Question:
I am going in for my Lap RNY in exactly one week on the 17th.

I was anxious and excited up till yesterday and now I am terrified of the upcoming surgery. I am usually an upbeat and cool, calm person. I keep wondering about the "what if's". I know this is probably normal, but I keep wondering whether or not I am going to live to see Christmas. No one understands what I am going through, my boyfriend is supportive but just replies "cancel it then". Anyone have any words of wisdom that will help me get past this morbid thoughts?    — Ruby S. (posted on September 11, 2002)

September 10, 2002
I went through the same thing you are. I think it is normal to have these feelings because even though the WLS IS to improve our health and quality of life we don't realize it pre op...post op is a completely different story. I am 2 weeks post op and feeling better than I have in years!!!!!! I am one of the people who cried while in the surgery holding area....I felt like a baby but the nurse told me she sees that all the time with WLS patients. I will be praying for you. You will be sooooo glad you went through with it !!!!! Sherry
   — Sherry S.

September 10, 2002
I went through the same thing you are. I think it is normal to have these feelings because even though the WLS IS to improve our health and quality of life we don't realize it pre op...post op is a completely different story. I am 2 weeks post op and feeling better than I have in years!!!!!! I am one of the people who cried while in the surgery holding area....I felt like a baby but the nurse told me she sees that all the time with WLS patients. I will be praying for you. You will be sooooo glad you went through with it !!!!! Sherry
   — Sherry S.

September 10, 2002
Read my profile, I was so scared. Surgery went fine. At just ver a year out my onkly regret was not haVING IT SOONER. Take a post op to dinner and attend support grouop meetings. Seeing other successes helps so much.
   — bob-haller

September 10, 2002
Hi Ruby, You are experiencing your human side of mortality. We know we don't live forever and Lord knows, we don't want to do anything to rush it. It is so very normal to have doubts prior to surgery or anything that is life changing and permanent. The first step is always the hardest. Continue praying and/or mediating. Ask for guidance and courage. Ask for solace, patience, and serenity. You need to focus on the fact that you are not the first to get this type of surgery done and you will certainly not be the last. Think about how many thousands are a success story today. They all had their doubts at one time or another. But they got through it and you will get through. If you need ever to reach out of touch someone then email me and I will stay in touch with you until you no longer need me. I myself have a surgery date of Oct 29 and when I really put too much thought to it, it's like I start thinking the worse. But I must tell you that I also think about what would definitely happen if I don't do the surgery and I know I would just allow myself to die before my time here on earth is done. Either way it's a risk but I choose to take because I will go down fighting for me, for me, for me. I am the most important person in the world to meand if I don't defend myself against this monster called OBESITY - then who will do it for me? The answer (as you already know) is no one. Go grab the world by the b*lls and run as fast as you can towards a longer happier healthier and thinner life. YOU SHALL OVERCOME......I BELIEVE IN YOU Sincerely and always here, Linda M. Bohm
   — lmb51255

September 11, 2002
Ruby, I was the same as you, check out my profile too. I cryed every night to my husband with "what ifs" and "make sure you do this after I am gone" . Email me if you need to chat and I will give you my # if you want.
   — heathercross

September 11, 2002
Hey Ruby, my surgery is the same day in Houston. I know how you feel. I was totally excited when I got my date, but as the days have gone by I catch myself thinking negative thoughts about not waking up afterward. I have told myself that it is just pre-op jitters amd it is probably normal and now I know it is because you are having them also. Even though I have those thoughts about my mortality I haven't changed my mind and you won't either. Hang in there and let me know how it turns out for you. Good Luck!!!!
   — Randy P.

September 11, 2002
RUBY I JUST HAD MY SURGURY ON THE 4TH OF SEPT AND I WAS SCARED TO DEATH BUT MY HUSBAND AND ALL MY SUPPORT WAS BEHIND ME, EVERYBODY HAS WHAT IFS ABOUT LIFE AND EVERYTHING THAT COME WITH IT, JUST THINK POSITIVE AND EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT AND YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FRIENDS HERE. GOOD LUCK AND WELCOME TO THE OTHER SIDE. MICHELLE
   — michelle M.