and I was surely going to die of obesity! So I took the risk, and have never looked back! Please post on here more.....you will come tolove the support and people here!!! Take Care and good luck on Monday! jesi

Thank you Deanne and Jesi for your well wishes. I haven't gone to any of the support group meetings yet, but I plan to once I have the surgery. I wasn't aware until a few days ago that you could go pre-op. The next meeting is 2 days after my surgery, so I don't think I'm going to make that one. Jesi---I see you live in Dubuque. If you read my profile you know that I have an obsession with dichroic glass jewelry. My favorite designer (jp designs) is going to be at a craft show at the convention center there on Oct. 29th. You should check her stuff out....it is AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL. She has been featured on Paula Sands Live, and no--I do not know her personally and am not trying to drum up business for her. I just really love her stuff. Tomorrow I'm going on a field trip with my son's prek class to a pumpkin patch. Do you think I can count that as my 20 min of exercise/day? They're making me keep a walking log. Does 3 hrs chasing 15 3-5 yr olds count as much as a 20 min walk?

Hi Sheryl and welcome! I am new on the board and it is wonderful the gals here are very supportive and have a lot of great information to share! Good luck with your upcoming surgery. I too am scared about dying but I try to put it out of my head and think of the positives. I am not worried about the pain. I live in Saint Donatus and I am 1 hour away from Clinton. Smaller clothes and looking good in them is what keeps me going. Angel

Thank you Kathy, Lori, and Angela for the warm welcomes!

Welcome. Today is my first time also. I am waiting for insurance approval. Seems like it takes forever. I understand about your fears. I have my own also, and so does my husband. But like you, I am staying positive. Good luck to you and keep in touch. Kathy V.

Hi Sheryl..welcome to the Ia boards...sending prayers your way for a safe speedy surgery and recovery..keep us updated ok ((( big hug)) I am 2 months out and loving it!!! I found my checkbones again,lol I like looking in the mirror again!!!! Take Care Lori A. 287/223/140