just a question

I went to see the cardiologist and I have to have a walking stress test and after that all my required pre-op testing is done and then the second part of the journey begins.

I know there are risks to every surgery but did anyone think about death before the surgery. This is the only thing that really makes me kind of nervous 

I've thought about it. It's the one thing that scared me enough to not be sure if I wanted to have the surgery in the first place. I would think about dying and leaving my two little girls and the thought would be too much for me. Still is. I got through it by reminding myself that walking out of the house in the morning involves a risk too and this is one worth taking for a better life down the line. HUGS!!

Liza

Thank you, I know I really want the surgery and just like you it does scare me as I have a five year old daughter and a great husband. Have you had the surgery yet and ya I know walking out the door every day is a risk but its an everyday occurance and you hardly think of it that way, you know.?

Its just nice to know I am not the only one who is / was scared.    Thanks

I was so convinced I may die from the surgery that I was, literally, saying my final goodbyes and giving my last wishes to my children and husband right before I was wheeled into the operating room!

Why did I go through with it anyway?

I was even MORE convinced I would die if I did NOT have the surgery! And I knew this for certain because I was living a painful, slow death!

Sounds pretty morbid, huh?

Maybe that's why it's called Morbid Obesity!

Making the decision to have WLS is a huge one to make. We should certainly not have this, or any other, surgery unless we are fully, down to our heart comfortable with the decision to go forward with it.

Take stock in knowing we are in your corner, every step of the way to and through-out this journey.

I'm glad you're here!

Jules

I do not think there is anyone who has not thought of death before having surgery.

The chances of dying are very slight - 1% or less, depending on health factors before surgery.

The night before surgery I dropped my 2.5 and (almost) 4 yr old off at my inlaws.  When I gave them a kiss goodnight, I coul not help but think I was kissing them good bye and that this could be the last time my lips touched their skin.  (by the way, just typing this - a week later I am bawling rethinking these thoughts!)  I thought that what I was doing was crazy, my kids are young, even though morbidly obese I am still healthy -is this fair for me to do this for myself?? 

Then, as hard as it was I had to push those thoughts aside and just think about the future- running around for more than 5 minutes without telling them I need to rest.  I want to be a parent that plays with their child, not jus****ch my husband play with them as I sit on a chair nearby.

I also thought about myself.  How my self esteem will really change, how good I will feel (happy mom is a happy family!) How my legs will not hurt when I walk up and down the stairs at work, how I can prevent heart disease and diabetes.

This is a major surgery and a major life change.  But I feel it is worth it. 

Thanks,  reading the replys actually brings tears to my eyes. I know I really want the surgery for my health and my daughter so I can play  with her and her dad and not jus****ch.

You know,  my sister thinks i'm crazy, she keeps saying things like," you won' be able to eat this anymore" or "you wont be able to drink your margaritas any more", stuff like that and you know that actually makes me realize how much I do want the surgery because I dont care about what I can and can't have.

Anyway, It is really nice to know that I am not alone on this, even though I am nervous about the death thing I know in the long run me and my family will reap the rewards.

Thanks again

I had my gastric surgery in May 2006, I thought of dying as I was on the table, but then again, I knew that I had passed all of my tests and I knew having the surgery was the best thing I could do for myself.  Yes, you will be able to drink Margaritas, and anything else you want (except for carbonated drinks) I think the bubbles may expand the pouch, so I stay away from that.  Also the only things I know that most people do not eat are pasta and rice.  Other than that, after awhile you can test different foods to see if it agrees with you.   You also do not absorb some of the food  you eat.  The best thing is that you know when you eat too much, your pouch tells you, and you can only eat small portions at any one time.  Good LUck, It was the best thing I have ever done.  I had my surgery when I was 59 years old  I am now 62 and very happy I had it, so don't worry.......Just do it!  

Carol b

Hi!

I'm new to the forums (not really new to the site) but I know exactly what you feel.  I'm just starting this journey and I'm terribly scared that after all my research and all my fears that I faced with starting this journey that I'll be denied.   But my biggest thought right now is what Jules said "I think about dying if I don't have the surgery". 

My children are almost grown but I have one granddaugther and another grandchild on the way.  I want to be able to fit comfortably in an airline seat so that I can fly to see her more often.  I want to be able to get on the floor and play Barbies or trucks or just cuddle with them.  I want to be able to hike with all of my children (their favorite thing to do when they all get together).  

Keep posting your concerns and fears; As I'm finding out, you aren't the only one with 'em!

~kelly jo