Question:
How do you get through the WAITING??????

   — Nancy D. (posted on September 15, 2000)

September 15, 2000
I got through the waiting for my surgery date by starting a journal. It really helped me cope with my feelings just before and even after the surgery. I'm now 19 months post-op and 150 lbs. lighter. I don't keep up with my journal like I used to, but I still read it from time to time and marvel at the progress I've made and how far I've come...
   — Mavis C.

September 15, 2000
I know how you feel. I have about 31/2 weeks to go and me and my mother are both anxious and nervous. I don't think I am as bad as my mother! She is going crazy! Well, good luck. Allison and Kelly Shaw
   — Allison S.

September 15, 2000
Waiting....I remember it well. I found that this site was so good for me. I made a point to send well wishes to everyone on the surgery date page and many others who made me feel so much better by just reading their messages. Clean your house and do the many things you will not feel like doing for a few weeks. I will be thinking of you as you date approaches it is the most wonderful feeling to be on the other side and on the way to a life I once could only dream about.
   — Rebecca D.

September 15, 2000
I can sympathize. Try to keep yourself as busy as possible. Now is the time to tackle those closets that have needed to be reorganized for the last year. Clean your house - you won't be in any mood to do it post op. make lists of what preparations you need to do, or waht groceries you should have in the house during your recovery. (If you want a copy of my WLS tips, let me know, and I'll e-mail them to you.) Start exercising NOW. Channel that anxious energy into planning your recovery and new life ahead. Make a list of health and social goals you would like to accomplish. Hang in there. The end is near. Today I had a 4 month weigh-in at my surgeon's office, and I am down 76 pounds:) Trust me, the waiting is worth it!!
   — Paula G.

September 15, 2000
You talk to your friends here, some of us are waiting with you and we love company. Dani
   — Danielle F.

September 15, 2000
Hi - I know how hard this waiting is. I am waiting for approval, and before this I was waiting for my initial consult, and after my approval, I'll be waiting for surgery (do you see a pattern here??) LOL Anyhow, if we change just one word - lets change from `waiting` to `PLANNING` this time we have takes on an entirely different outlook. I have made up a folder of all my questions, answers, where to get certain supplies should I need them, my notes I take when talking to the insu, the notes I take when talking to the Dr., Ava's Papers, internet stuff I have found - Just all kinds of stuff that I feel will help me be prepared. This makes me feel as though I am at least preparing and planning for the next goal. So, that is how I'm coping with this waiting - I mean planning LOL All my love - Patti
   — Patti S.

April 24, 2001
I am having the same problem with the waiting. First I have to wait for the doctor's appointment which will finally be here after a month and a half of waiting. Then, I am not sure but I probably will have to go through a period of waiting with Medicaid/medicare. It is so hard to be patient. I don't think I wanted anything, in my life as much as I wanted this.. Not only that, I am tired of the joint pain.
   — Lois M.