I got my date!!

Hello everyone, I feel awful about the recent deaths. In fact, it got me to thinking more seriously about what I'm about ready to do with my body. I tried to donate blood yesterday at the RI blood center and they denied me because my blood pressure was too high. I'm 34 years old and ever since I turned 32, my body has fallen to peices because of my weight. Am I terrified of having the surgery? yes. Am I more afraid of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease? Absolutely! I have to do something about this. All I can do is try to get my health better with diet and excercise before the surgery. Which by the way.....I found out today is going to be November 2, 2004! I can't believe how quickly I got in! I went to the seminar with Dr. Pohl in August and now I'm having my surgery in less than a month! Wow... I'm trying to keep my spirits up even with the recent deaths. I am so sorry to hear about them. I have to keep remembering that obesity is what triggers all of these health problems. Unfortunately, doctors do make mistakes because they are human. But it is rare. Obesity kills thousands of people every year. Thats not rare. So, as happy as I am to getting this procedure done in a month, I will always understand that there are risks in life that we all have to take and I've been risking my health for 15 years now by not excercising or eating healthy. The buck stops here... I want to live.... Thanks for listening Megan B

Congrats, You are lucky to get a date so soon. When I was waiting for my surgery I kept saying - when your time is up it is up and put everything in the higher powers hands. Your date will be here before you know it. SF popsciles (sp) are a good stand by. Pat

Congratulations on getting your date. I think your emotions are pretty much normal. I pretty much was falling apart also and now without any complications during and after my wls. I feel great and thankful that I haven't experienced any problems. Now in a few days I will have another OP. with the plastic surgeon. I feel just like I did when I went for my wls. but I am doing all I can to think positive. so try to think positive, cause thinking negitive will surly depress and bring you down. if you have made up your mind then think positive and continue to do your research. the more you do the more you'll feel comfortable with wls. hang in there **Hugs**

Hey, congrats on getting your date. Things are moving pretty fast for you. You'll be all healed up and feeling great by Christmas. I had Dr. Phol and everything went pretty good. He didn't say much to me in the hospital after the surgery but he was there to see me. He also came to see me while I was sitting in the waiting area pre-op. They didn't end up giving me anything for my nerves which was strange but I guess I hide it well. The entire experience was pretty good. My nurses were amazing, the OR staff was very nice, they get you up and walking like they are suppose to. My only complaint was my roommates family. Aside from that everything went great. I hope to see you at the next support group meeting on the 21st. Even though most of the people there are post-op it still made me feel good to see people where I always dreamed I could be. Best Of Luck To You!!!!!!!!!! Shannon

Hey Megan, Congratulations on your date !!! I know it is scary, but you know what your up against on both sides. I don't think that anyone can honestly say they weren't the least bit afraid before going into surgery. I even felt a bit selfish (I am sooo over that now) going into surgery. I am very saddened by the deaths as well. But it just drives home just how dangerous having this excess weight on your body can be. I am certain you will be fine Megan. In spite of some of the sensationalism involved from the media, Dr Pohl is an excellent doctor. I know you get that seminar where you get to see him speak, but I recently attended a nursing seminar where he was the guest speaker. Now he knew I was there, but there were 200 other nurses in that room who did not know him at all, and he left with a standing ovation. They were very impressed with his level of compassion and knowledge for people with morbid obesity. We are all with you Megan on your journey today and next month and the many months after that. If I could give you a pat on the back to let you know it's going to be ok I would. Now is the time to be pampering yourself, relaxing, looking at new clothes etc etc. Take Care Megan, Stephanie

Thank you all for your support... I've found that I'm more excited about this than scared. My mom's a nurse and she's going to take a few days off of work to be with me when I get out of the hospital. Does anyone know the average amount of time that I'll stay in the hoispital? I'm having the by-pass. Not sure if it makes a difference in recovery time between the banding and the by-pass. Take care everyone... Megan B