I am new to this forum. So glad I found it

I too am a christian. I must admit that I thought I was failing God and not having faith to lose this weight. I have tried eveything for so many years and nothing has worked. I got my letter of approval from the insurance company two days ago and I keep having these feelings of panic in regards to surgery. Will I wake up, are there going to be complications etc. Try to shake them but it's hard. I meet with my cardiologist for my stress test today and have my psych eval on Thursday. I believe this is for me, but I guess the feelings are normal. I also wonder If I have to sware off food and how do I eat out with my family. So many things to consider. I really need some input.

Marcella, what you are feeling is all very normal. I thought well, I will never eat at a restaurant with my family ever again...WRONG! I am 13 months 21 days and I eat at restaurants, take home my leftovers and have 2-3 more meals out-of-it b/c they serve so much food! We don't realize how much excess food we are served, portions 10-15 years ago were 1/2 what we are served now, is it any wonder we are battling overweight? After the initial 6-8 weeks of liquids and softer foods, you will gradually add foods in that you tolerate. Your tastes will change. I crave fresh veggies and fruits and rarely did before. PROTEIN will be your main friend first and foremost! Either by liquid drink(Atkins is good), powder mixed, and later your meats you can eat, all kinds of beans are great. Read-up on this, use the internet for great source of what's next. "Pouch Rules for dummies" is a great source of info. I tried for 30 years to shed the excess weight (the yo-yo thing) now I feel wonderful, active and enjoy life for the first time since high school (mid-1960's)when my weight was "normal" and I thought I was an elephant at weighing 118 pounds, what was I thinking? Good luck, you will do great! Our God is awesome and wants the best for us

Welcome to the board Marcella. I am glad you joined us. Things will become easier day by day. There is so much here to lift your spirits and we will keep you covered in prayer. I no the feelings you are feeling, remember the enemy does not want us happy and he will do everything in his power to keep us off track. we cannot be doubled minded. I remind myself of this all the time and it stems from the negative feed back I get. The funny thing was I would not share because I did not want to hear it now, I make myself share because I find each and everytime I hear the negative comments I can feel that inner strenght come up and tell me what to say and God reminds me why I am on this journey and what I am looking forward to getting from this, and be the time I share what I have to say you can see the look on the others face change and they wonder for a moment there may be something more to explore here. I have work out the feelings of complications and decided that I would stand on the word and believe the report of the Lord and keep sober-minded and everyday as it gets closer and closer and more real I feel so ready for this. So stay strong you have made it through the insurance phase, now come the testing (physical and mental) but remember to choose to feel good about this. We are always here to agree in prayer, one can chase a thousand....two ten thousand... we are awesome when we agree and I will agree with you. Be blessed enjoy your holiday and be at peace. Pastor di

Thank you so much your encouragement is well received. I know that If I tell my family I will get nothing but negativity. I have decided not to tell my mother until everything is finalized. The thing that is hard is that we are so close. I just don't believe that she would agree with the surgery. In reality I won't know until I tell her. The positive thing is that I have my husband and my children ( all grown) with me. I know I can't do this by myself. Again thank you so much

Marcella, First let me say Welcome to the board!!!! I can totally understand where you are in this. I have been there too. I will be in prayer for you to find that peace that surpasses all understanding. Take care of you. Shannon The Irish Lassie 266/190/140

Thanks for making me feel so welcome. It's such a family feel here. It's also good to know that there are christians that have gone through this. I am starting to feel so good about this. I know that I made the best choice I could ever make. I know that I may still have a few panic attacks, but I'm on my way.

Marcella, welcome to this forum. I had my surgery 2 and a half years ago and went through all those same feelings. What helped me when I started to panic, wondering if I was ever going to eat like a normal person again was to tell myself that in six months I would be eating everything (except alot of fats, and sweets) just like everyone else. And guess what, by two months, I could. When I was 2 weeks out, my family wanted to go to Jack's or some fast food resturant. I just went and got me some hot and sour soup and had that while they were all eating their fatty hamburgers. Even now, when we go to a resturant I order a normal plate, eat some and take the rest home for two or three more meals. You will learn what works best for you. As the day draws closer you may have more fears. Remember to come here for prayer. Geri

I am a family oriented person and I just don't want this to affect my family life. I love my grandchildren and would be hurt if I couldn't enjoy doing things that I did before with them. I had my stress test yesterday and my psych eval is tomorrow. I am really loving this forum. It has helped to relieve some of my worries. I made a mistake and went to the regrets forum. Boy I won't do that again. I almost canceled this whole thing.