Newbie--Any advice?

I am going for my first consult with the surgeon on Monday for LAP RNY. After reading about all the problems on the complications board...I am nervous. I have a bmi of 53, which places me in the "morbidly" obese category (even the word "morbidly" scares me) I have slightly elevated blood pressure and heart palpitations. My pcp was supportive and I know about the complications, but some people that are having problems sound like they are going through hell. Any advice?

I know many, many people who have had RNY and had no issues as all...even at 50+ BMI.  Research your surgeon and his capabilities.  Once you have surgery, follow the rules that he has set forth.

Good luck on your journey!

 Make sure you trust your doctor.  Shop around if you are not confident in him.  No one is guaranteed a complication free surgery, but having confidence in the dr really helps in recovery.

My BMI was over 60 and I had virtually a text book surgery and recovery.  Only complication was an allergy to the surgical tape from my IV. 
I feel wonderful and as long as I follow the plan I do well.
Worry is normal but be positive, more of us do well than have complications.
Sheri

I was scared. I was 59 years old and weighed 455 at surgery. But my surgeon was a agood one and he said it would be worse on me not to have the surgery. I prayed and prayed and all went well.
Thanks to God and my surgeon....

Thanks all for the positive comments. I have read a lot of positive comments and stories. I just want to make sure that the risk is worth the outcome. I just want to be healthy and try and avoid the complications some of my family members have had with their health. I have been on diet upon diet through the years and I need help.

It is good to prepare yourself for all of the possible outcomes, but dont over do it.

Make sure you are 100% comfortable with your surgeon and your surgery.

Most people do fine. And the ones that don't do well, post.

I got real scared for a while after attending some real world support group meetings. There was a walking skeleton. A couple of ladies who'd eaten around the surgery and gained a lot back. The people with lots of saggy skin. The woman who works out 4 hours a day and apparently still isn't losing weight. All sorts of people with vitamin deficiencies. And the woman who had just spent a lot of money on plastic surgery and looked great. And they all said it was the best thing they ever did.

Everyone's surgery is different. The surgery is just a tool. If you don't pay attention to what your doctor says to do after the surgery, you could  have problems. And it is real deal surgery with all the complications that go along with any surgery.

You need to look at your surgeon-- what other people have to say about him, how many times has he done this, what kind of post op support you'll get from his office, that kind of stuff. Look at the hospital where you want to have it done. For example, with me, I am super thankful I don't have to go to my local hospital. My insurance is requiring a Center of Excellence.

Good luck!