Really, really nervous....

Hi Everyone....I am finally at goal weight and we are starting the final steps to get me a date.

What makes me nervous...oh gosh..so many things. To start with my Brother John (also a member of obesityhelp.com) had surgery in 2005, we lost him 2 days later...a heart attack at 44. I KNOW this is safe surgery...I KNOW John believed in this with all his heart....I was to be his caregiver, so I ALSO know it is a great tool. But....I keep seeing Johnny fighting for his life.

Any sharing would be most appreciative....I am in good shape, I swim every day... But John warned me the night before surgery that I needed to fight my weight issue...and yet here I am.

Thanks so much.

Welcome, Terri! When is your surgery? I would be nervous, too, with that history.

I got it straight in my head before I had WLS in September of last year that I would die without it. I had a stroke three months later. My surgeon's comment was "think how bad it could have been before surgery". Thankfully I am mostly recovered from it today. Life happens. All we can do is move forward with good thoughts and intentions.

I will think good thoughts for you going forward ;). This surgery definitely saved my life.

We expect a date in June per my Surgeon, I reached my goal weight last week and we are doing all the last things to get the date. Took me 4 years once I decided to do this....Thank you for your post.

Thank you so much....good luck to you, and again..thank you!

Hi Terri,

I understand your nervousness. I was 48 years old, 490 lbs with heart disease, 3 stents in one artery, high blood pressure, diabetes and taking 5 shots of insulin a day, high cholesterol, sleep apnea and oh yeah also on blood thinners and other heart meds. I was also taking 8 Advil a day just to be able to walk because I have a fracture in one knee and very bad arthritis in the other knee. So I definitely get being nervous about having the surgery. I knew if I didn't get the surgery I was gonna die soon anyway. I had to take control of my life again!

It's been almost 6 months since surgery and today I'm down a 100 lbs. I am no longer taking any diabetic medication at all! I call myself a recovering insulin addict! LOL! I have needed to take Advil 3(1 tablet each time instead of 4!) times since surgery(with surgeon approval). MY sleep apnea is much improved and some of my heart meds been reduced.

I wish you the best in your journey. :)

It is okay to be scared. It really is. It is a life changer.

Would I have the surgery again. In a heartbeat. I feel so much better.

Life is so much better. The surgery has made me grow up. I know that may sound silly. But it really has. It has made me change so many things.

Like I am a people pleaser. I know now the only person I can truly make happier is myself. If I am happy so is everyone around me. I can only change me.

People will scare you and tell you horror stories. When you are overwhelmed come here. Look at the before and afters. Not just for vanity reasons but to see how healthy and happy the people look. I feel the pictures do show how life can change.

Make a list of things you can do after surgery and focus on that. Being able to do small things such as going up and down the stairs without feeling like you are dying is a great feeling.

Come here for support. The vets really do want to help. Also the newbies can just cheer you on also. You can support others just by posting.

Some people are not comfortable posting. So them reading what you are feeling may help them feel that they are not alone.

Sending good thoughts your way.

I LOVE this!!!