1 Wee****il Sleeve!

All cleared for surgery.  Set for 07/28/10 (next Wednesday).  I've been so focused on all the presurgery requirements that I guess I haven't had time to worry.  Now, I'm really struggling with worry over leaks or other complications.  Instead of the usual 30 minute surgery, Dr. Broussard tells me mine will take about 3 hours.  He first has to undo or "take down" my fundoplicaton.  This is a surgery I had two years ago for reflux where basically they wrap the top portion of my stomach around itself to create a valve to keep acid in its place.  Unfortunately, it wasn't all that successful and I now have an ugly incisional hernia (Dr. B said he will fix that with another surgery in about 6 months).  I am self pay since my insurance (United Healthcare) apparently doesn't realize the long term savings they will have by me losing this weight.  Still, the financial part I'm ok with, but lots of anxiety over the "what if' thinking of what could go wrong.   Am I alone in my thinking?

No you are not alone. I had several "what If" moments when I sat down and thought about it. So dont  over analyze it!! I had so much anxiety and stress from everything I could hardly handle it. Wrapping up the work stuff was a huge part of that, but you know what it kept my mind busy and off the what ifs.

On surgery day I was very calm and relaxed. I knew I had done everything I could have done and it was all in Dr. B's hands....literally. Hang in there the days will go by pretty quick as you prepare for the Post-op.

me too!  had a bunch of what if moments.   so worth it though!

Congratulations. I've been wondering about you as well as Amy's bike trip.

I was scared and nervous up to the time I got my date. It took me a lot of time, research, and soul searching before I ever went to the seminar, then I was sold on the facility, but worried about all of the tests. It took some time because I had to have 2 sleep studies, 2 stress tests, 2 meetings with a cardiologist, a colonoscopy..... Anyway, by that time I had lost twice as much weight as Dr. B. required and was so ready for the surgery that I just wanted it done. I did stay very busy in the week prior to surgery. This would be a good week-end to take a short trip, clean your garage, clean out your closets (most of your winter stuff can go right now), etc.

The morning of the surgery there was some sort of delay & I didn't get into the o.r. 'til about an hour after I was scheduled. Then I stayed in the hospital for 2 extra days. From that point on the weight has dropped off at a better pace.

BEST WISHES.

Thanks for the encouragement.  Amy's bike trip went great.  She rode 450 miles (from Texas to Joplin, MO) in 7 days.  She is now training for a triathalon.  I can't keep up with that girl!  :)

You never know....once you get that weight off you end up with a whole new lease on life and anything is possible!!!!

Really good advice!!!!  In fact, I think he should clean the whole house from top to bottom...he he!!!  Seriously, that is really good advice.  Staying busy helps. 

I loved the bike trip!  It was awesome and just so cool coming from someone who was 350 lbs a couple of years ago.

Dr did my surgery 2.5 years ago. He is wonderful. I trusted him completely...Just do everything he says...Good luck you will be fine....

I have lost 200 pounds . Anyway,,congrats for starting the next chapter in your life and enjoy it because it sure is a ride of a lifetime..

hey girl!! congrats on that weight loss!  Awesome!!!

Hang in there Randy.  We are all rooting for you.  We have all been there (well except for the newbies waiting for surery LOL) and know exactly what you are going through.  We have all had to think through the "what if" and make the tough decision.  Who ever said WLS was easy?    Just hang in there and we are all scooting down on the losers bench to make room for you.

hey, think of all the money we will save between the two of us on groceries! Of course we will spend it on new clothes....  :)