Reassurance

Ok, I am down to 2 days pre-op. I am a bucket of NERVES!!! I can't even enjoy my last meal for a while. I called a afriend yesterday to tell her about the surgery and she blew me out of the water. Said she could not believe that I didn't have the willpower to do this own my on.  She will NEVER know how bad those word stung. Please send some encouraging vibes my way!!!! This message board has been a lifesaver. Thanks to all of you for understanding!!!!

I sorry your friend said that to you.  I have been on many diets and lost the weight just to gain it back again.  This is a tool that will help me get the weight off and keep it off for good.  Believe me if I could have lost the weight and kept it off without having the surgery I would have because this has not been easy and I am only at the beginning of my journey.  I wish you the best on your new journey and hopefully your friend will accept this if not she is not much of a friend.

 

Hi Susie,

I'm so sorry to hear that you are struggling right now. It's very, very common for us to have some serious nerves. Many folks are a bundle of nerves just to have a surgical procedure to have the appendix or gall bladder removed, but this surgery is has so much more to it. Not only are you having to deal with having surgery, but you are also getting ready to have your life change. Change is hard, good, but hard. 

Regarding your friend, I have to tell you that my own mother felt the same way and she too is obese and has been for so long that none of siblings ever recall seeing her a normal size... I do though. At any rate, even someone obese can say things like that. I can only tell you that at this time WLS is the only way to statistically lose and maintain the weight loss in the long term. Losing the weight is somewhat doable for many, but maintaining the weight loss in the 5 and 10 year term is where most' diets fail. WLS is not a cure all. It will definitely help you strip off the excess weight. While you are doing that you will be able to work on the issues that got you where you are today. Making lifestyle and other changes during your first year or so are likely to give you the tools along with your new pouch to help you be one of the 80+ percent that maintain the weight loss in the long term. 

I noticed that you are having your surgery with Dr. Enochs in Raleigh. I run a very large support group in the area and you are most welcome to join us. I'll be out of town for a bit and my Dear Husband Ben will hosting for me this month, but I'll be back next month. We have a great core group and I think you will find a great deal of support there if you are interested. I also hold a number of special interest support groups and you are welcome to attend any and all. If you want more information about upcoming meetings, go to www.meetup.com/nc-wls and you will get notifications of upcoming meetings.

Wishing you all the best as you make this incredible, life-changing journey.

Why of course you are a bucket of nerves!

You are about to embark on a life changing journey. This surgery changes your whole life, everything you do, etc. I am sorry you had to hear that from a friend, because that wasn't very caring at all. I haven't actually had the surgery yet, I've had my packet sent off for insurance approval and I'm nervous as well. I just keep constantly telling myself "This is for the best, for you and your family." I know that it will all be worth it in the end. Just be positive, I know it may be hard, but we are all here for you. You will be in my prayers as you go to surgery and I wish you the absolute best.

ok....I'm a real friend will support you.  This friend must know that in a few months you will be more energetic, thinner, healthier and will be able to go into ANY store and buy some 'knock 'em dead' outfit's without spending a bucket load of money.   in other words,  she is going to be so
jealous of you.    That green monster just loves to come out!

I'm have so much support at work, minus one individual, who just keep asking, 'why dont you just cut back.  Why dont you exercise more.  I'll help you weigh in."  
She doesn't realize that I'VE DONE THAT AND MORE. 

Don't let the little things, and people stess you. 

I'm saying a prayer for you, and God will answer that because he loves you.

I am so sorry your friend wasn't more encouraging... but some people don't have any understanding.  You are going to have a great surgery and you will be successful!  I am so excited for you.

Kelly

Thank you guys soooo much. I am trying to get some last minute things taken care of. Please continue to pray that everything goes well on Saturday. I'm sure in a few months I will look back at this and think I was just crazy, but for the moment I am a nervous wreck. Have you ever wanted something soooo bad but been scared to reach out and take it??? I have faith in Dr Enochs and even more faith the my GOD will bring me through this. I'll let you know how it goes just was soon as I am able to get online again.

Hang in there!

Everyone has an opinion and they are entitled to it. Just do not let their opinion change whatever decisions you know is right for you. No one knows you like you! Take their comments with a grain of salt and just ask them to support you in your decision.

A few months before I made the decision to have surgery, I was at my parents house. My dad had just finished watching a program so I turned the tv to Discovery Health and started watching a show about wls. He says whatcha looking at that for? You not gonna do that are you? I told him I was researching it. He told me I looked fine and his last comment on the topic was your husband married you a certain way, don't go messing with that or your asking for trouble.

In the end, I did it, Dad was right their, as supportive as ever. No more negative comments. Everyone does not change their opinion but it is possible. I said I would never have have surgery and here I am 3 years later.

You are going to be nervous even with support, but the negativity sure does not help. We have your back here, so whenever you need an encouraging word, just log on. Sometimes I just look at the before and after pictures. A picture can be worth a thousand words!

Susie,
          First of all big hugs to you. Now breath doll. Remember this is your choice and no one elses. You will find ALOT of so called "friends and loved ones" wont be very supportive. and yes that truely sucks. But I have found the ones that do support you will be your rock. Wether on here or in your day to day life. This has been an awesome journey for me. I wish I had done this years ago. I am 2/3 the way to goal and STILL have people make snide remarks and when they do i just smile in knowing I am off most of my preop meds for my back. My back DR has raised ALL my restrictions, I actually LIKE to go work out now days and sweat, my blood presure is within normal range now, i can see that i have a jawline and a neck, I have gone from a tight 26 to a loose 18. So they can say what they want....I am better emotionally mentally and physically for having this surgery and changing my life. Hang in there sweetie you are in for a wonderful ride!!