COLD FEET
2 weeks until surgery and I don't think I can do it. I just don't want to be sicker than I am now ( I have NO health issues other than being fat). I don't want to mess up my kids life, I don't want to die, I don't want to regret this. Maybe I am just not ready for this life changing experience. Someone please help. Oh and my coworker didnt making it any better today saying this is worse than heart surgery. "Most people die quick and on the table. You on the other hand might have a painful slow death". Awwwwwwwwwwwww (That's me screaming and crying). I am a single mom and HAVE to be there for my kids because they have nobody else. I really want this but that's just it...I WANT it but do I NEED it?
I can only speak from my experience, but the last 6 months have been a trial for me. I have suffered through an ulcer, which is back again now, pain, frustration from hitting plateaus, 14 week of IV therapy, and I still DO NOT REGRET it!! I wouldn't change my mind for ANYTHING!!
My doctor told me I was having the surgery because he said if I didn't I would be lucky to live to 60. He told me that my weight took off at least 10 years off my life, and that was not considering all my other medical concerns. He said that I might not even live long enough to see my kids graduate if I didn't do something soon.
Albeit, I do have some other factors. I have a blood clotting disorder that has caused me to have 2 DVT's in my left leg, and multiple small PEs in my right lung. I also had sleep apnea, much to my surprise.
I was terrified before surgery. I am a married mother of 2 children, 8 and 6 at the time. I was terrified of leaving them, especially my 6 year old who struggles with life because of Aspbergers.
The night before my surgery I wrote each of my children a letter saying that I knew that if they were reading this, I hadn't made it through the surgery. I told them that I was doing this for all of us, so that I can run with them, go on rides with them, get down on the ground and play with them. I wanted to see them graduate high school, get married, have children. I knew that if I didn't lose the weight I wouldn't accomplish any of these goals. I prayed that they wouldn't read those letters, but I knew that was a risk. I cried the whole time I wrote them.
In the last 6 months my life has changed so much for the better. I go for walks, jogs, and bike rides with my kids. I can race my kids up the stairs now, instead of being out of breath halfway up. I can have fun with them!
My self-esteem has skyrocketed after the surgery. I am proud of who I am, and I know that my kids aren't embarrassed to have a fat mom anymore.
I can go into a regular ladies section now and buy clothes instead of to specialty store that sell only plus sizes. Now, I can't even shop in those stores, the clothes are all too big!
It's normal to be scared, I was terrified. While my husband and children stood behind, my parents were very much against my surgery, and were not supportive at all. I just had to ignore them, and remind myself that deep down I was doing what was right for me, and my family.
No one can make the right decision for you but you, ignore what everyone says, do some soul searching. What are your goals in life? You may be healthy now, but if you stay large the risk of other co-morbidities go up. Weigh the risks of having the surgery against what could happen if you don't have it.
This is not a decision to be made lightly, it will change your life forever. You need to be sure you are ready for this, but don't let cold feet stop you. We have all had them.
I wish you the best, and I hope you make the right decision for you - no matter what it is. We are all here to support you.
My doctor told me I was having the surgery because he said if I didn't I would be lucky to live to 60. He told me that my weight took off at least 10 years off my life, and that was not considering all my other medical concerns. He said that I might not even live long enough to see my kids graduate if I didn't do something soon.
Albeit, I do have some other factors. I have a blood clotting disorder that has caused me to have 2 DVT's in my left leg, and multiple small PEs in my right lung. I also had sleep apnea, much to my surprise.
I was terrified before surgery. I am a married mother of 2 children, 8 and 6 at the time. I was terrified of leaving them, especially my 6 year old who struggles with life because of Aspbergers.
The night before my surgery I wrote each of my children a letter saying that I knew that if they were reading this, I hadn't made it through the surgery. I told them that I was doing this for all of us, so that I can run with them, go on rides with them, get down on the ground and play with them. I wanted to see them graduate high school, get married, have children. I knew that if I didn't lose the weight I wouldn't accomplish any of these goals. I prayed that they wouldn't read those letters, but I knew that was a risk. I cried the whole time I wrote them.
In the last 6 months my life has changed so much for the better. I go for walks, jogs, and bike rides with my kids. I can race my kids up the stairs now, instead of being out of breath halfway up. I can have fun with them!
My self-esteem has skyrocketed after the surgery. I am proud of who I am, and I know that my kids aren't embarrassed to have a fat mom anymore.
I can go into a regular ladies section now and buy clothes instead of to specialty store that sell only plus sizes. Now, I can't even shop in those stores, the clothes are all too big!
It's normal to be scared, I was terrified. While my husband and children stood behind, my parents were very much against my surgery, and were not supportive at all. I just had to ignore them, and remind myself that deep down I was doing what was right for me, and my family.
