Young and scared

I am pre-op, but very close to surgery my doctor says, and I'm unsure as to whether my feelings are normal. I have completed my 6 months supervised diet, all tests that I need, and am now getting ready to send in for insurrance approval. This past week I have just felt terribly sad and afraid, not sure really why, but I think maybe in fear of surgery not working for me, and I'm afriad that it's not going to help me with my physical pain. I've been very short with people, irratable, you name it. Because I am only 17 years old there don't seem to be many places online that I go to for support because most don't have RNY as young as myself, so I don't know whether my feelings are normal, or really what is going on. I just don't feel like myself, completely lost, and don't know what to do or where to go...? I don't know what my question is here, maybe I just need reasurrance...or a shove in the arm, either would be appreciated. Thank you.

HI I wasn't going to say anything but i feel as if i should. Maybe i am getting the wrong impression. But if you are having any doubts any doubts at ALL you should put your surgery on hold and take time to think about it. Despite what people say you will be ok if you wait to have surgery. I am young too and I had it and i should have waited a while. You really need to think about it. If you have anxiety or are nervous or depressed about your upcomming surgery let me tell you that due to all the meds and physical changes that will be going on with your surgery post op most people become very very depressed anyway due to hormone releases from weight loss too. If you are depressed or anxious b4 surgery this will magnify BIG time if you aren't ready to handle it. Even if you think you can handle it emotionally. NOTHING can prepare you for all of the ups and downs in weight and emotion and life comming your way. I don't want to scare you or anything i am not anti surgery obviously nor am i trying to discourage you but take some time for yourself and be 100 percent sure because it is forever and you can't go back and you have to deal with a lot of severe health issues that may come and do occur in a percentage some severe nutritional issues that sometimes you can't prevent but you can try too. So if you are nervous i would put it off at least a few weeks or months if need be if you have some issues now the surgery will not deal with them but may quite possibly make them more magnified and worse due to more stress and losing a big coping skill. So think about everything and please deal with your issues first. Put surgery second it IS a big deal.

Thank you for your reply. I was not clear enough I suppose. That's alright. I am not second guessing at all, and I am not having any doubts, I am just having a hard time expressing how I am feeling.

I was a complete ass to friends and family. I was 18 - and it was the hardest decision I ever had to make - most people our age don't have to think about such a life changing decision. It's alright to feel how you feel...When I got to the hospital met my nurses and was sitting there is when I actually became calm because I knew everything was going to be alright - and I just kept thinking about what life would be like in a few years...and you know what - the people I was mean to - and was *****y with are still with me today...I made sure I appologized to all of them afterwards lol! But they understood why I was acting the way I was! Good luck....and don't keep your emotions inside - everything your feeling is what your suppose to be feeling - and the people closest to you need to deal with it.  Sorry about the language.  GOOD LUCK! 

Your feelings are normal.  This is a big deal, you would be foolish not to be a little overwhelmed.  It is really hard being a younger post-op  for exactly the reason you listed - there just aren't a lot of us and there are not a lot of places to go for support.  I just discovered this board, I usually hang out on the Weight Loss Surgery in Your 20's board because it is for people my age (I had RNY when I was 19 - now I'm 21), it moves faster than this board and I feel most at home there.  I know you're not 20 yet, but really the 20's board is the closest thing for post-op teens.  If you would feel comfortable there you should come on over.  Here is a link http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/wls_in_your_20s/ I promise, no one is going to kick you out because you're only 17.  I think you'll find everyone there very supportive and helpful.  I hope to see you over there!