Question:
Dec,17th having RNY scared to death..........

well i thought i was compleatly ready for this i try to think of reaching my goal weight but why is it that i'm all of a sudden getting so absolutly nervious, sick to my stomach so to speak..... I going to do this no matter what but i just wish i knew more of what to expect durring the hospital stay can any one share there experiences with me.    — Ann F. (posted on December 5, 1999)

December 5, 1999
I am scheduled for Wed Dec 08, 99 at Deaconess. I am frightened also but I know with all the prayers and well wishers I have, I will be ok.It is a major decision and one that should not be made lightly. I have thought and re-thought this alot. I am still struggling and can't wait to just get it done with. What you are going through is normal. I know this may not help, but you are not alone in your fears. May God Bless you and support you in your journey towards health.
   — eileen B.

December 6, 1999
Dear Ann: My surgery is scheduled a week from tomorrow. I am having the Open RNY. It was an unbelievable thing when insurance actually approved me because I think I had my thoughts on rejection and therefore seemed to have no fear of the surgery. When insurance approved me, I panicked thinking that I had made a mistake and that I should try a health spa or something. Well, I know myself and know that with all the failed successes (as I call them - since I did lose weight, just gained it all back and a few more each time) I deep down know that this is the only way I can control my eating. I have been doing some soul searching, or trying to, and have come up with the following truths about this whole thing, these are: 1. Having my stomach and intestines rerouted doesn't scare me, the surgery does. (wierd, huh?) 2. The surgeon performing my surgery is a professional and does this surgery every day of the work week, it's me that's different for him. 3. Not too many doctors out there would allow you to "go under the knife" if they weren't confident that you would be okay. 4. The diet won't be easy, but it will be life changing, and that's what we want. 5. Question everything... don't let anyone do anything to you that you don't understand. 6. Make sure your loved ones are looking out for your best interest too and that they should also ask questions. In summary: I have gone from self denial of needing this surgery, to learning that I am considered morbidly obese, to thinking insurance won't approve me and being scared of that to getting approved and become petrified of the surgery. Since then, I am coming to more of a peace about it as it gets closer. The only way I have been able to do that is through the tremendous amount of support on this WLS web site. I have also talked it through with family members that "truly" love me "no questions asked". Am I still scared?? You bet ya... I am hoping that is normal!! Do I want to still go through with this? More than anything. Just want to also be back home, healthy and happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you Ann, hang in there! It wouldn't have gotten this far, if it wasn't supposed to happen! God Bless You!!
   — Mary B.