Questions for pre-ops

I thought this would be kind of interesting.... I know when I was a pre-op all I did is ASK the questions...like a broken record. So I thought maybe asking some questions to the pre-ops might help everyone to either remember their pre-op experience or at least to unite as pre-ops!

So...pre-ops:

1) What are you most excited about in terms of this surgery? (Something more specific than "to lose weight")

2) What fear or question is strongest for you right now in terms of the surgery?

Hmmm, well, obviously losing weight is on the top of the list but I think it's more an issue of control. I have battled my weight pretty  much my entire life and I just want the control back. Does that make sense? I'm not under any delusions, I've done my research and know that the band is no magic pill but I'm hoping that knowing it's there will force me to make better decisions and perhaps find better ways to deal with emotions rather than eating.

My biggest fear is of complications from the surgery. I have a 2.5 year old and I worry about something happening as a result of the surgery. However, I know that the odds of that are slim and the gift I will be giving her, a fit mom, is the best I can possibly give. Another fear is that I'm going to go through this whole process and not lose weight! lol.

1. I obviously do want to lose weight but the main thing is that I have a job as a sales consultant where I sound like I have my stuff together and then when clients see me for the first time, I worry that my appearance dimishes that. I know it sounds silly and my colleagues who know me say that they dont see what I think they see but I still think of it a lot. I did a presentation in front of 600 people a few weeks back and it was such a confidence boost but I wonder what it will be like when I do it again as a skinny person... I just want to look the way I feel...

2. Strongest fear - I dont have one. Strongest question would have to be "am I going to be a success?"

as evidenced by your pre-op loss, that answer is  an emphatic yes!

I'm really excited about feeling better! Having more energy, LOOKING BETTER! Starting this new journey. Not having to "beat myself up" about gaining back the weight after some sort of new diet failed once again. Finally having something that really will work. I know I will have a lot of changes I will have to do, forever. But it is SOOOO nice to know that this really does work.

I really don't have any surgery fears. I've had surgery before and so I know it's just going to sleep and then you wake up and your done.  It's amazing that way.
Thanks for the question Elena.
Mari

This is a good idea, Elena!

I think I am most excited about changing the quality of my lifestyle.  It's one of those all-encompassing things... I am looking forward to being more lean, and more healthy; I can't wait to be able to take classes at the gym and play sports again without feeling like I'm gonna die; I have forgotten what it's like to go shopping at places other than Avenue and Lane Bryant; I'll be able to go to the beach and wear a bathing suit or shorts instead of jeans and a baggy tshirt; I'll be arm candy for my hottie husband... the list goes on and on!

My biggest fear is not about the surgery itself, but of the after-effects.  I think my biggest fear is not being able to keep the weight off once I lose it, because of my previous record with diets and weight loss programs.  But, I'm dedicated to my cause, and I have faith that it's going to work for me.

1.  I want to do things that I have put off as a result of my weight.  I am a huge sports fan, and one of my goals is to coach or assistant coach a basketball team.  I also love riding horses and I haven't ridden much this year because I can't haul my big ole butt up there without help and that's a little embarrassing.  I can't wait to walk into a room without worrying that I'm the biggest person there and being self conscious.

2.   My biggest fear is that for some reason this won't work for me.  I know it's unlikely, but it scares me still. 

Yaayyy I love this post!!

1) What are you most excited about in terms of this surgery? (Something more specific than "to lose weight")

                           Wow so many things ...here are a few in no specific order 
                              1) Looking better 
                               2) Self confidence
                              3) Not being one of the guys ( u know what I mean ..being looked at as a girl    not the funny fat friend)

                                4) Having more ENERGY
                                5) BETTER SEX
                                6)Having control of food and not food controlling me
                                7) To finally feel that I conquered my life long struggle. *****
2) What fear or question is strongest for you right now in terms of the surgery?

              My biggest fear ..is to be one of the folks that just couldnt get along with the band..always being too tight or never getting the right restriction ..or having a slippage or a port infection..or a leak..I'am really afraid of all those things. Oh and Im really afraid of the Doctor not placing it in the right spot**

Thank you for posting this...I have an insatiable thirst for information.  Here's a glimps about what I'm excitied about:

I have felt so trapped inside myself.  I know the weight loss can't be the only thing that free's me...but it's the emotional layers of my truths that I am both excited and scared to unravel.  I think about how my face looks like I have a permantent frown.  I think about how I have kept myself from socially living.  I'm excited with thoughts of seeing the changes inside and out...looking in the mirror and being egocentric, erogant, and knowing all the while that I'm still me.  I'm excited with the thought of looking like a woman - a girly girl kinda sorta haha.  I'm excited about feeling empowered like I imagine so many that I judge myself next too.  All the while I know that the pounds that may or may not actually fullfil my desires.  I know that I have a long way to go...and I'm ready to do the work.  I am so so so ready...it consumes me.   OK - I know deep deep deep.  I guess in short - I'm excited to find my smile.

What I fear?  Wow - surgery is always serious.  Prior to finding this forum - I believed I would be doing this all alone.  I think as I get closer I see myself seeking support and maybe even asking questions I know the answers too.  I had feared that I would be alone.  That's really been reduced for me in the last two weeks.

That's it that's all.  Simple right \

Thanks to all that have taken the time to read my thoughts and feelings.

Carrie