Nervous Ramblings

I posted a blog about this on my page..but I just wanted to get it out there, so I decided to post it here..Since I will be using this site as part of my support through my journey..

Im not that far in the process...I havent gotten insurance approval yet. I'm working on the 2nd month of my 3 month diet. So I decided to go on Dr. Averbach's website and email them for an appointment. I didnt even have the nerve to call them and that is sooo unlike me. Im not a shy person...I dont shun away from things like this...But I didnt have the nerve to call the doctor.  So I emailed and a day later they called me back and I didnt return the call for 2 days...Whats up with that? I have been researching and web searching this surgery for a long time now and now feel like Im having an anxiety attack (which Ive never had)...

Anyway, I had to leave out of my office and go to the warehouse to make the call...Even though the guy I share an office with knows all about the surgery and has been very supportive in my decisions (not that it would make a difference if he wasnt). I made that call and got an appt set up for March 18th @ 10am.

I called my primary doctor to see if I could get my physical history and blood work. Apparently I havent had a physical in 8 years..(**WHOOPS**) So I think its time for another one...

So I called Dr. Averbach's office to cancel the appt, but they told me since I have my 2 years medical records to just come in...

I know this is just a consultation..but Im nervous...and I dont know why...Im soo psyched for this surgery and ready for my life change...yet I feel like Im going to throw up waiting to see him....

I just had to vent....

I think we all can relate to your nervousness. At some point the decision becomes very real. For you it seems like this is the time. For me it was after I left Dr. Schweitzer's office from my consult. I sat in my car for about 15 seconds and thought "really this is what you have to do" and I looked at myself all sweaty just from that walk and said "yup, yup it is."  The nice thing is the process goes somewhat slow so you should have time to process and of course come here for support :-)

Thank you...Yes, I feel that its now starting to be "real"...but still not sure why Im soo nervous..Im not nervous about the operation itself, Ive had my gallbladder out recently and was fine with that...I guess Im subconsciously worried about how this will affect the people in my life..

Heather: As my grandmother would say..."That's the devil talkin' to you! And you know better!"  You've researched this surgery, you know that this will change your life forever.  Are you ready for that change?  Most likely you are or you wouldn't be doing all of the work that you're doing to research and learn. You might want to get someone to go with you to your appointment with Dr. Averbach.  Ask if there's someone from this board who has been thru it who could come sit with you to "hold your hand".  In my job, I work with people who are taking life changing certification exams.  They are nervous but I tell them they are nervous about the unknown.  They have done their school work and most are actually working in their field.  They are scared of what they don't know about...the actual exam.  Once they begin the exam, most of the nervousness goes away and they get down to the business at hand.   I think that this journey is like that.  You are scared about the unknown path.  Sure, you've done the research, have the head knowledge but still, it's a scarey road.  But, once you begin, you'll see that this is the right journey for you.  And if it's not (and that's okay too) you'll know that. I know that in my journey, I have had several HUGE obstacles come crashing down in front of me, trying to block my walk.  First, my original surgeon leaves the area and I have to go "across the Bay" to find someone.  (This was a blessing even though I miss Dr. Bovard deeply.)  Second, when my surgery was started, Dr. Singh found a HUGE problem with my liver.  Surgery was stopped and I am seeing a liver specialist.  Another bolder in my path.  BUT, I haven't given up all hope yet.  Not until I am told that there is no way that I can have the surgery will I declare a defeat. So, now that I've rambled on and on, I just want to say.  Don't let the devil put those blocks in your pathway.  Go around them, jump over them, walk thru them.  You are doing this for you.  You just need to find someone to walk with you into that doctor's office! Let me know if I can help you.

 

Deb

Deb you said it.  Hugs!

Heather We all get nervous at one point or another going thru this process. You will be fine and make the decision that is right for you!!! Take your time and research all the different types of WLS. It took me years to decide this was what I needed to do. Check out Dr Averbachs support group meetings; ask questions here on  the board.  We are all in various stages but we support each other every step of the way. Vent away:  and keep the faith Darla 

Heather, from my first introduction to the idea of WLS until the point where I was ready NOW!!!!   was a 2 1/2 year period, yet even after I decided I was ready and called and made that first appointment for the consult, I cried uncontrollably.  I knew it was what I needed/wanted  but I still had fears.   Once I saw the first doctor and then the 2nd (who did my surgery) it all settled down and the nerves were gone .. I knew it was right. Best wishes and we will all be here for you on the boards and the meetings to hold you up when it gets rough. Hugs, Mo

Oh yes, I know this feeling well.  It is normal to fear the unknown.  But you wouldn't have gotten this far in the process if you didn't really want to get the WLS.  We are all in this together fighting obesity.  Don't let the fear get in your way.  It will come and go.  Congratulations for setting up your consult!! Hugs~