Hardest Thing I have had to do in My Life

Hi All, I just need to vent to my family if you do not mind. Going into this surgery I knew that it would not be easy. I did lots of research and went to support groups and read articles and looked at TV shows that talked about it. In doing all of this and knowing the risk and the life altering change I still felt the need to have this surgery, this was something I wanted to do without fail. However although I do not regret having the surgery nor can I yet say I would do this again, I just need to keep it real when I say that having this surgery was the hardest thing I have ever had to do and maintain in my life. Without the sole support of my new best friend Lisa Cohen and my longtime friendship with Lisa Dunlap, I have no idea what I would do. Lisa Cohen and I had our surgeries about 2 weeks apart so the things I am going through now she is so helpful with, my day does not feel complete unless I talk to her. Lisa Dunlap is almost a year out and she gives me that energy and the reassurance that things will definately get better. I said all of that to say this when you are going through this, it is so important to have someone to support you. My husband and my best friend Lea and my sister Rochelle are all having this surgery and I am so glad that I am the Guinea Pig of the circle, because when they have surrgery they will have all of me. I will have already worked the kinks out for them, I will be there to help them from day one, I will be able to encourage them when they go through the depression and the battles of what to eat and what not to eat.. This is a remarkeable journey that all of the post ops have began and all of the pre ops are thinking of taking, it requires hard work and determination and most of all support from someone who understands and is willing to be there for you when you need them. This message board is such a great place to come and read and get advice, sometimes it can be a little intimidating on the main board because people will just beat you down and make you feel bad about your questions. Just thought that I would let all of you know that we are all in this together, weither i know you or not I plan to be an advocate and a great support person for anyone that needs me, I call people on a daily basis, i send numerous emails daily and I call my Lisa C. daily to see how her day is, this surgery is life altering for me and i intend to be as supportive as i can to anyone that just wants to talk. You can email me directly at [email protected] and I will take your number and give you mine and just know that I am here for you all, anytime of the day and night, because i do not want anyone to feel they are alone. This is a winning battle, not one without a strong and hard fight. I just want you all to know that support is the key to success. I hope that i have not offended anyone with what i have said, it was never meant to come out that way. i also want you all to look for regular post from me, because anytime I learn anything new that is helpful I will be on here sharing it. Thanks for listening and good luck to US ALL!!!!!

Wow, all I can say is WELL SAID! I don't go to the main board. I lost interest in that one long ago. (Enuf' said about that) But I always check here, and add to it when I can. The friendships and bonding we have here can't be beat. We NEED this. Sure, we have our families, but they don't "really" understand all that we go through and feel. I'm pleased and relieved to know I can say it HERE, if need be. I'm glad to hear you have such a wonderful support group. We can NOT do this alone, nor would I WANT to. Nice to hear fom you, Adrienne. I'll look forward to seeing you hear more often! ~Michelle (11/21/03 surgery!)

Hi Michelle, Thanks for the wonderful comments and just know that when I say that I am hear for you, I am and if you ever wanna talk just email me your number and I will call you and I really mean his. Lots of luck on your upcoming surgery and i will be waiting for you on the loosing side.

Glad to here from you!! Thanks for offering us all your love and support. Keep us all updated on the progress of you and your family. Have they all been approved? Tanya T

Hi Tanya, My husband has been approved and my best friend Lea and my sister Rochelle both have the same insurance and my sister has been approved already , my best friend Lea her papers have not been submitted yet, but it will be a breeze

LMAO...they must not have Cigna then!!! I wish them well! ~Michelle

Thank you so much for what you said. I think we all need as much support as we can. I know I do. I have no family, just my kids and a boyfriend. So needless to say I have adopted the folks here as my online family. Michelle and Patti are wonderful folks with so much knowledge that they are ready and willing to dispense. There are just so many folks here that are just the best. Tammy

I have been battleing with my weight my whole life, and with having this surgery for the past several months, when I read your message I felt renewed hope for myself (in having the surgery), and its nice to know that there are people like yourself who care enough to let others know. I just want to say thank you. Jan