Stoma*****nots!

I do more lurking here than anything.  Well, not so much lurking as getting so much good information to prepare myself.  Today I was faxing this doctor and that doctor to get all my medical records to send to Centennial and I think the reality hit me.  As I'm getting medical release forms together and such my stomach just knotted up and then the lump just fell into my throat.  And, all of a sudden it really hit me.  OK, not that I haven't known what I'm getting myself into.  I've been reading this message board for what seems like forever now.  Watching others get approved and go through pre surgery jitters and the "what have I done" post surgery worries.  I've felt like I ride everyone's wave of emotions.  But, today I wanted to cry and laugh all at the same time.   Last year, when I was diagnosed as being diabetic, I decided it was time after rolling this surgery over in my head for years.  Then I went to the seminar and spent last year trying to get all the things done that insurance wanted.  I think it just hit me today as to how close it could be (providing insurance approves it).  Just getting some paperwork together made me think of all the other things I'll need to do.  Maybe I just felt overwhelmed.  I've really taken my time and paced myself with research on doctors and hospitals and types of surgery, doctor supervised diet, psych evaluation... good habits and bad habits.  Now, it just feels like it's down to the wire. I get on OH at work and at home.  I look at before and after pictures and read this message board and find so much inspiration to keep on this path to surgery.  I've been on here long enough to see several people get approved and then transform before my eyes. Of course, I'm also so very preoccupied with whether or not BCBS will approve it.  As they say, hope for the best and prepare for the worst.  I guess I just wanted to see how you all felt at this point to make sure I'm not going off the deep end LOL I also wanted a bit of advice.  Without getting too personal, I had to cut off the person who I thought was my best friend and was my only support system.  I had thought that they would be the one to look after me after surgery.  So, what I'm curious to know is if you all think it is necessary to have someone be with you the first couple days at home?  Also, not to be morbid but did anyone consider having a will drawn up... just in case? I would appreciate your thoughts.  You all are such an informative and knowledgeable bunch!  Have a blessed weekend!

You are having the normal feelings, I had them and still have them sometimes. I waited so long for this to happen, then when it did BAM!!!!!!!!! It's here, now what the heck am I a suppose to do. Which type of WLS are you thinking about having? Which ever route you take all of us on this board will be here for you. But you will need to start posting more and not be so much of a lurker........LOL......You will totally enjoy yourself on here, we talk about it all, good, bad, happy, sad, so just post away. You also need to plan on coming to our little get togethers that we have. We have the Lunch Bunch that meets the 2nd Sat of each month and we have the Dinner Club that meets the last Fri of each month......I think I got those right. Jus****ch for the post for all the details. I wish you the best of luck with your journey and you will be a "loser" with the rest of us in no time. Have a great day. Cheryl.

Hello!   Everything you are feeling is normal, as you've no doubt seen from everyone else.  You've also had a long journey to get to this point, so maybe it hits a little harder.  I think the best thing for you to do is attend your chosen support group and participate on here, not just lurking.  I don't post as much as I should, but I know when I need the support, I'll certainly get it here.  I'm sorry about your friend, but that is something that is going to happen, likely more than once.  Just about everyone here has experienced that as well and can sympathize.   It is a good idea to have someone with you, at least in the hospital and the first couple of days.  I had my mom with me the first night in hospital and I was glad, cuz she could do things for me and I didn't have to wait on a nurse or tech to have time.  I'm a nurse, so I knew they wouldn't always be available the very second I needed them.  And I would recommend someone be with you the first night or two at home, at least until you know how you are going to do.     Although I didn't do it, it's never a bad idea to draw up a will, especially if you have children or property, money, etc.  More importantly though is to assign a health care surrogate and a directive.  This would designate someone to make health (life & death) decisions for you if you are unable to do so; you would want to choose someone who understands your wishes and would abide by them.  And the directive is a written statement as to your wishes should the unthinkable happen (whether you want to be on life support, want cpr, intubation, etc, all the things to do in order to keep you alive if there should be complications).  Most surgeons don't want you to have a DNR (do not resusitate) when you are going into surgery, but you can at least designate how much care you would want should something happen.   Anyway, keep us posted and I'll send good vibes your way for a speedy approval.  Keep posting and ask any questions you may have, someone here will be able to answer them.   

I get on OH at work and at home.  I look at before and after pictures and read this message board and find so much inspiration to keep on this path to surgery.  I've been on here long enough to see several people get approved and then transform before my eyes. I do this too. The feelings of excitement accompanied by feelings of apprehension are "normal" in my opinion.  I am being submitted for approval either today or next week. Yes, I am excited and can't wait to hear "APPROVED" - and yes, I am nervous and anxious about the surgery.  I have run through every scenario in my mind of what "could or might" happen having the surgery and I am still convinced that this is my chance to have a healthier, happier life. Besides, I already KNOW what happens in time if I don't have it. SCARED? Heck yeah. Scared of dying - somewhat, but not nearly as scared of "not living" life. I'm just turning it over to a higher power and saying "Let's do this!"

