Scared Newbee!!

Hi, guys - I am new to this Message Board. I have been scheduled for this surgery 3 times in the past and have chickened out all three times - I want to have it so badly - But I am scared of the surgery, especially since I was recently diagnosed as having sleep apnea - Another notch on my growing comorbidity ladder. I actually called my doctor's office today and scheduled an appointment to get the ball rolling for a 4th time - Hopefully I'll make it to the hospital this time! I am 43 years old and weigh 240lbs. Can any one share some (hopefully positive) information regarding sleep apnea and this surgery - Isn't the risk higher?

Donna sweetie I was 410 pounds w/ sleep apnea sugar diabeties and a restrictive lung disease and I pulled threw just fine I was on 4 inhalers before surgery my cpap machine was on 11 now on 9 no longer use the inhalers no longer am a diabetic Im down to 250 my year date was Oct 31st I feel great and Im so very thankful and blessed for this tool Go for it girl you have nothing to loose but fat, best of luck any questions feel free to ask.

Donna, I felt, much like everyone else, the same way. The best thing I found for encouragement was to read other's profiles and see that they ALL went through the same fears and concerns. While I haven't updated my profile in a while; I faithfully update every thought and concern from the beginning on. Incidently, I backed out the first time as well. BTW, I also had sleep-apnea as well. Along with a whole host of other "co-morbidities". The decision to do the WLS is very individual; but for myself, I'd do it again and twice on Sunday!! Good Luck to you. Keith 310/185/AT GOAL!!!

Hello Donna, I would recommend this surgery to anyone who has problems with their weight and health. I was over 300 lbs when I went in for surgery. I had high blood preasure, borderline diabetic, chronic joint pain, and my back was so weak from carrying all the weight I stayed in pain all the time. Each day was a struggle for me. But through this surgery, I have regained my life. I am off all meds and my energy level has sored. I came through the surgery with no complications at all. It was the best single thing I've ever done for ME!!! I was scared too but I put myself in God's hands and believed that this was an answer to my many prayers concerning my weight & health issues. I will keep you in my prayers that God would give you the courage and strength to make the right decision for you. Lots of Love Kathy

Hi Donna, It is a huge surgery, and I think it would be strange not to be concerned or scared. I am waiting for insurance approval right now, and I am filled with "what ifs" now that I can see that this is actually going to be a reality for me. We are about the same weight and age, and although I do not have the sleep apnea, I do have other comorbidities (high blood pressure for one), so I understand your concerns. I just keep reading a lot of profiles so I am prepared for what others have gone through. Have you pinpointed exactly what you are afraid of - the surgery itself, the results of the surgery, being thin, etc? Once you identify exactly what you are afraid of, I think it will be easier to deal with it. I also would suggest that you make sure that you are completely confident in your surgeon. If you are doubting him/her in the back of your mind, that could be the root of the fears. I wish you all the best in the world! Good Luck, Robin

I can understand how scary it is and how it is tempting to chicken out - I was not even sure right up until the time I went to the OR if I was going to be brave enough to go through with it - I told them to give me strong happy drugs so I would not make a fool of myself and beg the surgeon not to let me die when I went in there lol!! There is nothing wrong with being scared - most of us were. It is a life altering decision to have this surgery.... I did not have sleep apnea but I did hear that many people who had it no longer have it or are on a reduced level and may get off of it altogether... Good luck and know that the people here are supporting you... Jackie

I'm scared too Donna, but the alternative is much worse. My family needs me and if I continue I will only become a burden for those I love. I am waiting to get my appointments all out of the way so I can get a date. Good luck hun we're here for you!! Anna