Just wanna share my experience. (Sorry, long post!!)

Since I found out I was approved for surgery and I actually got my surgery date, I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions. When I first found out, I was so excited I couldn't stop smiling. The next day reality to kick in and I was thinking, OMGoodness, do I really want to do this? Well today was my pre-op visit where I sign the papers, lab work, and anesthesia consult. I am going to be honest, when I got to Dr. Mann's office, my mother in law had to MAKE me stay in the waiting room. I was so scared I wanted to get up and leave. But she kept saying, Linda you know you have came a long way. Why are you going to give up now? So I just said ok, whatever. The lady called me to the back and she told me everything I needed to know and then she pushes the paper toward me and says this is the consent form. I picked up the pen and just sat there. Again my mother in law betty said Linda, do you want to do this? Is this what you want or do you want to give up? So after thinking for a few I signed the papers. Than the lady scared the he** out of me by telling me the next pace I had to go was to the place where they were gonna take blood from me and do this god awful test and put this q-tip up my nose and she made it sound SO BAD! When I walked out after we was done I go, no way am I going there. But once again Betty said the same thing, Do you want to do this? SO, we went to the little place we had to go. Turns out the test with the q-tip was not bad at all. Then I had to get blood work which I was fine with because needles don't bother me. Than I went to the hospital to get blood drwn from my wrist because they had to get a oxygen level. It wasn't the most pleasant thing but not too bad at all. Then to the anesthesia consult I go..lol.. That went well and they said that if they have to put one in they will but they will try doing it the regular way first. At that point, in all honesty I was pumped. I mean PUMPED people. I was so ready for this surgery it was crazy. I went from hell no, to maybe I can do this and finally I was at the point where I was saying  "well what are you waiting for? Are you gonna do this surgery or not!! "
Ok now the reason why I posted this is becasue my second mom told me that I should do it just in case someone is going through the same thing I am going through to let them know theya re not alone. This is normal. I am absolutely sure that before my surgery date on the 16th I will go from hell no to OH HELL YEA once again...lol One thing that really helped me was knowing that I had support. Between my husband, betty, my kids, my husbands best friend jeffrey, to my second mom annie, they were there for me telling me I could do it and I was worth it! If I had to give anyone one piece of advice, it would be that if you have someone behind you, than you can do anything. I thank the lord everyday for my family and friends.
Sory this post is so long. I just hope it helps someone out who is going through the same thing I am going through. Take care everyone!!

                                                 Emelinda

I too went through some of the feelings you wrote about. It is good that you posted. I am sure it will help someone who is questioning whether they are doing the right thing. Good for you and keep the faith!

Dear Emelinda,

As I'm sure Annie has shared with you, your reaction is not at all uncommon and I'm sure that she is right, your sharing your story will help you and someone else. You have a wonderful support system to help you make this life-changing journey. I would like to suggest that you make a list of the reasons that you want to do this... What do you look forward to as you morph into a slimmer, healthier you? Also make a list of what would likely happen if you didn't move forward and take charge of your health. Then, when you get nervous, look at that list. I find that it helps to put things into perspective and focus, helping us to get back on track. It will work not only for getting you to and through surgery, but also as you make the journey... The weight loss portion and eventually, maintenance.

Wishing you all the best,

Doesn't it feel good to know that you're not alone in how you feel about this. I remember the first time I had to have the scope done - I was prepped and sitting in a little cubicle somewhere in the bowels of the Pitt Palace in Greenville thinking to myself  "What on earth am I doing?" I could have grabbed my shoes and ran out of there. I am so very glad that I didn't do that. Going through with the scope and having the surgery was the best thing I've ever done.

Listen to your support team - they'll be your voice of reason when things get a little iffy.

- Iris

I am so honered first by you calling me your second mom as you know I have never had human children.
I have walked the same path with the weight as you and I do understand what a big step this is for you.
I am with you 100% as your other friends and family.
One wonderful thing that happend to me right before my surgery was I had a wonderful calmness come over me before the took me back.
Also the hospital chaplin who I got to know a few months before my surgery came and held my hand while we waitied to go to surgery.
I am sooo proud of how determined you are I hear in your voice when we talk on the phone.
I will call you when I get home after work today.
Be strong and keep your eye on the prize.
                                                            Annie

Thank you so much for posting. I was approved for surgery last week and surgery is scheduled for May 20th.  I have been very excited but yesterday and today have been totally considering cancelling thinking "why in the world would I do this to myself when other than being fat, I really am still healthy (for now?)".  It makes me feel so muchb better to know these are natural feelings at this stage of the game.

Sheepia,
Congratulations on your upcomming surgery.
You are very lucky to be healthy at this point in your life.
I think many times we like to fool ourseves into thinking this or that wont happen to me.
Unfortunatly I used to think that myself only to start getting very sick years before having surgery.
I tell people I never knew how sick I was till after my surgery.
My highest weight was 680lbs and life was prety misrable.
I lost 300 on my own before even thinking about surgery but then the weight started to creep back on and at that point is when I made the choice to have wls.
I am so thankful God gave me a second chance at life.
Before surgery I was having to take 4 shots of insulin a day because I became diabetic because of my weight.
Since RNY my diabetes has been in remission.
WLS is a total commitment and I have learned to accept many things since surgery.
Example I will never be able to eat a footlong Subway again.
I am only able to eat 6-7 ounces of food at a time but am grateful to have my pouch and I always listen to it when it tells me I am full I stop.
I am able to have energy like I never had before.
I feel wonderful.
I was just able to wear size 16 a size that I cant even remember wearing before.
WLS is very personal choice and the rewards are the greatest.
                                         Annie

Annie WOW 300 lbs. on your own. That is amazing. You go girl.

Just hang in there and know that this is the best thing you can do for yourself!  I had a really rough first three months, but now I am so happy I chose to have WLS!  It will change your life for the better, I promise!  Good luck to you as you begin your journey.

Thank you for posting your feelings. I wish you much success with your surgery and your recovery. I am just getting started on this journey and it helps to know what others are going through. Jackie