Question:
I was approved by insurance company but am scared to death

I am afraid that I will chicken out right before the surgery. I want this so bad and I know that I need this. I am just soooo scared! However, I feel like if a doctor had told me that I HAD to have the surgery as opposed to being my choice then I wouldn't be so scared. I have had my gallbladder out and had a c-section in 2005. I'm no stranger to surgery. I'm just scared!! My surgery date isn't until January.    — Sillyguts (posted on October 18, 2007)

October 18, 2007
It is normal to be scared. This is a major change in your life. You just have to think about the good that will come out of it. When I received my approval I only had to wait 3 weeks before my surgery but I didn't get scared until the Friday before my Monday surgery. My husband did a great job of keeping me ocupied and busy the whole week-end before so I didn't freak out about it. Just keep in mind what the results will be and you will do fine. I am more then willing to talk if you need to. Happy Weight Loss!
   — Lost4Ever

October 18, 2007
Angie.....I canceled my first surgery date and I was sooo depressed.....felt like life was passing me by. I have worked so hard and so long to get to this point that nothing is going to stop me now! I am going in on Monday and I am so prepared and ready for this! Just remember of the out come, keep looking at the before and after pics on this site, and remember if you don't do this then you should have another game plan worked out, so what will that be? This is it! If you need anything just send me a pm......good luck, and I'm sure you'll be fine, you have a lot of time to work your nervousness out.
   — Pam S.

October 18, 2007
Sweetie, don't be scared. I checked your profile out and your weight is almost the same as mine when I had my surgery on 8/3/07. I was 263 and as of today, for the first time in longer than I can remember, I weight less than 200. As others have said it's normal to be scared, but the benefits are fantabulous. I can't eat everything I used to, but I don't regret this decision for a second. What also helped me was to cut out pictures of what I wanted to look like and tape them to the mirror. This gave me courage and kept me motivated. Good luck and let us know how you're doing as the surgery gets nearer.
   — memom

October 18, 2007
Don't be afraid of the surgery - it is only uncomfortable for a day or so - and truly if I can handle anyone can. The thing you need to be sure is if you are ready for the roller coaster ride afterwards. Its not an easy thing and it has taken me several months to grow accustom to it. You can't eat the way we were use to eating at all, it forces you to eat good things or else your miserable. And that is why the surgery works! So hang in there, you'll be fine and just think in a year you'll be skinny! I've gone from a size 22 to 12 in 6 months! I'm very happy. Take care and dont' think twice.
   — Suzanne B.

October 18, 2007
Sngie, it is quite normal to be scared. I have not had my surgery yet either, but because of my health issues, I know that it will be the best thing in the world for me. I am working out at the gymn, and trying to do things that I will have to do after surgery to get prepared. After my insurance changing and me moving, I am finally seaking it again. Let's travel this journey together. Take care, and if u may need words of encouragement do not hesitate to write. wish u luck, Deb
   — drtorre

October 18, 2007
Everyone is scared, don't beat yourself up for it. Do know that this will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. I am 4+ post-op. For the first time in my life people call me skinny. I am 114 pounds, size 4 (from size 24, 268 pounds). I love my life and love the new me. I would do it twenty times over in a heartbeat. You have no idea how wonderful this is. BTW, after a few years, you can EAT EVERYTHIHG ONCE AGAIN, which is a bit of a bummer coz you have to work hard at staying thin once again, but if you were worried that you would never eat bread again, I can guarantee that that is not the case. Go for it, you will be a happy camper. Missy H.
   — Missy H.

October 18, 2007
Everyone is scared, don't beat yourself up for it. Do know that this will be the best thing you have ever done for yourself. I am 4+ post-op. For the first time in my life people call me skinny. I am 114 pounds, size 4 (from size 24, 268 pounds). I love my life and love the new me. I would do it twenty times over in a heartbeat. You have no idea how wonderful this is. BTW, after a few years, you can EAT EVERYTHIHG ONCE AGAIN, which is a bit of a bummer coz you have to work hard at staying thin once again, but if you were worried that you would never eat bread again, I can guarantee that that is not the case. Go for it, you will be a happy camper. Missy H.
   — Missy H.

October 19, 2007
Angie Its normal to be scared and your post hit home. Ive toyed with the idea for years but have been scared. Im afraid of all the negatives and didnt think about the positives. My cardiologist suggested have wls. When I told him that I was afraid of long term effects that it might have on me, his reply was " I would be more afraid of being obese and its effects on you" That hit home to me and said alot. This isnt the bariatric surgeon that is doing this to make a profit. This was a cardiologist. Its making me rethink things alot.
   — Gilliegrl