Hello

I just joined the group today and thought I would start by introducing myself.  My name is Crista, I live in Thurmont , MD.  I am scheduled to have RNY next week June 29.  I have been thinking/planning this for about 5 years.  Finally, I am ready and my insurance company has agreed to pay for it.  I have been so focused on getting everything approved and going through all the appointments that I really haven't had much time to be nervous, but it i****ting now.  I am experiencing crazy emotions, I feel super excited one minute, really scared the next.  I have been a little short on patience and I assume that has to do with nerves as well.  OR hunger, I have been on the liquid diet for a week now.  I am scared right now about the surgery and that all will go well, I am scared of the pain.  Right now when I am having a bad day, sad, mad I turn to food - what will I turn to when I don't have food? What will recovery be like? But most of all I am scared that it won't work, what will I do then?
I really am usually a happy person, but I thought if I can't vent to you guys - people that know what I am going through, then who can I vent too?
I am a stay at home mom I have an 11 year old daughter that has microcephaly (a form of brain damage).  We also have a 4 year old son and I take care of a friends 3 year old daughter.  I can't wait to be able to carry my daughter up the stairs without feeling like I am having a heart attack.  I can't wait to be able to keep up with the toddlers.  Then all the normal stuff -tie my shoes, fitting into a booth at a restaurant, riding a roller coaster, shopping for clothes in any store I want. . . well that could go on and on. 
I can't wait till I have time to really explore all the message boards on here and getting to know all of you. 

First - Welcome and congrads on your upcoming surgery.  Yes we've all been down the road you are on right now 1001 emotions prior to surgery.  All I can say is it is a process and in the end you'll be happy you did it.  It was the best thing I have ever done only wish I would of done it the first time I considered years ago and put it off.  It is so nice to be able to keep up with my toddler and teens and at times surpass my teens, that is one of the greatest feeling ever.  Shopping....never imagined it could be so wonderful!!  Wearing victoria secret clothes and undergarmets...addicting and never imagined.  Wearing holister clothes that was one of my WOW moments.  But just feeling better and like you said not so winded just walking up stairs.  Knowing what "normal" actually feels like.

Remember though...surgery fixes your weight loss but it doesn't fix your head, that's a whole nother ball game we all struggle with.

PM me if you wanna call and chat and need help or just have questions you want to ask, its kind of hard to answer everything here at one time.

Good Luck!!

Christa,

Vent away, we have all been there, 

Tom

Crista,

Welcome to the Maryland forum.  Sounds like you're getting ready to begin a completely new, healthy life.  WOO HOO!  Way to go!  Put on the seat belt and enjoy the ride of your life.  All the fun things you have on your list will soon become a reality! 

Good luck with your surgery -- we'll be waiting for you on the Loser's Bench - lol

Debbie

Hi Christa! Great to meet you! You will find lots of good advice and support on this board. Fabulous people.  Best of luck to you as your surgery approaches. All of this sacrifice is going to pay off for you. I am a newbie myself (surgery on May 6th) but already I'm loving this change. Anxiously waiting to hear you made it through ok and you're sittin on the loser's bench with all of us!

Laura