Hi everyone

Howdy Everyone. I'm pretty new here and wanted to stop by and say hello and meet some new people. This has been a long road for me but I just got my surgery date -- July 20th! I've been so excited up to now -- but now the fear factor is kicking in and I'm scared that the surgery won't work. Has anyone else ever wondered that? How do you get over it? Take care and Happy Hump Day Hugs.. Lisa

Lisa, Hello and welcome to the NY board...~Hugs~ This is a great bunch of people here... Congrats on your date... I know the feeling hun, I am 13 days away and having a hard time controling my feelings... Some advice I got was just keep busy and try not to think about it that much.....Think good things, like how much better you will feel after this is done and how proud you will feel about yourself.... I hope that I helped some... Debra P

13 days away!! congrats!! I know I'll be climbing up the walls when I get to that point. lol Thanks for the advice, Debra.. I appreciate it so much. Hugs. Lisa

Hi, Lisa! I had the same fear-I KNEW the surgery wouldn't work for me because nothing had ever worked before. I ripped my jeans a few days ago and went to a consignment shop looking for new ones. Got a size 20w, got home, and they fit! I was wearing a 24w just 3 weeks ago! I also put on a necklace that was tight enough that the little stones and beads on it made marks on my neck. Today, it's hanging a good 2 inches below what it did at the end of April!!! The surgery works, it really does. I'm already off 2 high blood pressure meds and can see the makings of some pretty cute ankles. The hardest part so far for me has been learning how and what to eat. Good luck! Becky Jean 5/2/05 263/237/140

Becky Jean, Congratulations on shrinking soo much -- that is awesome! I am so looking forward to fitting into clothes that have been sitting in my closet for longer than I care to admit to. lol I know the surgery works.. at least most of my brain knows that, but there are parts of my brain that keep telling me that "you know how to lose weight, you've helped others lose weight but yet you fail over and over.. cuz you are always hungry" That is the part I don't know how to shut up.. at least if it was a kid I could duct tape its mouth closed. lol Keep up the good work! Lisa

Hey Lisa thats my wifes name but anyway welcome. This is a great group of people here who are more then helpful. Good Luck to you

Hi Louis. Thank you for the welcome. It has been so wonderful getting such nice replies from everyone!

Hi Lisa!! I think we all had the fear the surgery wouldn't work for us!!! I know I did!! Just stay strong and have faith in your doc. I know I went into surgery laughing.....I had and have soooooo much faith in my doc he is my angel!! He gave me a knew lease on life and I can run and play with my boys and now be out of breath. Think of all the things you have a hard time doing now and how much easier life will be after. Thats what got me through!! Karry 311/189/167 goal

Hey Karry, Thank you for reminding me that I really do trust Dr. Iannoli -- he has been there from day 1 and has shown me that I have what it takes to beat this. We are both hoping that when some weight comes off that my back will start healing and I can get off most (if not all) of these horrible pain meds. I have to focus on that and not let fear rule my thoughts. I've made it this far and with some faith and determination I can be like the little engine that could Hugs, Lisa