encouragement please......

Good morning Karen...
Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post.  The outpouring of support and encouragement that I have received here has been phenomenal.  I'm so glad that I've found OH!
So what is that saying -- "We have nothing to fear except fear itself"?  Well, yes, I do have a fear of that little white tape measuring device that is still in it's original wrapper that I bought shortly after I got my surgery date, with very good intentions of well...you know.  Why do I just not want to go there???  Yet I know that if I don't, I will forever regret it.  And as far as the photos go, the look on hubby's face would be priceless if I asked him to take several pics of me at different angels.  I hate camera's, and have avoided them for the better part of my life.  But you are right - these are things that must be done.
Congrats on your accomplishments - you've lost a whole person!  I hope that I can be equally as successful, that's my goal anyway.  I am apprehensive though, about trying to find the perfect, equal balance that will be right for me.  Lots of trial and error, I'm sure.  But I'm ready for it and I'm up for the challenge.  I just need to get past the pre-surgical jitters.  I know it's normal, everyone goes through the same thing.  It's never easy.  Thanks again....

Welcome. I was 54 when I had my RNY WLS (5/13/2008). I have the OA and other chronic health conditions. I am soooooo glad I had the surgery! Best wishes to you.

Thanks for the best wishes.  I'm hoping that a year from now, I will be encouraging someone who is where I'm at now, and saying that I'm glad I had the surgery!

Hi Marlee..(I love your name)  I have been reading your posts and all the other OFF membes responses.  I am so excited for you.  I am 5 mths out (11-19-08) and I had the lap RNY and lost 80 pounds.  I am 66 years YOUNG but feel almost in my forties.  WOW!!  I have had no complications whatsoever and would do the surgery again in a minute.  You've come to the best forum on OH and you will find everyone so helpful, kind and loving just like I did .
Please keep posting .
Hugs Marlee,

Sandy

Sandy-
WOW!!! 80 lbs. in 5 months - I just can't even begin to imagine!  What an amazing accomplishment.  I am so glad that I found OFF - I wish I had found it a long time ago because the one thing that has been a constant concern is my age.  It is such an inspiration to see how many people over 50 have had such wonderful outcomes with very little age related difficulties.  If anything, many of the maladies that they were plagued with before surgery are now non existent, or at the very least, much improved.  That is just amazing to me.  I just keep reminding myself that next week at this time, all the worry and waiting will be over with, and my new journey will begin!  Thanks for your support - this has just been the best day because I've learned so much from so many people!  I can do this!

RNY was the best thing I ever, ever, did in my life!! No more diabetic meds, better arthritis, less blood pressure meds, more energy and on and on. I've lost 125 in 15 months with no major problems. Oh, and I will be 57 this summer. I have about 45 pounds to go. I think this saved my life because I found out I have NASH, a liver disease, which I never would have known. Good luck and I am happy for your upcoming new life!!

Sue

Sue - thanks for taking the time to reply to my post.  My issues are much like yours were - no diabetic issues - but blood pressure meds, arthritis, and lack of energy (motivation) as well.  I just knew that if I did not take this route, I would more than likely end up having a double knee replacement sometime down the road, at the very least.  Going into this whole process, I also felt for sure that they would find something wrong with me that would stand in my way of having this done.  I think I just wanted this WLS so badly that I refused to get my hopes up in the event I'd end up disappointed.  I believe that things happen for a reason - fate - or whatever you chose to call it.  Fortunately for me, this whole process has gone extremely smooth without any glitches at all, so I believe in my heart that things are working out exactly as they were meant to.  Good luck with your continued efforts and thanks for your support.

Hang tough, Marlee. We're in this together. I'm 61 and scheduled for RNY one month from today.  I am so excited about this surgery. And tremendously encouraged by all the folks here on OFF. 

I'm not put off by my age, though I cannot deny it's a factor, but I firmly believe that so very much of our healing capability comes from between our ears. The right attitude and determination will carry us through.

Best wishes for your surgery, and save me a seat on the loser's bench!

Natalie,
Thanks for your support.  I'm very excited about my surgery and the changes that will be happening to me.  I'm just experiencing the pre-surgical jitters and anxieties that I'm sure is to be expected.  It had started to interfere with me being able to sleep, so yesterday my doctor put me on Ativan @ night and I feel like a new person today.  I see things in a different light - I'm still nervous but I'm dealing with things much better today.
You are so right about the encouragement and support from the people here on OFF.  Everyone one has been absolutely amazing.
Thanks again for your support and I'll keep your seat warm!

Hi Marlee,

I had my WLS at 52.   I will be 56 this coming July.    Hey 52 is YOUNG !!!  LOL  trut me you will do fabulous !!!   Just do everything that your surgeon asks of you.   I have found being around "younger" WLS patients.   They do not ALWAYS play by the rules....don't eat and drink alchol.   Not good at all to do that.   Also they seem to have more cross addictons that us older folks do ....although I have turned into a "thrift store junkie".   LOL    Anyway good luck to you on your upcoming surgery.   You will do great and don't get cold feet yet.....your feet will be cold enough after surgery !!!   LOL


Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian