Bariatric Buddy
Hello everyone..new to site and ready for surgery
Hello everyone..I'm currently in the process of getting all the meetings and appoitment done do get a surgery date.I had a date last year but I cancelled it due to getting scared and so afraid of failing at the surgery.I'm ready to get it done but can 't get past the fear...I'm currently at my highest weight of 320.0I get some support from my family but none that had the surgery done.I currently got our local hospital to start a support group but not a lot of people in it that had surgery...I could use all the help I can get to get over the fear of failing and surgery.
~~Carla~~ 
Welcome to the group, Carla; I'm glad you found us! I have found a lot of support here in this group and I'm sure you will too.
We all have to face our fears when it comes to the surgery. For me it came down deciding how I would die; either by the diseases my weight was causing or take that minor risk of surgery. I had the surgery and have never regretted one minute of it. It isn't always an easy road and there are rules to follow to be successful (which I don't always do) but we just keep striving for the best possible results. The surgery, as I am sure you know, is only a tool. They operate on our stomachs, not our brains and we still have to deal with the psychological aspect of our overeating. I am involved with some online OA groups and have also made arrangements for some one-on-one counseling to keep me on track.
Good luck and keep posting!
Colleen
We all have to face our fears when it comes to the surgery. For me it came down deciding how I would die; either by the diseases my weight was causing or take that minor risk of surgery. I had the surgery and have never regretted one minute of it. It isn't always an easy road and there are rules to follow to be successful (which I don't always do) but we just keep striving for the best possible results. The surgery, as I am sure you know, is only a tool. They operate on our stomachs, not our brains and we still have to deal with the psychological aspect of our overeating. I am involved with some online OA groups and have also made arrangements for some one-on-one counseling to keep me on track.
Good luck and keep posting!
Colleen
Colleen
Surgery 9-30-09
SW 281.4
CW 118.8
GW 145
Surgery 9-30-09
SW 281.4
CW 118.8
GW 145
Welcome to the group. I had my RNY Sept 2009, never regretting it a day. I am still working my tool to the best of my ability. I co-lead a local support group here in MN and help Patrece with this page here on OH. Our local meeting attendance waxes and wanes. I come each month prepared to offer support and listen to the needs of others. The other leader and I alternate topics each month. I find that leader information sheets I have access to here at OH help for resources for the meetings.
Like Colleen said, this is a tool, not magic. We still need to do the work on our heads and habits. Please come here to OH often with comments, concerns, questions. We are here to help all who participate.
As you approach surgery, know that you have done the homework, write a list of benefits and risks of having the surgery. Look at this list from time to time, especially when you need more resolve to follow the program. Each MD has a plan, set out individually for you, that will give you the best possible chance of improving your health.
I was able to get off my insulin for my type 2 diabetes. Feels great to be free of the shots that I was taking several times a day. Now I still have diabetes, but maintain my blood sugar levels with pills and exercise. My knees are so happy that there is less of me to cart about. Stairs are easier to walk than before surgery.
I look forward to getting to know you better and becoming a part of your support system. Hugs
Like Colleen said, this is a tool, not magic. We still need to do the work on our heads and habits. Please come here to OH often with comments, concerns, questions. We are here to help all who participate.
As you approach surgery, know that you have done the homework, write a list of benefits and risks of having the surgery. Look at this list from time to time, especially when you need more resolve to follow the program. Each MD has a plan, set out individually for you, that will give you the best possible chance of improving your health.
I was able to get off my insulin for my type 2 diabetes. Feels great to be free of the shots that I was taking several times a day. Now I still have diabetes, but maintain my blood sugar levels with pills and exercise. My knees are so happy that there is less of me to cart about. Stairs are easier to walk than before surgery.
I look forward to getting to know you better and becoming a part of your support system. Hugs
OH Support Group Leader
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
Come visit us at the bariatric buddy group http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy/welcome
I am Pre-Op as well, I am scared of what will happen if I have the surgery but I am PETRIFIED of what will happen if I DONT have the surgery. I know that (for me) the benefits outweigh risks. I know that I have a better chance for being a better Mom to my kids (not that I am not a good Mom already). Just have to take it one step at a time. WE are here for you and will support you anyway we can. I know this Group has done ALOT for me! Wishing you luck!
What's worth the PRIZE is ALWAYS worth the FIGHT!
Hello Carla, and welcome to our group! I a glad you stmbled across us.
I think most everyone has some fear going into this. Fear of one thing or another. Some, of failing at it, some, of the surgery itsself.
The risk during surgery is no more than for any other surgery. The mortality rate is 1%...NOT BAD! The post op risks are the same as with any other surgery as well.
Then there are procedure specific risks, which any procedure has a list of thier own too. Most people do not have much trouble, but now and then someone will. Just research well and be fully informed an what to do to ensure the best outcome, and know what to watch for.
For me, I told my family that I would rather die on the OR table than continue the slow death I was experiencing due to the obesity. The risk of death was much higher for me with the obesity than the surgery. I studied everything I could get my eyes on for a good 6 months prior to surgery, had a surgeon I trusted well, and went in feeling very confident all would be well.. and it was!
