18 month check up - warning, adult language

Kathi, Sometimes I worry that you, as a pre-op, will read about these bumps and get nervous. You have my word that they are true bumps - no huge deal. I could have had problems at 320 pounds too but would have been a less healthy surgical candidate. Way back then it took 2 hospital gowns to cover my butt. Now there is very little butt to cover. The good out weighs the bad. Some days I fail to remember that though. Thank you  Annette

Thanks for you caring about how I will feel about having surgery, Annette.  You've got enough on your plate right now to put your energies into YOU. I'm always sorry to see anyone going through angst in any situation.  I have thought long and hard about the surgery.  I've weighed (no pun intended!) the pros and cons to this.  I am prepared to live with whatever experience is my destiny following this decision. I WANT to conquer this weight problem once and for all.  I've never been this determined about anything before in my life.   Thank you for sharing your experiences -- good and bad.  I think it helps me to be prepared for what's ahead of me to learn from you and everyone else.  I truly admire your strength and courage through it all.   If I can be half as strong when it's my turn and so many people have been here on OFF...... Take care of yourself, Hugs, Kathi

Annette, I'm not familiar with how many complications or surgeries you've had, but I am so sorry to hear about your hernia. I love your spirit -- so sharp and sassy -- and I enjoy your messages. Also, appreciated for your considerate note to Kathy about not alarming her as she is preop. I am also preop, surgery scheduled for 6/2, and I'm beginning to get more worried as I read about the complications some folks are facing. Please let us know how you're getting along. I will keep you in my prayers. Marilyn W.

Marilyn, Thank you very much. Reading about complications was the reason I spent 3 years making the decision to have WLS. It was alarming. Comparing the agony of living as a super morbidly obese woman to the way I feel now, is night and day. I was existing, not living. These hernias could have happened with or without WLS. Complications from my extreem weight WOULD have happened.  The initial WLS was a breeze, recovery better each day. Learning how to eat as a bariatric person was tricky but with the help of my OFF family and dietician I learned how to adapt. Constantly buying smaller clothes has been a giggle. Running, jumping, walking, NOT sweating, jumping on a trampoline, and a million other fun activities has been glorious. Having my hubby scoop me up in his arms was beyond my wildest dreams. Don't fret about surgery, but it is a normal feeling. The bumps don't always happen but they are mere bumps. Obesity can cause an entire avalanche of problems. Know that your life will only get better. Annette

Thanks Annette. Prayers for you continue. . . . . . Forward! Marilyn W.

Ok.. That is enought. You have have had more than your share and I demand this not turn into anything where you and the scalpel have an intimate relationship.. Grrrrrrrrrr.

Hello Annette, my darling sistah!        Okay....so it is not so good news....heck, a HERnia could be a HIMnia..now that could be a problem!  I still rely on the belief, that we never get more than we can handle (although, it is hard to believe sometimes!).                                         Since I met you in the flesh...I know you are an incredibly strong woman.  So you can tackle this one with your usual gusto and flair.  Perhaps your DR.  is becoming smitten with you?  Perhaps HE is the Easter Bunny or the tooth fairy or the Great Pumpkin??   On a serious note, have you thought about second opinions?  Maybe this guy is scalpel happy?  Couldn't hurt to have someone new put their 2 cents in.                                               In any case, I so wish for you to have quick healing, peace and comfort, painless days and nights, and too much funs with the grands!                                      Keep us posted, and I will keep YOU in my prayers and thoughts! Hugs, Lora                   

Lora - you made me smile, as always. Nope, he's not scalpel happy, there is a mini unicorn right there in the center of my tummy. Or a HIMnia, or HISnia - it is real. It can sit and be good because I don't have time for such nonsense right now. Too busy looking for stray pennies, thanks to you. Plus, the tots need grandma and Tom needs me to keep him out of trouble.  Thank you for your concern. Much love, Annette