Scared

Hello Everyone! I am new here! I just had my consultation for the RNY procedure. I am so affraid that something will happen with the surgery. I am not affraid of the lifestyle change afterwards. I am having a hard time getting past the fear. I know I don't have many choices and I need to have this done, for my future, and the future of my family. Does anyone have any advice on how to overcome the fear? Thanks for all your help!

Michele - I think most of us on the loosing side have experienced your angst. Mine wasn't too bad as I was miserable most of the time and in severe back pain so it took a weekend of once again being forced to cancel all plans and lay on my back with pain meds to snap me away from my fear. It was at this point that I made the appt with the surgeon. Then everything moved so fast that I didn't have anymore time to be scared. Just breath deeply and take each step of the process at a time (and again breath deeply). If you need anything let me know - or if you need someone to talk to I am here for you. Take care and best wishes Peggy

Michele, I had my initial consultation last Friday and I know EXACTLY how you feel! I went and made the mistake of reading all the negative things that happen and dwelling solely on that. I'm afraid of blood clots and leaks, mostly. The only thing that soothes me is that the risks of those are less than 1%.. that's really good odds! I'm basically healthy otherwise, I only have one co-morbidity factor so that helps too. From what I have read the more complications you have BEFORE surgery the more risk there will be AFTER surgery. I know that doesn't help much, just look at the before and after photos... read a few profiles and track people's journeys...it helps me to see their life changes and help me to try and visualize my own Good luck to you with everything! ~Jenn

I feel the exact same way you do! Afraid and excited all at once. Its a major life change that you are going to put yourself thru, and it is scary. I fear the complications that can happen, but I also fear the life that I wont have if I continue this lifestile. I think of it this way, once I get over the initial healing period, the world is wide open to me to do whatever I choose to do, thats reassuring in itself. And coming here, this website is awesome! Oodles and oodles of info, something I wouldnt have been able to find anywhere else. And reading other people journeys, I've found that most if not all felt the same way I do (and you too) If Im feeling down I can come here and read someones/anyones profile and see that in the end, its all worth it. Also, some bariatric programs offer support groups, I suggest you go to one and check it out first hand. They are very helpful and you are able to meet people in all stages of the journey. Good luck to you! Remeber, this place is here for you day or night. Its helped me a lot.

I just noticed, you have my doctor

You have Dr. Boe too??? he is SO well recommended and has done ALOT of these surgeries. Are you going to be open or lap? I know he's starting the lap procedure but my BMI is too high to do it so I have to be open. I really liked my consultation with him, he was really honest and I admire that! That's so cool though I haven't had many people to talk to locally here at least i'm not going through it alone! ~Jenn

OK I responded to the wrong thread... hehe sorry Gabrielle! Did you already have the surgery?

Holy cow, you are beautiful! You dont look as heavy as you posted! Sorry, I had to share. Nope, not yet, D-Day is 9/8.

Aww thank you!!!!! I was probably about 350 in the pic. I was blessed with a thin face, hehe. I carry all my weight in my midsection, thighs and butt. I'm here if you ever need to talk or are freaking out or something. I know I'm not a post-op so I don't have much to offer other than a listening ear ~Jenn

Michele, I had my surgery 1 1/2 yrs. ago. I was so scared. I never had been in a hospital except to have my two sons. I found this saying somewhere and wrote it down and kept it with me." If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it." I apologize if you are not religious. But I didn't think of all the bad stuff that could go on. I just thought of how good I will feel when it is all over. I kept in mind I had to do something or I would die from all the complications of being overweight. I will keep you in my prayers. You will do fine. Take a deep breath and think posative. Take Care!! Angie