Need some buddies...I am so nervous.

I am a mom of 3 daughters 24,23 and 13. My girls do not want to hear about me having surgery, I think they are more nervous than I am. Anyways after almost 1 year of going thru the Northwestern Memorial Wellness institute I finally have an appointment with the surgeon Dr. Nagel. I cannot sleep, my appt is at 11 am LOL. It is 1235 am and I cannot sleep, just a nervous wreck thinking about the big step. Thank God I have insurance! And I have lost 30 lbs just dieting getting down to where I can finally see the surgeon. I think I gained 10 pounds being nervous, I have sleep apnea, and when I wake up the mask is on the floor! Any advice for dealing with family members on this? Or friends who are skeptics? I feel alone already, as if everybody is bailing out on me before i even get started. Did anyone else go thru this? Kathleen (Chicago)

(((HUGS))) just wanted to say that you will do fine this morning. Nervousness is normal. Your family members just need a gentle education as to why surgery is your option. Maybe one of them can go with you to the doctor and ask questions to calm their fears. You also need to do your homework to be able to answer their questions and to become an educated patient. Have you purchased any WLS books at all? They sell some really good ones here on this site and also amazon.com has some. Take care and come back and tell us how it went and of course if you have ANY questions yourself feel free to ask. Chris

Thank you, I will try that. I am taking my daughter with me to emet my surgeon today, I will educate her if she will listen. Thanks again

hey Kathleen ... I'd be more worried if you WEREN'T nervous. It's funny, sometimes the people who you think would be the most supportive, aren't. Anyway ... you've got a bunch of people here that will support you!! I still go to the Wellness Institute (have an appt tomorrow as a matter of fact!), our post-op support group is very helpful ... Dr. Nagle assisted on my surgery (acutally, I believe my surgeon assisted Nagle, since he was leaving for Hawaii in less than a week). Send me an email after your appointment, I'd love to hear about it!! If you'd ever like to get together, or if you need someone to "talk" to, I'm here for ya! Take care, Karyn

I am just starting the process myself so I am sorry to say that I do not have much advice for you. Just wanted to let you know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Hello There April, It has been 10 months of counseling and weight loss for me, I am down 30 pounds just through dieting and my job is very physical moving around alot. When I started out I was 284, I am now 255lbs. I had my first visit with the surgeon today and everythign is a go, he figures by the time the insurance approval and all is done, surgery in 2 months RNY, I AM EXCITED AND NERVOUS. My prayers and good wishes to everyone having surgery. I will add you to my friends and keep you posted. Good luck April! Kathy in Chicago