Question:
This is not really a question, but a comment on WLS preop

My surgery is 11 days away. I quit smoking, and still struggling with that one, but I haven't cheated at all. I am blowing in balloons getting my lungs ready, etc.. But, I can't seem to get my mind in check. I have so many fears, & concerns. There is so much information on the internet about rny lap that I don't know what to believe??? Will I only live 15 more years? Will my teeth and hair fall out? Will I get a leak? (even months later) Will I die from a blood clot? All of these concerns are really bothering me. I believe in being informed, but the more informed that I have become the more fearful I have become. Is anyone else anxious about all the news out there?    — Patra R. (posted on May 20, 2003)

May 20, 2003
Consider the risks you take if you DON'T have the surgery. The probability of success and giving yourself the opportunity to lead a longer and healthier life far outweigh the risks of this surgery. Just remember that you are not the first one to have this surgery, and it is well-researched and has been performed thousands of times. I have my surgery in 2 weeks and this is what I've been telling myself. I've had 4 surgeries for various things in my lifetime and I'm still here. :) The best thing you can do mentally to prepare for any surgery is be positive!
   — ladyphy

May 20, 2003
Hi. My surgery is 13 days away and yes, I'm scared. I think that if we weren't scared, people would really be worried about us then. Now, as far as the whole "live for only 15 years after WLS" thing: no way unless you don't get the proper nutrition that your body needs. Same goes for the teeth thing: take calcium supplements, floss, go for regular dental visits and talk to your dentist! He will definitely need to know that you've had WLS and he will treat and make recommendations accordingly. Same goes for the supplements -- talk to your surgeon and ask him what kind and how much of each different supplement you will need. Also watch your lab work, keep copies for your records, and go over them with your regular doctor. Will you get a leak? No idea. I think that's a crap-shoot. Will you die from a blood clot? Honestly, that's my biggest fear and I have no reason to suspect I'll even get one. I have no history of it and no family history of them. Just know what the signs are and at the first sign of something suspicious -- CALL THE SURGEON or get to the ER. Like the previous poster, you do have to decide whether you would rather live morbidly obese with all of the co-morbidities that can come along with it in the next 15 years if you stay that way. As for me, I surely don't. If you want to talk with me on e-mail, please do. My e-mail is [email protected] You have to wade through all the information that's on these websites and make your own decision in the end. God bless and take care. Cheryl
   — Cheryl M.

May 20, 2003
Please read my profile. I think that I addressed most of your concerns there. I also have a lot of links to do further research. I felt the same way as you did last year around this time. Now I KNOW that this was the best thing I ever did in my life.
   — Linda A.

May 20, 2003
My surgery is tomorrow, and I know how you feel. Before when I used to watch all these informative shows about WLS, and the risks and benefits of it all, I used to enjoy it. Now it scares me. It's like now all i'm thinking about is the "what if's"... I really don't know what to do about it, but having people on here support me, and pray for me, makes me feel like I should just forget it all and go in there with my head up. I stopped smoking, went on a diet, started exercising, and changed insurances. When I think about all I've done to get here, there's no way i'm not going to survive this. This isn't actually an answer to everything, but I hope it helps.
   — Laydie K.

May 20, 2003
Hi Patra, I am 6 days post op and feeling pretty darn good if I can sit here and type. The only concern I had, and still have, is the blood clots. Just keep moving afterwards and you won't have a problem!! Teeth won't fall out. You will have minimal hair loss if you follow directions to a T by your surgeon and take those vitamins everyday. I am not sure where you are getting the 15 years after WLS. You're doing this because you want to prolong your life. If you have a smooth surgery, you shouldn't have any leaks. Please don't afraid of this. It is the best thing you can do for yourself. PS-Brush your teeth after your protein drinks as it may diminish your enamel. Good Luck with everything and keep your chin up.
   — Mimi S.

May 20, 2003
My grandfather died from a blood clot - he was 49 years old and had never had any kind of surgery. My cousin was 18 when he developed a blood clot in his arm that very nearly killed him - he also had never had any kind of surgery. What did they have in common? They were both obese. When someone is obese they tend to be more lethargic than their thinner counter-parts. Lethargy can lead to blood clots. People can die from sitting too long in a chair without moving. I don't know how long I'll live - 10 years, 2 years or 40 more. I do know that I plan to enjoy what time I am blessed with - and it's so much easier to do with 150 less pounds on my body. Oh and my teeth were going to pot long before surgery...maybe you have great teeth, but I didn't and some day dentures are in my future anyway. As for the leak? Well ya know, sometimes you just have to take a leap of faith. I wish you the absolute best of luck and will keep you in my thoughts!
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 21, 2003
A few weeks before my lap RNY, I started reading the Memorial Page and other stuff quite a bit. I finally realized that I had made an informed decision, that I wasn't going to change my mind, but that I WAS making the last few weeks much harder on myself. So, I made a decision to distract myself and not read that stuff anymore. It REALLY helped me get through the last few pre-op weeks.
   — Kathy J.