No one can make the right decision for you but you, ignore what everyone says, do some soul searching. What are your goals in life? You may be healthy now, but if you stay large the risk of other co-morbidities go up. Weigh the risks of having the surgery against what could happen if you don't have it.
This is not a decision to be made lightly, it will change your life forever. You need to be sure you are ready for this, but don't let cold feet stop you. We have all had them.
I wish you the best, and I hope you make the right decision for you - no matter what it is. We are all here to support you.
Nicole
Highest (Oct. '09) ~ 335 Surgery ~ 292.2 Current ~ 217.8.0 Goal ~ 170
Highest (Oct. '09) ~ 335 Surgery ~ 292.2 Current ~ 217.8.0 Goal ~ 170
Take a deep breath. You are right on track for these feelings. Ignore comments from ANYONE who has not researched the way you have. Most people live. It's not even a close call. Most people go on to NOT regret having it done. I've had it done twice and would do it again if I needed to. I don't know anything about you but I've been where you are. It is a life changing decision and for me it allowed me to live. I was over 400 lbs. It gave me a fighting chance at life. You know what it will do for you. Co-workers that make comments like that are clueless. You would be better off getting advice from spongebob.
Hang in there.
Please.
Paul
Hang in there.
Please.
Paul
On September 7, 2010 at 2:24 PM Pacific Time, queenracine wrote:
PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE FREAKING KIDDING ME!!?!!
Tell this ignorant ******* to keep his assinine, uneducated, hurtful and malicious comments to himself, then document it all for possible inclusion in his HR file. I've heard and seen a whole lot of STUPID in my life, but that right there might take the cake.
If you had risk factors that the surgeon felt were too dangerous for WLS, you would be told so in no uncertain terms. You can go on this website (OH) and check the stats for all the local surgeons. Your dip-**** co-worker has obviously not pulled his HEAD out of his ASS long enough to get a sufficient supply of oxygen to his brain. Nor has he done any research, therefore he has NO FREAKING BUSINESS making such hateful comments.
Yes, there are risks involved with WLS. There are risks with ANY surgery (INCLUDING, might I add, having one's HEAD surgically removed from one's ASS). But the health risks you will likely face if you do NOT get your weight under control are almost guaranteed.
You go for it, girlfriend. Fear is normal. Having ****for-brains co-workers is normal, too. At the end of the day, you just have to do what's right for YOU. Pay no attention to the idiot you work with.
2 weeks until surgery and I don't think I can do it. I just don't want to be sicker than I am now ( I have NO health issues other than being fat). I don't want to mess up my kids life, I don't want to die, I don't want to regret this. Maybe I am just not ready for this life changing experience. Someone please help. Oh and my coworker didnt making it any better today saying this is worse than heart surgery. "Most people die quick and on the table. You on the other hand might have a painful slow death". Awwwwwwwwwwwww (That's me screaming and crying). I am a single mom and HAVE to be there for my kids because they have nobody else. I really want this but that's just it...I WANT it but do I NEED it?
PLEASE TELL ME YOU ARE FREAKING KIDDING ME!!?!!
Tell this ignorant ******* to keep his assinine, uneducated, hurtful and malicious comments to himself, then document it all for possible inclusion in his HR file. I've heard and seen a whole lot of STUPID in my life, but that right there might take the cake.
If you had risk factors that the surgeon felt were too dangerous for WLS, you would be told so in no uncertain terms. You can go on this website (OH) and check the stats for all the local surgeons. Your dip-**** co-worker has obviously not pulled his HEAD out of his ASS long enough to get a sufficient supply of oxygen to his brain. Nor has he done any research, therefore he has NO FREAKING BUSINESS making such hateful comments.
Yes, there are risks involved with WLS. There are risks with ANY surgery (INCLUDING, might I add, having one's HEAD surgically removed from one's ASS). But the health risks you will likely face if you do NOT get your weight under control are almost guaranteed.
You go for it, girlfriend. Fear is normal. Having ****for-brains co-workers is normal, too. At the end of the day, you just have to do what's right for YOU. Pay no attention to the idiot you work with.
Imperfect does not = unsuccessful
There really isn't much that I can say that hasn't been said already and I have to agree with everyone.
I really want this but that's just it...I WANT it but do I NEED it?
You have to make this decision for yourself, but if you honestly think that being morbidly obese isn't a reason to NEED this surgery, you are sorely mistaken. Morbid in a medical sense means you are going to die from whatever ailment you have; in this case it's obesity. So, yes, you can honestly tell yourself you NEED this surgery so you have a chance at being there for your children so you can watch them grow up and you can see them graduate and you can play with any future grandchildren you may have.
Does this surgery garuntee that you will be there for any of it, no, but it does give you a higher chance at being there to see it happen and to experience it with them instead of just sitting on the sidelines wishing you could participate.
I really want this but that's just it...I WANT it but do I NEED it?
