New to all this..... help please!!!

Hi there...I am new to this site. My surgery for the lap band is supposed to be in July (when my daughter is away at camp). My boyfriend knows about the surgery, but not my family--I am afraid to try and fail at yet another attempt at weight loss that I don't want them to know. I'm determined to have the surgery on 7/11/2005 at St. Vincent's in Manhattan with Dr. Schuknecht. Can anyone here offer me any advice or suggestions..or just to tell me how you felt...I just want to cry all the time and that's not like me...at least not on the outside. Could you please explain to me what an "angel" is and how you all got started here? I would truly appreciate it. Thanks , Suzanne

Suzanne, What your feeling is sooo normal, everyone goes through ranges of emotions. I wanted to cry more often for being fat than for the fear of surgery. I had told my job what I was doing, and as far a family goes, I also chose not to tell anyone except my husband, and oldest daughter....until about 5 days before the surgery, at that time I told my mom and dad, I asked them if they had any questions, but I was clear that I wasnt asking for approval...I also, told them that people have very different opions on wls so to wait to tell any family members until after I already had the surgery. My mom said it was good I did it that way because she heard too many different opinions and things and was glad that she didnt know until then. Hang in there, and best wishes on this journey. Janean

Thank you

Suzanne, Welcome to the board we are so happy you have joined the AMOS Family! What you are feeling is very normal. Your emotions are running wild but this should soon pass. You can do this don't worry. As long as you keep to the plan your doctor gives you and you don't cheat you will be good to go. We are always here for you all you have to do is away and I am sure one of us here will come a ' May you have an unevenful surgery and a speedy recovery!!!!!!! Please keep us posted on how you journey is going! {{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} Evelyn 247/130/-117 Past goal and feeling GREAT!!!!!!!

Hey Suzanne, I was in the same boat as you. Being very secretive and not wanting anyone (especially parents) to know about my upcoming Surgery. Well somehaow my sister found out and told my Parents what I am planning and I thought for sure I would hear nothing but negativity. (old School Italian Family). I was shocked when my Mother came to my house with Papers and Papers showing stories of how many people have had the Surgery and its Success. My parents are now unbelivably supportive of my decision. Because my Surgery will be in NYC, MY mOM TOLD MY WIFE SHE WILL GET HER A hOTEL ROOM FOR THE 2-3 dAYS i NEED TO BE IN AND THAT WE Should leave the kis with her while I am there. I could not believe it. I almost fell off my chair. My Dad is excited because he has seen me battle weight my whole life and loves his Grandkids and wants them to have me for awhile.Perhaps having a heart to heart may reveal an attitude you were not expecting. I dont know it seems to have worked in my case. Well Godd Luck in whatever you decide to do. Louis

Wow, nice story Louis

Suzanne, I was very upfront with everyone and told them what I was planning on doing... There are some people that will say negative things but you just push them out of your mind because this is something that I did for MYSELF and no one else, not to say it still does not hurt when you hear it.... You will do fine hun and as Evelyn said just stick to your plan and it will work for you... What a great tool once you get used to it... I am with Janean, this is a crazy roller coaster ride mixed with so many emotions but so much learning about things and yourself comes with it. I am only 1 week out today so I can not tell ya more but so many here have said it is worth the trip so I am hanging in there... Take care and the best of luck to you....~hugs~ Debra P

Thanks for all the responses....I really appreciate it. Went to my doctor today and told him what I want to do. Of course because he's affiliated with different hospitals than the surgeon I have chosen he wants me to go see his nutritionist and be put on a plan....I'm getting too confused. Also, haven't really heard from my center---I'm not sure if they just wait for all the stuff to be approved or what. They did tell me to go low carb so I've been pretty good for a couple of weeks. I know when I want the surgery done---basically I have no choice in the time frame of it so it has to be done this July. I just wish I could go and have it done already...the hurry-up-and-wait thing doesn't sit so well with me. Do any of you have the lap band? That's what I am opting for because of the recovery time and amount I need to lose....and would somebody PLEASE tell me what an "angel" is?????? Take care and thanks, Suzanne