ugh..I said I wasn't going to freak out. I lied.

I have not had even one second of nausea.  I haven't thrown up.  I had 1 time last week where the smell of salmon sicked me out but it was over quickly.  I just took a walk outside and got away from it.  It was NOTHING!  I have had zero acid reflux!  I take that Protonix because they told me to but I don't really believe that I need it.  You won't have a leak - they are too good at WW.  You won't have complications either I don't think.  It's a fairly "easy" surgery - less complications than gallbladder removal.  My only negative?  The 2 weeks of liquids suck!  But let me tell you, I was motivated to take good care of my tiny tummy and the hard work of Dr. W!  If you had any other choice, you might take it.  You are making this choice because it is right for me as it was for me.  At 4-1/2 weeks, I'm thrilled with my banana tummy!  Just call me Chaquita!  You be Lola and I'll be Chaquita!

Breath deeply!  It is normal to freak out.  1) if you have a compication Dr B and Dr W will fix you 2) You will get really good drugs for nausea.  The ones with bad nausea probably weren't compliant with their diets or liquids 3) If you go bald have fun with it- get wigs in lots of fun colors- channel your inner vamp! 4) Protonix for acid is now a generic- I am sure your insurane covers it- even my horrible company does 5) You won't have a leak.  We have top notch surgeons who know their stuff 6) You are supposed to be scared this is not only a mojor surgery but a change in lifestyle 7) the 2 weeks of liquids sucks out loud!  If my food addicted self can make it so can you!!!  Look at how much weight you have already lost- and without a tiny tummy to help you. You are doing the best thing for yourself and your family.  Obesity is a killer!  This is a new chance for the 3 of you.  I have so much more energy now- in just 5 weeks without any major weight loss.  I did not miss the large plates of food on vacation.  Others around me were eating all the things I used to pig out on and I was OK.  I tasted everything I wanted to taste (well- not Hagen Daz ice cream) and was quite happy with my portions.  I liked not going to bed thinking I was gonna die because I had eaten so much.  Hugs are going your direction.  Call if you need to talk. Denise

Hi, Amy, You've done your research so you've made an informed decision. There are what ifs anytime we do something out of the norm so you are having natural feelings. I think the whatifs are more than covered by the increased energy and the new healthier you. Hang in there. You are in my prayers. donna

amy i had my surgery with dr b last monday and i was scared to death. these guys here will make you feel so much better and you will be pumping your fist in the air and thumping your chest saying "bring it on!" i'm going to tell you not to worry so much but i know you will because that is perfectly normal! if there is anything i can do to help you thru this just let me know. the end result will totally be worth it i know that in my heart!!  good luck!!

Amy....here's one more brick in your support wall!  Can't wait for you to join us on the loser's bench!  You'll be in great hands & we'll all be praying for you.  Think of it as a once in a lifetime chance to get your life back...to enjoy and be healthy.  God has truly given Dr. B & Dr. W a gift to share with those of us who need it the most!

Amy I did the same thing you are doing now.  Just remember everything that you have through to get to this point.  Everything will be fine.  My freak out moment was when I had to put together a formal living will, turn in a power of attorney, and a DNR.  Thats when I freaked out so bad I called my doc's office to cancel everything.  I decided that I wasnt going to do it.  My doc told me to calm down, and it just made me cry harder.  Then he called me a RX of xanax.  And ALL WAS GOOD.  I have been really lucky and havent had any problems, and I would completly go through everything again, just to be able to watch my daughters face light up when I can finally race her to the park, and still have enough breath to play once we get there. Its a truely awesome feeling and you WILL get though this.  PM me if you want and I will give you my number and you call anytime you need to.

If you do go bald, at least I'll have some company! You've seen the upsides and the downsides. The biggest upside, in my view, is the improvement in the quality of life and its length. It's all going to be fine. You know the drill . . . small bites, plenty of water, mangle your food beyond recognition before you swallow, go out and do something. You've got an outstanding doctor and the company of friends.