read!!!!!!!!!!!!! :(

ok as a few of you know I am scheduled for surgery on March 15th! I am so terrified. I'm having 2nd thoughts. Yes I was excited at first, But it really HIT ME! Some of my friends say well maybe your not ready. I dunno! This is all I think about...SIGH Im just so scared of it all! IS this normal to be this scared? I cry a lot!I know a ton of people who had a lot of complications. And so forth. I'm scared that I will be worse coming out of it all then going in. Any inspiration or prayers will help! Just needed to get that out... thank you Kim

Kim, It is normal to have these feelings, you have to want the surgery for yourself. Don't listen to what others have to say, I was told by numerous people don't have it & I did. My outcome has been wonderful, it is 4 weeks today. Just think of all the benefits and happiness you'll have. Take Care. Carly

Totally normal. I was such a basket case when I first thought I was having it (scared of death/complications). I then waited almost 2 years before actually having my WLS (insurance and surgeon diffuculties)... so by the time I was scheduled my nerves calmed down a lot! That said, I suggest speaking with a case manager/surgeon/someone through the hospital about your nerves. In a PreOp meeting, a nutritionist basically spoke about how terrible our bodies had it with all the weight on and it really put it into perspective for me. I had hardly any comoborities, so I thought everything with my body (other then my obesity) was fine. I was so wrong. There ill effects that you can not see or feel when you are overweight that are indeed DEADLY. The risk of the surgery was far less then the risks of staying overweight. I hope you find peace with this before your surgery. Best of luck! -Mary

I see you're planning on th RNY, from everything I've heard and read this is by far the best surgery with the least nasty side effects. How does your surgeon compare to nation-wide averages? If your surgeon is at least as good or better than average you're in good shape! (If worse than average, look for another). I think being nervous about surgery is completely natural. Everyone goes through that at some point. We go through being nervous for any major decision, even marriage--just look at the cold feet phenomenon. Ultimately it is you who has full control of your life and your life's decisions. Your family and friends can't make those decisions for you, we here on the board can't either. We can tell you that we think this is the right decision for you, but ultimately you have to know that for yourself. Follow whatever ritual/prayer is appropriate to your spiritual beliefs. Or just light some candles, soak in the tub, tune out the world, breathe deeply a few times and talk to yourself about how things will work out for the best, that God (or whatever you believe in) is watching out for you. Repeat until you feel at peace with whatever your decision is. Then if your decision is to go ahead with the surgery, get to a support group meeting!

Kim, It's totally normal to be scared. When they wheeled me into the surgery room I started shivering uncontrolably. Partly because they kept the room so cold (to kill any bacteria) and partly because I was really nervous. The best thing I did before surgery was attend a support group to get an exact preview of the whole surgery process, what would happen when, and what I'd probably be feeling like. With so many people chiming in giving tips and hints, much of my anxiety was dispelled. Best of luck, Kari

It's very normal to have these fears. I also cried alot and was very emotional before surgery. I had lots of fears, but none where founded. I came through with flying colors and have been doing great. So yes it is normal to be scared. Tina

Totally normal... I thought I was going to run out of the hospital the day of..... Just stay positive... It is all worth it in the end.

Were the people who had complications in their 20s? I know that my mom had complications with her surgery, but she had a lot of medical problems and was in her 50s when she had surgery. On the other hand, I am 27 and healthy. I had my surgery just over 2 weeks ago, and I have no pain from my surgery area, and if it wasn't for my lack of appetite or hunger I wouldn't know I had surgery. Try and just be excited for your new life. Focus on the good parts. I've lost 24 pounds in 17 days. I had to leave my 17 month old daughter when I went into surgery. I knew there were risks, but I knew overall the surgery would help me to live longer and be there for her longer. Feel free to email me. I'll be praying for you.

just reading the memorial page on here and a woman who was 27 and 33. Its scary. The 33 year old died 1 year later, from a complication.

Kim... dont talk yourself out of it.. you made it this far.. the biggest decision is making the decision to have surgery...