First time posting

Hello Everybody, This is my first time posting. I have to admit that I have been reading the board for several months. I have been in the process of making the big decision and getting approval from my insurance carrier. WELL.......... I got my approval and I am scheduled for surgery on 7-28. I am SO nervous and yet SO excited. I guess like everyone, I have fears that I won't heal right or I will be sick for the rest of my life. I have tried to way the pros and cons and the PROS far outway the cons. I am just so hopeful to LIVE a normal life. I am also nervous about long term effects. I am doing this mainly for my to health and a longer life. Wondering how my body will be and react in 20-30 yrs. Does anyone have any advise, suggestions or guidance for me. THANKS so much for any help you can give. I know you know how I am feeling and just the unknown is a pretty scary thing!!!!!!!! Thanks again, Brooke

Hi Brooke, Welcome to the board! Which surgery are you having? Peace, Kristina 500/456/199

Hi Brooke Welcome to the boards and the NEW & IMPROVED life you will have! You are right the pros FAR outway the cons. My only regret is that I did not have the surgery earlier. If you have been reading the boards you have read lots of great information. Do you have any certain questions?? What type of surgery are you having, who is your Dr and where are you having your surgery done? There are people from all over the state on here! "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and He will direct your path" Blessings Tonya

Congrats Brooke!!! You have came to the right place to find a wealth of info. Soon you'll be a loser too. Wishing you much luck on your WLS journey. Good luck and God Bless you. Jenni 300/175/160 -125 lbs.

Hello Brooke...welcome to the KY board! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery...I know that you will see you made the right decision! Being nervous is natural, the only advice I can give is just keep thinking about how much better your life will be after you start losing weight! As far as long term effects, I guess that remains to be seen with us all, but I feel that at least I have more chance now of living long term! I am currently about four and a half months out from surgery and I feel great! Good luck with everything...you'll be in our prayers, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me anytime. Sheila

Thank you so much for responding to my message. I am having the RNY surgery, hopefully laproscopically. My doctor is Dr. Steiner at St. Joe's East in Lex. My date is July 28th and I am one happy lady. It is so good to hear that you ladies have been healing well and are glad you made the decision you did. I guess one of my bigger fears is that I will never heal good and I will be sick/poorly for the rest of my life. I have always been pretty active and heathly, but I am afraid that my health is going down hill fast. That and the fact that I am 36 yrs old and would like to live the rest of my life as a "Normal" person doing "Normal" things is a big part also of why I decided to have the surgery. Another concern I have is children. Currently, I don't have any and if I choose to have one or.....more, I want to be healthy to do that. So......If you can tell me any more of the "Bad" things I need to be prepared for, that would be great. I am a VERY optimistic person and believe that things will go well, but it is nice to be prepared and hear from real people who have experienced it. Anybody have insight on Dr. Steiner or St. Joe's? I have heard good things about the whole group. Thanks again for all your good wishes and prayers!!!! I look forward to hearing from you all again, Brooke

Brooke..blessings to you and the fears and doubts are all normal. 1st don't worry about your age...i was 48 when i had my surgery, and I had already reached the point of not being able to live the kind of life I had when I was younger and smaller. I already felt like I was in a prison that my body had created, and I was miserable. The surgery was the key to the prison door and I have never looked back. You do have to keep very positive, you have to listen to your surgeon, nurses (especially them) and walk alot, as soon as you can. I don't know about kids..I've met several people who've had kids after the surgery, but that's not me. It was my choice not to pro-create. I had discomfort after the surgery...soreness mostly, like I'd been kicked in the ribs. However, I did not have stitches..I think I was glued and steri-stripped together...no drainage tube..I loved the morphine when I was in the hospital 4 days and came home with a pain pill, but just took tylenol once I got home..I was driving on the 3rd day home.. I have never felt so free and so full of life in all my 48 years. I thank GOD every day for the great surgeon, Dr Rodriguez and all the nurses at Norton's Bariatric Unit..and especially my family..there's nothing like a strong support group..whi*****ludes this web-site...everyone here is like a member of my new found freedom family!! You'll be fine..say a Prayer and HE WILL BRING A SENSE OF CALM OVER YOU.. BLESSINGS RENEE RAPIER