3 Days Pre-Op! Excited and Nervous.....

I am scheduled 12-31 at 10:15 AM in Columbus at OSU Hospital. As I am very excited and reading all the great success stories, I am nervous too. I came across a site that listed the deaths of those people who passed away either during or shorty after thier RNY surgery. Looking for some direction and insight.....

Amy-- I think it's kind of neat that your surgery is on New Year's Eve day! What a great way to start the new year! Of course you are nervous and excited. This is a big step and a big decision and you've had to travel a long road to get to this point. But now that your day is almost here, please don't dwell on the negative. Yes, a few people die from this surgery--something that you have known for a long time. But the odds are vastly in your favor for the surgery and for the rest of your life afterwards. When I was starting to get a little freaked out a few days before my surgery, a friend reminded me that even though people die in car accidents it does not prevent me from driving. And even though people die from complications of obesity, it didn't keep me from overeating. She reminded me that doing something about my obesity was a good, positive step, and that I needed to focus on the reasons I wanted the surgery and the good things that it would help me accomplish--not the slight chance of bad things happening. I did have some painful post-op complications that required me to need surgery again a week later to check for leaks. In spite of the pain and fear I experienced (and believe me, I am a big baby about things that hurt), even if I had known ahead of time that I would have post-op problems and difficulty healing, I would do it again without hesitating a moment. I am only two months past surgery, have lost 47 pounds, and feel better, younger, happier, stronger, and healthier than I remember or ever expected this soon after surgery. It is sooooooo worth it, even if I were never to lose another ounce. Don't worry. Look to the future! Nancy Schaffer Open RNY 10-27-03

There can be a part in your room for New year's Eve. All of the ice chips you can handle. Good luck in your new life and in the new year.

Hi Amy I too am nervous and excited my surgery is on 12/30 up here in Cleveland. I keep thinking, am I doing the right thing? The memorial pages are scary but odds are we will both be fine. I wrote down on a piece of paper all the pros and the cons. The pros outweigh (no pun intended) all the cons. I read these whenever I need a boost. I also look at all the photos, they are so amazing. I want to feel better, and live longer but looking better is important too. Take Care, and Good Luck!!