You have to make this decision for yourself, but if you honestly think that being morbidly obese isn't a reason to NEED this surgery, you are sorely mistaken. Morbid in a medical sense means you are going to die from whatever ailment you have; in this case it's obesity. So, yes, you can honestly tell yourself you NEED this surgery so you have a chance at being there for your children so you can watch them grow up and you can see them graduate and you can play with any future grandchildren you may have.
Does this surgery garuntee that you will be there for any of it, no, but it does give you a higher chance at being there to see it happen and to experience it with them instead of just sitting on the sidelines wishing you could participate.
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind-Dr. Seuss 
It is normal to be thinking through the ramifications of this surgery on your life. I am 61 and was in poor health when I had my procedure 7 months ago. I told my family that I would either die on the table or add a potential 15 years to my life. I had lots of concerns and questions to my surgeon mainly if I was a candidate to SURVIVE surgery.
The operation itself was almost nothing. I had to lift my hospital gown to ensure I actually had the procedure. However, the post surgery adjustments have been huge. I look at it as a great adventure. Taking care of me for a bit, improving my physical and mental health along the way.
The reason to have the procedure is not only to improve your health, but to improve your quality of life as well. There are sacrifices and many challenges to do this. If you are not ready to commit to the changes required, opting for surgery would not give you the long term results you need.
My life has improved immensely since my surgery, I have been able to eliminate my insulin injections and blood pressure meds, I have moved from morbidly obese to obese and I am almost just "overweight." I have more energy, my feet don't hurt anymore.
I embrace the smaller portions, struggle with some of my food choices, and am wary of old habits that undermine my progress towards my ultimate goals. I and all others that have had the surgery still have issues with food, but find it more satisfying to do it at a healthier weight.
Only you can make this permanent life changing option.
The operation itself was almost nothing. I had to lift my hospital gown to ensure I actually had the procedure. However, the post surgery adjustments have been huge. I look at it as a great adventure. Taking care of me for a bit, improving my physical and mental health along the way.
The reason to have the procedure is not only to improve your health, but to improve your quality of life as well. There are sacrifices and many challenges to do this. If you are not ready to commit to the changes required, opting for surgery would not give you the long term results you need.
My life has improved immensely since my surgery, I have been able to eliminate my insulin injections and blood pressure meds, I have moved from morbidly obese to obese and I am almost just "overweight." I have more energy, my feet don't hurt anymore.
I embrace the smaller portions, struggle with some of my food choices, and am wary of old habits that undermine my progress towards my ultimate goals. I and all others that have had the surgery still have issues with food, but find it more satisfying to do it at a healthier weight.
Only you can make this permanent life changing option.
55# Lost pre Surgery on 2/15/10, 100+ # lost post surgery
I won't repeat all the wonderful statements people have made here. They are right on, especially Darla!!! Don't let this ignorant co-worker scare you. How ridiculous!
On the other hand, you are quite right to be thinking of all the ramifications. This is a life-changing surgery, and you need to be mentally prepared for the new direction your life will take. Embrace it and move forward! You will be glad you did.
No regrets here either!!
On the other hand, you are quite right to be thinking of all the ramifications. This is a life-changing surgery, and you need to be mentally prepared for the new direction your life will take. Embrace it and move forward! You will be glad you did.
No regrets here either!!
If we had a dollar for every one who got nervous...um, we'd probably be off on a nice vacation. LOL
But, seriously, if you are doing this for your health and know that you cannot lose weight any other way, then it is right to move forward. However, if you have deep doubts, then you really need to call it off and re-think your decision.
Don't listen to anyone else (especially that idiot co-worker!!!) and just really reflect on why you want this surgery - make a Pro's and Con's list and see which outweighs the other. Go from there!
Have you had an pre-surgery counseling? That might help you as well, so that you are semi prepared for what lies ahead after surgery. None of us can lie to you and say there aren't some mental challenges that go along with weight loss.
Just listen to your heart and do what's right for you.
Best wishes.
But, seriously, if you are doing this for your health and know that you cannot lose weight any other way, then it is right to move forward. However, if you have deep doubts, then you really need to call it off and re-think your decision.
Don't listen to anyone else (especially that idiot co-worker!!!) and just really reflect on why you want this surgery - make a Pro's and Con's list and see which outweighs the other. Go from there!
Have you had an pre-surgery counseling? That might help you as well, so that you are semi prepared for what lies ahead after surgery. None of us can lie to you and say there aren't some mental challenges that go along with weight loss.
Just listen to your heart and do what's right for you.
Best wishes.
(deactivated member)
on 9/9/10 8:25 am - Clear Lake, MN
on 9/9/10 8:25 am - Clear Lake, MN
I agree with everyone else.....
Hang in there.....Being nervous is normal.....You will be fine....
Kelly
Hang in there.....Being nervous is normal.....You will be fine....
Kelly
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