Kinda peeved off

Not quite sure how to approach this........I received an email tonight from a "concerned" person regarding my up and coming surgery. How this person got my email address is beyond me, but specificly said that they had seen my posts here. Although alarmed at first, it all come off as a bit odd. It was to forewarn me about complications that a family member and another person had with the surgery. "Imploring" me to rethink my decision and my surgeon. After the initial shock, and calming myself down, i am now angry. The only reason I am posting about it is to address this person on the forum, because a response email was returned blocked to me. This makes the email even a bit more odd. Should someone be legit, surely they would welcome response to such an email. To this person I have to say: SHAME ON YOU!!!! Maybe rather than lurking about, if you have something to say, say it to all. This is an open/public forum. Also, realize that the decision to have this surgery is not taken lightly by any person making the decision. I have educated myself, and am fully aware of the risks. If you did this for a joke, find something more useful to spend your time on. Tonya

Miss Tonya, I am sorry that someone wasted their time telling you things that you already know. We all know the risks going into the WLS.. We also knew the risks of staying morbidly obese. I was told by all my "loving" family members that I was being selfish and could easily die and leave my family just because I wanted to fit into sexy clothes. DUH??? I was also told I was cheating and taking the EASY WAY OUT, because I lacked courage and willpower. Wrong again. During the 2 and a half years I waited for my approval, I became highly informed on all of the pro's and cons of the surgery. I read all of the statistics and knew that post ops never had an easy time. Even with the tool it wasnt as though one day you magically were thin without making an effort. Each and every minute of the day you MUST make the right choice that will benefit your new pouch and keep you losing weight. You have to be more in tune with every aspect of your body and your health FOR LIFE. Not just while I work on losing these 5 pounds. This is your new lifestyle. You can succeed with lots of hard work, or fail and end up regaining every pound plus some more. People who go into WLS dont do it blindly or without many hours of soul searching. It is not for everyone, but we are just not anyone. Tonya, I went to the hospital on the day of my surgery at OSU dropped off by my ex husband. My family was completly against me taking this easy road. I should have tried the "Real way of hard work and willpower" to get the weight off.". I felt so alone in my choice. But I knew it was right for me and in reality, It was my journey to make alone. Thank the good Lord I found many angels on the path right here in the OH group. Perfect strangers became my precious trusted friends. Who better to understand what you are thinking, feeling, living than someone who is going/ has gone through it. I would be happy to be one of your angels and support you in any way possible. NO ONE should have to go through this alone Miss Tonya. All I know is that I did my research as well and KNEW in my heart that this surgery would change my life in some way. I could of died on the operating table from my heart problems ( but I still was willing to take that chance, because at 320 at 5 "1 I was dying anyhow), or I could have the surgery alone in the hospital and find a way to depend on me and the supportive ladies and gentlemen I found within this group. I chose to have the surgery , but found a group of strangers in my room with wings of angels. They had driven across the state to be with me that evening. Cheering me along and letting me know I didnt have to be alone. Not then, not ever!!!! And I find those same people accepting me with loving open arms any time I have a problem to share with them. So Miss Tonya. Ignore those negative influences in your life. Surround yourself with like minded folks who know the journey you are about to embark on and are there to cheer you each and every step of the way. I for one am here any time to talk to .. If you need someone to come and visit you at home at the hospital I am here. I can give you my home phone if you need to talk. But you do not have to be alone. You have given this surgery great thought and its what you are SURE you want to do. You will not regret this procedure, and this "tool" if used properly can give you a new and better life. Where you eat to live, and not live to eat. I am so proud of you for making this choice to save your life!!!!!! We are here for you !!! Lots of supportive hugs and smooshes One more thing.. Now my family is 110% behind me now that see that I did it all for the sake of my health, and that it is a day to day battle between my head hunger and tummy. Because even with this wonderful tool its still up to me to make the right choices on what to put into it.. There is nothing the least bit easy about any of it. But I have not ONE regret and would do it over again in a heartbeat. Lots of Loving gentle hugs. Laura

COWARD!!! How dare this coward do this to you?? They obviously just don't understand how much research and thought goes into this decision. How bout you just forget it, and move on. (((HUGS)))

Tonya, I agree this is bogus, if it came through ObesityHelp let JC know about it ([email protected]). That is not what this board is for. Having said that, we could probably collect thousands of sad stories from families who lost a loved one from obesity related complications who never had surgery. Dr. C

Tonya, I'm sorry this happened to you. The nerve of some people. I am going to put the focus back on you and wish you the best on your special day. You are going to do wonderful and you are in good hands. Hugs and More Hugs, Gayle

tonya...i am very glad that you brought this to the board and i agree with dr curry that you should let jc and even eric know about this...if it IS in fact from the boards it needs to stop. please remember tho that ppl can google us and find our posts--now wait folks! i am NOT trying to start anything!! i am very proud that you are taking this step--if it is the right step for you, then you know it in your heart and mind...and i send prayers to you as your day quickly approaches!!! soon we will be hearing that tonya is on the loser's bench!!!whooo hooo! the ride is just beginning my dear!! and it only gets better! hugs from not too far away in ohio!!!!

Gosh, what a rotten thing to do! Of course you did your homework and you know you have a fantastic surgeon. I think I'd forward the email to the address Dr. C suggested. Good luck!!

Hi Tonya I'm so glad you're not letting that email get in your way of getting your life back. I happen to know that you are in WONDERFUL hands. And as for this "person" any surgery is dangerous - especially when you don't follow post-op rules. Good luck - and enjoy your journey! Sharyn