SCARED? Heck yeah. Scared of dying - somewhat, but not nearly as scared of "not living" life. I know what you mean.  I wasn't "living" and sure didn't want to continue in the state I was in before surgery... say, another 20 yrs.  My quality of life was poor, depressed, ugly, fat, had no chance of ever getting a boyfriend, or getting married.  Now those things weren't the reason(s) I had surgery.  My health was declining.  But now that I look back, all of the above have been changed as a direct result of wls.  I wasn't scared of dying.  I said, "What do I have to live FOR?"  I didn't have a husband, kids, It was just me.  So I said, "Let's do it."  Honestly.  Otherwise, I would tell you if I really was scared.

Well I think like most things in life major decision don't come easy. Whether buying a home or new car. Your nervous should I do this and you do. Then the first payment comes in why did I do it? I could have gotten by without it. I could have fixed the old one!  Well with WLS its even a bigger decision your emotions have been super sized! This is not something you go into lightly its not a quick fix! But you and only you know how you got to this point! So if you are sure then focus on the goal pull out a picture from a time in your life that was good and stay focused on that.  As you can see I've only been on the board a short while but people here except us for who we are and who we will become. I'm fortunate I never meet a stranger but I know a lot of people are not that way. But these new Friends will go out of their way to welcome you and honestly care for you.  They say the root system of the Giant Sequoias are very shallow that no one tree can stand on its own the first wind would topple it but it intertwine itself with the other roots creating one stronger support system which has stood the test of time. Thats what the people here do for each other Beth, Susan Malinda, BamaBob, Melisa, Scott and on and on. everyone brings a unique perspective, talent and life lessons. Each are compassionate and caring in our own way. Which makes a incredibly well rounded group.  Welcome to the Group.  Thanks for allowing me to support you. C' Ya Bob

Trust me, you can do this and you want to do this. My lovely wife Laura who is my biggest supporter and inspiration had RNY in September of 2006. Dr. Dyer is her surgeon and she has lost over 200 lbs. I had DS surgery a little over 6 weeks ago. So far since beginning this WLS journey I have lost 70 lbs, and am averaging a loss of a pound a day. Has this changed our lives? You bet it has. We have likely added 10-20 more years to our lives. We have an adorable 5 year old daughter, as well as our other 4 kids; S 24, D 21, S 18, and S 16. If I had not had my DS, I would probably not have lived to see her graduate high school. Besides, I've never been trim, and I want to be. I want to be healthy, and live a long full life. Did I do this for my wife and kids? Some would say they did, but I did it for a very selfish reason. I did it for me! My wife loved me at 340, and she loves me at 270, and she'll love me at 175. But as well as her loving me, I'll love me too. And no matter what anyone may tell you, it is important that you love yourself too.  God loves you and wants you to be happy. My DS was a gift from God, and what I do with my life now is my gift back to Him. I know that every day is a gift from Him, and what we do with it is the way we show our apreciation to Him. I wish you sucess in your WLS journey, and my prayers for your sucess and happiness. Your servant and brother in Him, Doug

Hi Sweetie, I have been on this board the longest of anyone on here.  I went thru almost 3 years of watching those get approved while I kept getting denied.  My excitement came from them.  I shared their pain, tears, their happiness.  They became a part of me.  After I found out I had diabeties then leukemia, I was crest fallen, thinking I'll never have the surgery.  But those that were on the board back in 2005 gave me the strength I needed to keep fighting for it.  God came thru and put me with Dr. Colquitt.  He did a marvelous job.  As for Living Wills, Wills, Power of attorneys etc. When I found out I had leukemia, I had all that taken care of.  It's always a good idea to have one, shoot driving in Nashville can kill you quicker then anything else.  We all have experienced the good and bad emotions like a roller coaster.  It's normal.  I know I have had a lot of ups and downs because I can't keep protein in me and my pouch rebells at everything I've tried, but it's the chemo pills I have to take for the rest of my life.  I no longer live to eat, but eat to live.  I have learned so much over the past 4 years of being on this site.   I've met a lot of new friends, seen a lot leave the board after surgery when the new post-ops need help more after surgery then before.  Here's one of the things you will notice, your taste buds will continue to change. One month you may love something after surgery, the next month it may make you sick.  That is normal.  Wait a month and try it again and have no problems.  You will have lots of ups and downs.  I only know of one person that was getting her drain tubes out the day I had my consult with Dr. Colquitt, who has regretted having the surgery.  She wishes she had remained over weight.  Why I don't know.  But our bodies are a temple to God, how we take care of that body for HIm is our way of thanking Him for giving us life, and choices to make.  I am far happier now with the weight off, then I was having to sit in a wheelchair and given maybe 2 years to live and that was before I found out I have leukemia.  My emotions stay on a roller coaster.  Each day I wake up is a day to be blessed, when I feel pain, I know I am alive and to be thankful for another day.  With my rare form of leukemia, there are no guarantees.  I could live another day to 30 years.  I make the most out of each day as if it were the last one. This board has really been a life support for me.  There are times I won't post for a few days or weeks and that's when I am having my rough moments.  But once you start attending our lunches, or the dinners, you get to meet the ones who live in your area face to face and you make lasting friends.  These are friends who understand just what you are going thru as we have all been there.  So no more lurking, speak out, don't be afraid to vent, scream, laugh, or have fun, this is a wonderful site.  There's a great bunch here and we're all here for you.   May God travel with you on this new journey.