Scared to Death!!!!!!!!!

Hi all! Surgery is scheduled for June 8, 2005 @ Doctor's hospital in Shreveport. I am sooooo scared. I have been reading all kinds of posts and now I am paranoid about all kinds of things. It doesn't help any that I constantly think "Hey, I might have that" or "What if..." Is this normal? Why can't I just be excited? I want to lose over 200 lbs. I am at 366lbs, and 5'4. Is this realistic? Please help!!!! I need some positive encouragement soon. Wanting to be a LOSER! Cherice

Hi Cherice: I think it is perfectly normal to be apprehensive. I was so apprehensive the first time this surgery was offered to me, I cancelled my appointment for the surgery consult before I even saw the surgeon. Had I found this website 4 years ago, I might be 4 years out instead of close to 4 months out. Do you have some kind of support group you can go to? I had to wait 15 months for my surgery at Fort Polk, and the support group there helped me a lot. By the time I had my surgery, I pretty much knew what to expect pre-op, hospital stay, and post op. This site helped a lot, too. Good luck with your surgery. Cathy G. 307-highest weight 291-surgery consult 260/204/149???

There is a support group at my Doctor's office. I won't be able to attend one til after surgery, cause I think they meet on Thursday's. Thank you soooo much for the response. I am feeling a little better. Hugz, Cherice

First off,let me congratulate you on your upcoming surgery and second ,it is perfectly normal to be nervous and scared.I also used Dr. Merriman and really like him and his office personnel.I will be praying for a uncomplicated surgery and speedy recovery for you.

Thank you! I like Dr. Merriman also and his staff are AWESOME! Thanks for the prayers, I really am going to need them. Hugz, CHerice

Hey sweetie.. just read your post... I haven't had surgery yet... I'm waiting on approval (just sent my first appeal in this week). BUT some words of encouragement.. you say you want to lose 200lbs.... and yes it is REALISTIC!! I have a friend who had it done I knew him before and after, and he is now slim and healthy and has lost 220lbs in the past 2 yrs! SO go for it babes... You will feel so much healthier once that weight starts coming off..... I'm 5'0" and 300lbs... So I'm right in the same boat with ya girl! I just hope I get approved soon! I just keep thinking about all the great things I'll be able to do with my daughter once the weight comes off! God bless you! I'm sending my prayers your way! Good luck! Kimberly

Thank you sooo much for the great reply. I hope that you will get your surgery approved soon. I do want to get healthy sooooo bad. It is just soooo scary. Thanks for the prayers! Good luck with your appeal. Hugz, Cherice

Hey Cherice, I'm 11 days post-op, and read this site everyday to get lots of info. KEEP READING IT!!! You'll gain not only important info here, but also LOTS of encouragement! The people here have NOTHING to hide they are genuine! I could NEVER have gone through this without my OH friends! I had my follow up with my Doc yesterday and had NO questions! The GREAT people here had answered them all for me already! The surgery isn't a piece of cake...You'll be in for a tough week after. BUT, you'll soon forget the soreness when you see your scale. I still can't believe I've already lost over 20lbs. I'm 5'1" so I know what you mean about your height. You WILL LOOSE! Don't worry, by the end of summer you'll be amazed; and by Christmas you'll be a whole new YOU! Lots of HUGGS!

Hi! I have been reading every day and I get encouraged until I read some negatives. (I am a bit of a hyperchondriac) Good luck with the losing side. Congrats on the 20lb. loss I know I will loose, I know I will loose. I have to stay positive. Thanks for the encouragement. Hugz, Cherice

HI CHERICE, YES THAT IS ALL NORMAL.....I KEPT A JOURNAL FOR THE WHOLE TIME I WAS WAITING AND AFTER....I READ IT TO SEE WHAT ALL I WENT THRU....SO YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THIS.....WE ARE ALWAYS HERE IF YOU EVER NEED US......YOU CAN EMAIL ME ANYTIME, I AM ALWAYS ON HERE TO HELP OR AT LEAST TRY TO HELP. BY THE WAY......CONGRATS ON YOUR NEW JOURNEY IN LIFE AND I AM HERE IN SHREVEPORT IF YOU NEED ME TO COME SEE YOU! WHO IS YOUR DOCTOR? I HAD DR. BARNES. THEY ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!! SO.....WELCOME TO THE LOSER'S LOUNGE..... WITH MUCH LOVE AND HUGS KIM