Question:
How can I overcome my fears regarding WLS?

Today I have an appointment with my PCP regarding wls. Although I continuously researching wls and I am almost 100% sure this is what I NEED to do and want to do, I am scared. The thought about dying keeps popping up in my mind. Any suggestion on how to overcome my fear?    — t P. (posted on April 23, 2002)

April 23, 2002
Look at the alternative... die in surgery or die from obesity... there's a MUCH higher risk of dying from the complications of obesity. I wanted to LIVE not just be alive.. my PCP gave me 5 years, 2 1/2 years ago, and if I only live those last 2 1/2 years I've lived them thanks to the surgery, rather than survived them due to obesity... Good luck in your journey!
   — Elizabeth D.

April 23, 2002
First-Find a damn good surgeon. Second-Find out all the info about this specific surgeon and what his patients think, stear clear of negative things people say about other sugeons and what they have done. Third-find strength..... Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (loose quote from Marianne Williamson). I went through 4 surgeons before I found the right one, when ou find him/her you will be as ready as you can be. <p><a href="http://content.communities.msn.com/WLSFriendsSupport">WLS Friends &amp; Support</a></p>
   — Min W.

April 23, 2002
Tanshel, Educate yourself to the fullest degree and keep God in on it :) Hugs to you! DC
   — DonnaCarol

April 23, 2002
I don't know how young you are or how many co-morbidities you have, but keep in mind that for young, healthy people, the chances of dying from this surgery are about the same as those for gallbladder removal or hysterectomy. In other words, so small not to worry about. Most people don't go into a hysterectomy or gallbladder removal thinking they're going to die. Good luck!
   — Kristie B.

April 23, 2002
hi. i am 22 yrs old and scheduled for surgery on MAY 31. I am more exited than anything, but very scared as well. I am always thinking, "did i really do enough?" "i'm too young to die" but overall, i look at my overweight family and see that i am doomed. ANd i really have tried everything, since i was 16. i am lucky to be young and still have my life ahead of me, i know many people who said their only regret was not getting it sooner. As to how to overcome it, talk to ur doctor, have him reassure you. And also, how many old OBESE people do you see? not many, cuz thye don;t live that long! best wishes to you with everything!
   — Lezlie Y.

April 23, 2002
Look, you've come far enough to know you are at the point where the diets don't work for you and you want to live a long healthy life. So, look how many people on this site alone have undergone this surgery and lived and are now happy or getting happy with their "NEW" lives. If dying is your only worry with surgery think about future life without it. Heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, food bills, being made fun of, and all the other fun aspects of being MORBIDLY OBESE...I am 1 and 1/2 months out down 60 lbs. and had also worried about dying in surgery...turned out my biggest worry when I woke up was that I couldn't pee and they were going to put a tube somewhere I didn't want a tube. Just think about the pros and cons...It's how I got to where I am now...GOOD LUCK!!!!
   — Glenn M.

April 23, 2002
Hi, I agree with everyone else's post, plus would like to include that your surgeon will put you through MANY tests to make sure you are a good candidate for surgery. That is what's helping me the most right now. (surgery in 10 hours) Best of Luck to you on your journey
   — Tammy B.

April 23, 2002
I'm pre=op also, waiting for my first consult with the surgeon next week and my biggest fear at this point is that I won't be approved by my insurance for the surgery. My sister keeps trying to get me to talk her into the surgery and I'll tell you the same thing I tell her - This surgery is a very serious step and should be your last resort, but only you can decide if your ready to take that step. Pay close attention to your fears and try to figure out exactly what is causing them. If your truly afraid of the surgical risks then maybe you aren't ready to take this step, but on the other hand if your just afraid to be thin and accept the consequences that entails then maybe you need to look in your heart and accept that you are a very worthy person and deserve happiness just as much as the rest of us. Obesity is a disease not a life choice. My main point is only you can decide if your ready for the surgery or not, don't let anyone else talk you out of it if you really want it and don't let anyone else talk you into it if you're truly afraid of it. Trust your own instincts, but make sure they are your instincts and not your fears.
   — Elva C.