approved and scared

Hey Everyone, I just found out i was approved by my insurance company and have set up my surgery date for June 22nd.  I am excited but so scared!  I think i am just anxious and nervous.  I am going to be 25 on May 30th and my BMI is 54.  I'm just worried. 

Relax.  Stressing yourself will not make it any better :)  You have a date, start preparing for the changes you're going to have. My Suggestions: Weigh yourself.  Do not obsess with the scale though.  Pick a time, preferably before you start your day.  I suggest you weigh no more then once every two - four weeks.  Keep track of this number.  Also, our weight fluctuates up and down through out the day do not get to worked up on this number.  Use it ONLY as a reference.  If you do not think you can control your scale stepping then use only the scale at your follow up appointments. Take your measurements.  Seriously, this has been my god send to keeping my sanity through this process.  Measure your head (around the forehead), your neck, your upper arm, your forearm, your wrist, your upper ab (I call it my Muffin Top :D), your waist, your hips, your thigh (at it's widest), your calf, your ankle, and yes your foot width.  Do this on both sides of your body because weight does not come of uniformly! Take pre-op pictures.  Pick a spot and keep that spot as your future pictorial documentation of your changes.  Take a photo left, right, front and back.  Yes, we hate camera's and we hate our pictures even more but believe me - you will appreciate them later!   Make small changes to your eatting habits.  This can be anything.  The diet is a hard fast switch and can be one of the most difficult things to do if you're addicted to foods.  Things such as, drinking less or not drinking at all with meals.  Serving yourself smaller portions in a single serving (if you're still hungry after that first plate, get up and have seconds this is just to adjust your mental image of your portion sizes and it will be easier later).  Eat slower.  Chew more.  Take vitamins.  Drink more water, less sugary drinks.  Use smaller plates, etc.  There are some small things that can be done to help you adjust. :) Make a will and living will.  Some people, myself included, feel better about things if we've prepared for the worst possible outcome.  Yes it's there, but it's not just associated with this surgery.  We very well could get hit by a bus 15 minutes from now!  Just knowing you've made your intentions clear should something happen may help ease some anxiety.

Thanks for your suggestions.  I am feeling ok about everything....just a little nervous and real excited.  this is going to be a wonderful journey. 

I cant wait until I am approved and scared!!!! Remember how aggrevating and stressful the testing and paperwork and waiting is???? That s where I am in this whole process and I know I am going to be VERY scared when/if I am approved.  Try to relax. Continue to do your research and think about how wonderful everyone says life will be after surgery.  Stay around those who will help you think positively.  Gosh- who am I to talk- I'm going to be a mess.  We'll make it through! I promise! Hey- Woodbury is not too far from me. Where are you having surgery? ~Jen

Hey Jen, I am having my surgery at Pennsylvania Hospital on Spruce street in Philly.  Where are you from/where are you having your surgery?  I originally looked into the lap band at Virtua West Jersey Hospital in Voorhees but my doctor and i decided the RNY Gastric Bypass would be a better choice for me.  Thanks for your comments and good luck with everything.  I am feeling better about everything, I am just a little nervous and anxious but super excited. Karen**

I had my RNY almost five years ago when I was like 22... I was Sooo excited and scared, But it was ALL worth it...Congratulations on your approval....It can be a bumpy ride, but eventually its smooth sailing....  Lisa

i went out of my mind before surgery, i was so scared!! but it was all for nothing, you are ready for this. it's all in you hun, and you will never look back. it's the beginning of the most amazing experience ever... i am so thankful for this surgery, and so excited for you!!!!