I'm a Scared One....

I've must've waded through a ton of pictures and success stories. It seems everybody's smiling in their pre-surgery weight, having a good time, then surgery, and all of a sudden no body's smiling but they say they're having a great time!! What gives. I'm in line for Dr. Scott, Columbia.

Speaking strictly for myself, the pre-surgery picture was taken at a time when I was having my picture taken for an employee newsletter and I wanted to look happy in that. I have had a few taken since surgery, but don't have one on here that I can post. I have lost 140 pounds since surgery and am extremely pleased and happy with all aspects of my RNY surgery. Trust me, when I do post a new picture on my Avatar, it will be with a big smile. This has been a tremendous, life-changing experience that I would do again in a heartbeat if I was asked to do so. It is normal to me "scared" and anxious about this, but it is so worth getting your life back for. Good luck. Scott

Bob, I think our pre-surgery pictures are smiling because we are having our picture taken and we're supposed to smile. I had my surgery, Monday, 12/26, and I'm sure smiling now. Of course I have some discomfort but nothing unbearable and I have already had 6 pills discontinued, what a wonderful thing. It is normal to be scared but don't let fear paralize you. Read, read, read. Go to support meetings. Find out as much information as you can and ask questions on here and anywhere else you can. As your knowledge increases your fear will decrease and you'll be able to make an informed decision. Hugs and love Lana

Hi Bob, just finding any picture of myself preop was a chore. Only recently have I not run for cover when a camera comes out!!! That is why I didn't have a picture for my avatar in the beginning. I admit it, I was terrified prior to surgery. I am a surgery veteran with two low back, one neck, gallbladder, two C-sections, and another more "personal" surgery, but this one scared me to tears on more occasions than I care to remember. My surgery was five months ago, lap rny. I had a stricture that was repaired, but am doing great since then. I am smaller than I was 23 years ago when I married, but I weigh more. I have lost 50% of the weight I want to loose. But in the initial loss, I have lost diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, GERD, sleep apnea, joint pain, leg pain, the list goes on and on. I am far healthier than I have been in my adult life, thanks to the surgery. I gained happiness and self confidence back that I lost when I topped the scale at 200 pounds. I guess it can't be fully understood until you are on the loosing side. Don't get me wrong, it is a different way of life than before surgery-one that I am still trying to get the hang of myself. Hope this kinda helps make things clearer for you. Hey, I went to check out your profile and there wasn't anything there. Come on buddy, give up the scoop on yourself. I like to know who I am talking to. ~Diana~

Gosh, this is all new to me and I can't even find a pic of me to upload so I'm trying to get my 8 year old to take a pic. And am on the verge of filling in my profile. so...I meet my surgeon on the 10th in Columbia, Mo. which is at least 2 hours from my home or better. All the followup is going to be hard. I've decided on the lap band but he may decide on the other. I like the lap belt because of the slower weight loss and the more absorption of vitamins and minerals. Fast weight loss just scares me, however, neither the the lap belt nor the RGB scares me worse than dialysis! I've got Diabetes 2, joint pain, knees are clapping, hips been scoring, can't walk more than a block without using a puffer, can't bend down, can't put on my socks without wallowing in my bed. Can't sleep with waking up a dozen times a night, its horrible. I'm a minister and I can't visit because I literally break furniture at 388 pounds. But being a minister means I'm horribly torn spiritually in having to do this. So...you asked for it - and there it is!

Just keep praying about it, I know what you are saying I will have my surgery the 9th of Jan.and I am 66 yrs. old. a little scared but that is normal we are supposed to be..I ask God to lead me in the way I am suppose to go, because I cant serve the Lord like I am, it is hard to just set in the pews and stand between the pews, I weigh 300 pds... Just listen to that quite little voice ....go to group meetings, talk to others that have had it done, just be well informed, God bless you and yours......vesta

Bob, I have been lucky enough to see some of the smiles of others who have had surgery while they are still in the hospital. It is amazing. The relief they feel. I feel when my time comes this will be a wonderful blessing from the Lord. He knows better than any how I have struggled.I was scheduled for surgery in the 80's and backed out when they were ready to take me to surgery. I believe God was telling me No! not now. But he led me to a wonderful surgeon and support group and I am ready.I have my consult the 3rd and I will go from there. Glad to see you posting and hope you continue. We have an awesome group of prayer warriors here. Another is always welcome. Julia