Help me.... I'm lost and scared

This is hard to say, but I feel like I've lost my way. I was all enthuised about getting surgery and then I went to a meeting in Columbia and I realized that I could not handle all the travel they wanted me to do. I mean they wanted to do everything there even though I originally thought they handled a lot of their things through St. Louis. I'm on Medicare so that also hurts. When they weighed me in Columbia I almost passed out. Since then I've been on a low-fat diet and have been very faithful to it. But I just don't think I can get the weight off the way I need to. I'm freaking out and to be honest for the first time in my life I'm scared for my life. I'm 47 and I'm not getting any younger... Sorry for crying in my beer (even though I don't drink), but I just needed to get it off my chest...

Jeff, Frist off you have to settle down. We were all scared this is not a little thing that you are about to go threw. ITs a life changeing ordeal. I am not gonna lie to you and tell you its all easy I am not having an easy time with this . I miss food and now at 6 months i find my self being hungry more and more and im able to eat more food at a time. But today i had to make this go away i have to be in control with this head hunger thing I am having. Would i go threw this again yes in a heart beat do i feel better now that i have lost 83 pounds yes. was it worth it oh my goodness YES. Do what ever they want you to do get it done you will not regret it at all. But dont let anyone tell you its easy. My big thing is I worrie I have streached out my tummy i worrie and worrie then all the sudden i drop 5 or 6 pounds. I was scared right up to the time they put me out as i was getting ready for the surgery to go back i asked them if they could give me somthing cause i was scared i would get up and walk out they did and im just fine. No proublems at all. So just do what you need to you will be glad you did take care and good luck to you TAmmy

Are you having open or lap?I never under stood a wls Dr. wanting people to lose weight.I had open.I feel if I could take of the weight I would of been doing that.May be you could see if you can get the test all done in one day.Best of luck to you and keep us updated. Shelly

Hey Jeff, I know exactly what you are going through. I live in Springfield, Mo. and I am having my surgery at Washington University Hospital in St Louis. Ask your Dr if you can do most of your tests and lab works in your area and have the results faxed to him. This is what i did. I had to go to St. Louis only for my initial consult and a stress test. You might also consider having your surgery done in the St. Louis area, I know Dr Eagon at Washington University takes Medicare and Medicaid his # is 314-286-2080 and he is one of the top Docs (just a thought). Good luck and email me if you have questions or concerns at [email protected]. Wayne

Hey Jeff, all those encouraging words doubled....but mostly, I'm glad you have a place you can come and get this junk off your chest! There's someone here who's been in your situation and can give you a shoulder or maybe even some good advice. I hope things turn out great for you and that this surgery happens in a timely manner to avoid traveling so much! Take care, Kristen

Jeff,I had to drive 250 miles to Columbia.I scheduled all the appt in the same day I went.I made about 3 trips.Before surgery.But I would do it again.I had Dr. Pitts at Boone hospital.They are the best as far as I'm concerned.My friend just had surgery there yesterday and is doing excellant.Alot of times it's worth the extra trouble.But I'm sure you'd be able to have most done where you live ,then fax the results.I had to on one test the week before surgery.Just know your in our prayers.God help you throught it all.

I really appreciate all the input!!! Especially that from Wayne because it's easy to see he knows exactly what I'm talking about. I guess the bottom line is I'm not married any more and most of my family is unavailable, so I'm pretty much alone. That worries me because I don't know if I can do it on my own. So you understand now why your words and advise are greatly appreciated. Thanks again, Jeff (aka Millsey)

Jeff, not sure if you are aware or not, but there is a great singles board on here...........that group is awesome........and there are always room for more singles...........there are even some of us that around the st louis area that gets togather occasionally for an evening out on the town.

Jeff, its ok to be scared. You will be going through some major changes in your lifestyle and that should scare you..........if not then you wouldn't be human. As far as dr's go........if you are using Dr Scott as your surgeon, see if he can have Dr De La Torre's office can do all the lab work and fax it over to him.........I mean, the 2 drs are partners and I think that Dr De La Torre even goes to Columbia one day a week to work with Dr Scott. Another option could be to go through Dr Fallwell's in Wentzville, he is another one of the partners of Dr Scott and Dr De La Torre's. I can honestly say that Dr De La Torre and Dr Fallwell are both excellant surgeon's and I know that you will be in good hands with them. Anytime you want to cry in your beer, come on and spill it to us........thats what we are here for.

Thanks! Just the few posts I've put on here lately have helped get a lot of it out of my system. I think with winter coming on also I get a bit overwhelmed. During the summer months I'm extremely busy with a lot of activities, plus I've got my swimming pool.... LOL!! You're right about Dr. Scott and Dr. De La Torre. But I talked with their office during my seminar at Columbia. A gentleman from Kansas City was asking the same questions and it was very obvious that money didn't seem to be any kind of a problem, it was just the travel distance. We were both told that was the way they handled things now. I've been checking into doctors in the St. Louis area and I think I may have come up with one. If not I'll continue to search until I find the proper person. Jeff