As far as fear of failing, use this fear as a tool to keep you from doing so. Be sure you are comitted to doing your best each and every day. You will never do all perfectly, none of us can as we are all human, but always do your best. Like my signature says.. Just do the next RIGHT thing. Do yourself a big favor too... convince yourself that npo matter what, you will always dump... stay away from sugars and simply carbs, and you will avoid that battle, which many face again down the road, when they start getting too daring with foods.
I am about 2 1/2 years out. At a normal BMI and feel better than I have since my teens! I am a Grandma, and can RUN and play endlessly with my grandkids. It is awesome. AND I can comfortably reach to wipe my own butt! HAHA... Funny.. kinda.. but I remember how hard that simple act was before my wls.. I thought, If I get any bigger, how will I ever wipe myself..lol. I have gone from a tight 24 to a comfy 8 in pants, and from a 3 X shirt to a medium. Would I do this again? HECK YES!
My daughter had some challenges after her wls, and even given that, she too would do it all again, even if she knew she'd have the same problems. She has to have her galbladder out, had to be treated for strictures twice, and had to have surgery due to her bowel shifting postiion from the very rapid weight loss she had early on and causing an obstruction. BUT she'd do it again, she'll tell anyone this. Her wls allowed her to become a mommy, which she was told she would NEVER be able to do unless she adopted. She lost almost 200 lbs and looks and feels so much better.
Best of luck to you. Calm those nerves and just educate yourself as much as you can. Remember when you hear the "scarey stories" that is the extreme minority it happens with and is often exaggerated. Many who love to share these scarey stories are just people who love to share negative things. But you need to talk to the people who can tell you thier personal stories.. good and bad, and don't listen to anyone who hasn't been there themselves.
Ask any and all questions you may have, but I also encourage you to go back and read older messages here, as there is a wealth of info contained in these posts, and also our group blog which the link for is located to the right of this screen. Then joon us on Monday evenings for our weekly chat room get together.
Let us know how we can support and assist you through this time.. Again welcome to our group!
I think most everyone has some fear going into this. Fear of one thing or another. Some, of failing at it, some, of the surgery itsself.
The risk during surgery is no more than for any other surgery. The mortality rate is 1%...NOT BAD! The post op risks are the same as with any other surgery as well.
Then there are procedure specific risks, which any procedure has a list of thier own too. Most people do not have much trouble, but now and then someone will. Just research well and be fully informed an what to do to ensure the best outcome, and know what to watch for.
For me, I told my family that I would rather die on the OR table than continue the slow death I was experiencing due to the obesity. The risk of death was much higher for me with the obesity than the surgery. I studied everything I could get my eyes on for a good 6 months prior to surgery, had a surgeon I trusted well, and went in feeling very confident all would be well.. and it was!
As far as fear of failing, use this fear as a tool to keep you from doing so. Be sure you are comitted to doing your best each and every day. You will never do all perfectly, none of us can as we are all human, but always do your best. Like my signature says.. Just do the next RIGHT thing. Do yourself a big favor too... convince yourself that npo matter what, you will always dump... stay away from sugars and simply carbs, and you will avoid that battle, which many face again down the road, when they start getting too daring with foods.
I am about 2 1/2 years out. At a normal BMI and feel better than I have since my teens! I am a Grandma, and can RUN and play endlessly with my grandkids. It is awesome. AND I can comfortably reach to wipe my own butt! HAHA... Funny.. kinda.. but I remember how hard that simple act was before my wls.. I thought, If I get any bigger, how will I ever wipe myself..lol. I have gone from a tight 24 to a comfy 8 in pants, and from a 3 X shirt to a medium. Would I do this again? HECK YES!
My daughter had some challenges after her wls, and even given that, she too would do it all again, even if she knew she'd have the same problems. She has to have her galbladder out, had to be treated for strictures twice, and had to have surgery due to her bowel shifting postiion from the very rapid weight loss she had early on and causing an obstruction. BUT she'd do it again, she'll tell anyone this. Her wls allowed her to become a mommy, which she was told she would NEVER be able to do unless she adopted. She lost almost 200 lbs and looks and feels so much better.
Best of luck to you. Calm those nerves and just educate yourself as much as you can. Remember when you hear the "scarey stories" that is the extreme minority it happens with and is often exaggerated. Many who love to share these scarey stories are just people who love to share negative things. But you need to talk to the people who can tell you thier personal stories.. good and bad, and don't listen to anyone who hasn't been there themselves.
Ask any and all questions you may have, but I also encourage you to go back and read older messages here, as there is a wealth of info contained in these posts, and also our group blog which the link for is located to the right of this screen. Then joon us on Monday evenings for our weekly chat room get together.
Let us know how we can support and assist you through this time.. Again welcome to our group!
Patrece
JUST DO THE NEXT RIGHT THING!
Obesity Help Support Group Leader & Coach
http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/bariatricbuddy
Lost 114 lbs. working on getting rid of a recent 10 lb regain...and WILL succeed!
Hi, I'm also pre-op. Yes, sometimes there can be fear. But we are amazing people who can overcome these fears. This group has helped me so much already. I check in daily to see what people have to say. Love Monday chat times. Just learning my way around. We all need support and I will be glad for us to help support each other as we travel this new road together. Mag
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Patrece S.
Group Leader
Kathy B.
Co- Leader