Scared...

To those of you that have been reading my journey you know that I had planned to have the band and just a couple of weeks ago I deside to go ahead with rny. So now Im getting closer to having it and now Im thinking should I do this? I got on the memorial page and read some stories(shouldnt have) and its terrified me again. Im thinking maybe I havent tried hard enought to lose the weight and maybe I should just have the band and then Im thinking Ill just stay fat the rest of my life and enjoy it while I can. I have an appointment tomorrow to have the light run down me, and Im thinking about not even going and just say forget wls. But I have come so far, and I want to lose this weight so bad. They should get my papers sent to my insurance this week and I should get to have wls within a few weeks. Im just so scared that Ill die and leave my 3 kids or that Ill have a bunch of complications and never beable to over come wls. Gosh,,, I need help anyone that can talk me through this, I would be so greatful. Thanks Amanda

Hi Amanda I have been there. I am 10 mths out and I had no complications. The memorial page is hard. But I had to picture what my life would be like in just a few years. I knew there was a greater chance that I would die a young adult if I didn't do the surgery. I knew I could lose weight but I was never able to keep it off. I did the surgery so I could have a life. I did the surgery so I could quit telling my girls I can't play. I took control and now I have a life. I wish you the best. I have no regrets only wish I would have done it sooner. Good luck Jane

Hi Amanda, I know how you feel I too read the memorial page and I agree with you to appoint. I had to change my life and dieting was doing it.I had gotten up to 299lbs and my heart doctor told me I was killing myself.I had to make a change and I don,t regret my decission I had my lapband done in March-03-06 and I am doing great I am down 67lbs have alot more to lose but I feel now I have the means to lose the weight now.I was on oxgen and alot of heart meds and blood pressure and I am off alot of it now. I have 4 grown childern but I have 11 grandchildern I sure wanted to be around to see them grown up You take care Amanda and I will send my prayers your way. You can e-mail me if you like. [email protected] Dr.Rodriquez 299lbs now 232lbs Kathy Lancaster Goal weight is 157lbs (75 to go)

U will be fine! Everyone has these scary thoughts! U r going to be just fine! Don't give up now, u r so close!!!

Amanda, Before my surgery I was so excited and I felt the need to read the memorial page to give myself a reality check. I cried through most of it but in the end I knew that I was choosing to have this surgery to help myself. I wouldnt change any of the decisions I have made. I know that everyone gets nervous and scared before surgery and thats normal.... its normal with any surgery. I am 27 and I have 4 kids... I had the same thoughts that you have had. But at the same time I felt that I owed it to my family and myself to have this done so that my quality of life would improve. I want to watch my munchkins grow up and I wanted to be able to roll around on the floor with them and play. Theres no way I could do that before surgery. I can do that now though! I had minimal pain from the surgery and no complications at all. I will stop rambling now. If you need anything ... keep in mind you have an entire message board supporting you! -Sarah

Hi Amanda...I am going to read your profile later when I get home from work, I am sorry I don't have time right now as I am running out the door. But reading the memorial page isn't always a bad idea but please read it with an open mind. What you don't know is what happened in each particular case. Was the patient having issues before the surgery? was the patient compliant? did the patient have a very good surgeon? Chances are if you are young, have no health problems and have been put to sleep without a problem in the past..you will do just fine with this surgery.. As for failing after, that is up to you..What we do see is that people who feel they do not need support are those who have problems losing all the weight or keeping it off...so I would suggest if you are not living near your surgeons support group to find one near you...get involved as much as you. This past winter was difficult for me and I got away from support, I found a couple of pounds creeping back, I am now back on track and fighting those lbs. off..I refuse to gain any weight back!! I am 3 yrs out and it does take work later, but so what?...I am worth it....I would have this surgery again tomorrow if I needed to..only difference is I know so much about different centers/programs and surgeons and the way the procedure "should" be done that I would make a good choice in surgeons and be in control of that part myself rather than the family doc picking one for me.. You will do just great, if you need to talk..shoot me an email..!! Brenda [email protected]

This was my 1st sugery & I too was scared. I had my funeral planned in advanced. I discussed this with my preacher & he prayed with me the morning I went in. He said that right before I went under think of Gods face & put your faith in Him. That's what I did. I didn't have the surgery just beacuse I wanted to be smaller. I had diabetic issuses & knew that in the long run my weight would make my life worse. I could take this step, this HUGE step with all the complications & make a postive change or not have it done & wait until I lost a leg or stroked out or worse. It's normal to be scared but if you have confidence in your Dr. you should really consider this. I'd do it again. I'm about 4 months out, lost 70 lbs, went from 7 meds a day to only 2. It was the best thing I've ever did. I've added years to my life & I enjoy each day with my family & don't let food rule my day.

Hey Ginny, how are you? how is the weight loss going?...feeling good these days?

I feel great! I'm so glad that I did this & I love everyone connected to Georgetown. That's why I tell anybody that will listen (& some who don't) how great they are & encourage them to do this. I has changed my life & I'm only 4 months out. I couldn't wear my wedding rings for a year & now I need to get them sized down. When we went to resturants, I had to get a table beacuse a booth was too small for me but not now. I have "wow" moments everyday. I've lost 70# so far but I'm having some hair loss. I'm taking biotin & got special shampoo & tracking my protein so hope it slows down. Georgetown is selling protein powders & bars now & I need to get back up there. I'm not hungry most of the time & I forget to eat. Didn't think I'd ever say that!! I met a lady during my surgery & we call each other to see how the weight loss is going & what's working or not. This site is awsome! I'm still learning stuff. Thanks for all your support Brenda.

Glad I could help!!!