FRIENDS?

Hey guys..Well my surgery is nov 6th and my family and fiance are very supportive..Wellllllllllllllli have a handfull of friends that are like convincing me or well I should say trying to convince me that I am going to die yes thats right die.And I mean I am already nervous on my own about the surgery but this is crazy I just cant believe them ..Telling me to make a will and my daughter who is 9 months will be without a mother..I try not to let it bother me but damn I hear it constantly!!Sorry just had vent a little! thanks guys stefie

Live each day like it's your last and if you have a chance -- I hope you dance ... The risk of any surgery is sobering. The risk of remaining extremely obese is down right depressing. Being prepared doesn't mean you are blind to those risks, it means you're ready. Two years ago, I was older, heavier and in pretty crappy health. I have a small daughter who needed her mother and I followed my heart and faith into a path that would give her more. I wish you the same ... and, no, it doesn't matter if no one else understands. Onward! Frances

In reading your profile you say about getting approval 'I'll just wait and pray.' That's all anyone can do really. Everyday we face dangers, many of which we aren't even aware. God has a plan and if you put your trust in Him then everything will turn out as He planned for you. It's normal to be nervous. I was no stranger to surgery but I was nervous b/c THIS surgery was a choice I had made. Even though I had diabetes which wouldn't stay under control, hypertension, sleep apnea, back pain, etc. I still could have continued trying different medications... this is what people will say to you. The statements come from fear and lack of understanding about the operation, and of course, the worry they have b/c they love you. Try explaining the operation and use your Surgeon's statistics to help them understand it is a risk but so is everything in life. Keep praying and God will guide you. You'll be in my prayers. Keep the faith! Anne 254/157/1??

Hey girl ! Well u know that ur surgery is a week before mine and yes i'm super nervous to .To be honest with u I am getting a will together just for my kids and the wishes for them to be apart of my family if anything happens ! It is very depressing to have to do this but I'm am gonna be prepared and we have to be positive that nothing will happen. We will fight as hard as we can to make it back to them just as we promised! It will be ok ! U should really come to the next meeting they discuss stuff about everything before and after in ur mind in the meeting !Smile u will be ok !

I think that you are encountering a bit of what I did. Because this surgery is still called "elective', like we were getting a boob job or something, we still encounter some major stereotyping. If a man with clogged arteries needs to be ballooned to live better and feel better, then WOOHOO, he's made a great choice to extend his life and cardiologists don't blink an eye to do this. If a morbidly obese person makes a choice to extend their life and feel better, then suddenly this is a big elective surgery. There are actually doctors out there that won't treat you because you chose to do this to yourself. I heard this argument recently and it about sent me through the roof. After the medical community has made me feel really "morbidly obese" and suggested this to me over several years........I made the decision to do it. And now, I'm running into Docs that won't treat because I did this to myself. HELLO, the medical field helped me reach this point. FURTHERMORE, If a morbidly obese man presents himself at a hospital ER, would the doc refuse to treat him because he did that to himself by consuming too many calories over too much time? It's a stinky argument, but it just goes to show, you will always encounter people, in your personal life and in the medical profession that snub you for chosing this option. You have to be comfortable with your choice, be aware of the risks, make the best decision for you, be ready to live with the consequences, and ready to stand up for yourself and you decision. The fact is, some people do die from this surgery and only you know if that risk is worth the benefit of a succesful surgery. Surround yourself with positive people and make a super informed solid decision. Then no one will shake you, even if you do have a bad day or two. Own your choice, it's not for anyone else. Good Luck on your Journey. Kendra

Did any of those friends tell you to make a will because your BMI was in the dangerous category? Or try to convince you to get healthy? Probably not. There are some people who think we are crazy, but they have no trouble offering us that 2nd or 3rd helping of cake. Don't pay them any mind. Tell them you are doing this for your daughter so that she will grow up knowing you as a terrific mother who is able to actively participate in her life, not jus****ch from the sidelines. You have a wonderful Dr and will do well. I had my surgery in Feb and have lost 82lbs... only 18 more to go to my Dr's goal for me. I have regained my life and my helath is better than it has been in years. Best thing I ever did.