Any advice?

I began the liquid pre-op diet on December 1 and I have one more week to go. My surgery is scheduled for December 22. I am so nervous and excited.

Has anyone ever had trouble explaining your surgery to your families?

I have a big family, and everyone usually stays at my parent’s house for Christmas- my parents have to tell them they can’t have company this year because of my surgery (they will be taking care of me and my daughter).  I didn’t expect to feel weird about telling them- but I feel really awkward about it.

I have cheated on my liquid diet about four times. I am having a difficult time because I quit smoking and eating in the same week.

I am really nervous and I know I will be really freaked out on the day of the operation- I just hope I can keep it together.

Any advice?

My advice to you is trust in your heart forget what everyone else's opinions are about the surgery. If you feel that this is the best choice for you to live a healthier happier life then GO FOR IT! There are a lot of really rude hurtfull people (family included) that do not feel that it is necessary for people to get WLS. For some it is necessary and the right choice and if you are one of those people that forget the others. Its like your mother always said (or at least mine did) "if you don't have nothing nice to say then don't say anything" Ignore the others. I know you love your family but your health needs to come first and if you don't want to tell them then don't... but it will probably get back to them eventually so honesty is usually the best policy. Also there is nothing shameful about having WLS to help your life and to help your daughters so that you can be there for her. Good luck and Happy holidays

I see what you mean about it eventually getting back to them, your so right- honesty is the best policy.

I appreciate your insight, it means a lot.

 So, I should begin by admitting that so far I have had a pretty easy time of just about everything in this process.  
But I was TERRIFIED of telling people about my intentions of having surgery.  I had put the process off because it seemed like an awfully dramatic thing to do, so I assumed people would react the same way.  With only one or two notable exceptions, people have been great and encouraging.  

When it comes to those exceptions, one of the most striking things is how little they really seem to know about the surgery.  It almost makes me laugh now that I'm done listening to the nonsense and am on the other side of the whole thing.  

I also often find it helpful to tell people about the health-related reasons I had for having surgery, especially because I'm light enough I often get the 'you're not heavy enough' thing...perhaps that would help?

As for the liquid diet, I know it sucks, but stick with it!  Even though you will probably be incredibly sick of liquid things after surgery too, it becomes a totally head thing not a stomach thing which is much easier to deal with.  I also find it helps to avoid food commercials at all costs!

I'm not quite 2 weeks out yet, but so far I haven't regretted it yet!  Best of Luck!
-Gillian

Yes- I have the same fears, thinking that people just see this as an easy way out or too drastic. Honestly I had someone tell me "well, make funeral arrangements"!

I agree with you about people having no knowledge about the procedure, they are always the first to criticize it seems.

I've tried to explain it to people (the health related things) but I don't think anyone believes that I am doing this for the right reason (as if they have a right to tell me my intentions) it is just hard to tune out the negativity sometimes!

Thanks so much- and I will try to avoid commercials (though it is almost impossible in this culture).

You don't have to tell people what kinda surgery ur having if u don`t feel confortable sharing. I love telling people i had surgery when they ask me is a oportunity to educate people about WLS.  well guess cuz im a very talkative person n i enjoy being around people.
about the liquid diet just hang in there is gonna be over in no time.  n u won't feel like eating for a while after ur surgery. and is sooo gonna worth it. soo keep it up and hang in there
hugs"""!!

I'm glad that someone who has gone through this is out there advocating for WLS- that is really inspiring, you go girl!

Thanks for the positivity!