How did you guys conquer your fears and just do the GB?

Hi guys,
I am strongly considering the GB surgery but I am so scared to come out sick and be regretful for the rest of my life.  I do have 80-100lbs to lose but other than that I have no other health issues.  How did u guys conquer your fears when there are so many bad situations out there?

Thanks guys for your opinions.
Michelle

Basically I looked at all my relatives health and serious medical conditions. My father passed away morbidly obese having a heart attack due to diabetes and was due for leg amputation. My sister weighs over 500lbs. is diabetic and is losing her eye sight and has serious back issues along with a very poor attitude and high blood pressure. My uncle passed away topping 700lbs having both legs amputated due to diabetes/high blood pressure and heart attack. I have the triple whammy threat in my family... diabetes... morbid obesity... high blood pressure.

You see, this was MY future! Diets didn't work for me. Sure I'd lose a ton of weight but it would go back up plus 20lbs. I just swallowed the mighty horse pill and realized I couldn't do it on my own any more. It took me three years to decide. I found a fabulous doctor and did it. My life has been changed forever. I have no diabetes, high blood pressure and have never been so healthy. I have no regrets. Do your research on your doctor, it'll ease your mind if you decide to have surgery.

Hey Michelle,

Thank you for posting this thread. I myself am considering the RNY surgery and scared as hell about it, so I know everyone's input will be greatly appreciated, not only by Michelle, by myself as well!

Tootles,

Shel

Hey Shel,
Isn't this forum helpful.  There are so many awesome people out here willing to help.  They know where were out and I am just wishing I was already in their shoes.  How far along are you in your steps toward your decision?  I just have to get my regular dr. to clear it next week and then I can submit to ins.  I'd love to chat and bounce things off of another newbie.

Michelle

I'm at the very beginning of my deciding stages. I was just referred a little over a month ago and I have my orientation on the 4th... so we'll see how that goes. I'm excited about it.

Even though I'm in the early stages of this, this is my second time around for the bariatric program. I gave it up last year due to scheduling differences with my job. Now I just don't care if they like me taking the time off for an appointment. It's a doctors appointment so they can just jump off the deep end of an empty pool. Whoa... where'd that come from... Ok road rage at work! LOL

I look forward with sharing chats and ideas with you through out this process!!!

Hi Michelle,
For me, there was never any fear. I jumped in with both feet. I had already been on the Cali board for over a year and my PCP had me doing research on the surgery. I knew what could happen, but also knew that the surgery could save my life in the long run. My dad passed away at the age of 57 due to a massive heart attack because of diabetes and high blood pressure. My dad's family are all obese. His oldest brother is diabetic, has high blood pressure and has had one leg amputated already. I didn't want that to be my future. I have Kaiser and they have 24 week classes that I had to go to in order to have my surgery. I had surgery at the end of April and I have absolutely NO regrets. Good luck on your weightloss journey.

Hi Michelle,

I pondered having the surgery for over five years.  Last  November I had to got a call from my Dr. office wanting me to come in to go over my blood work..  He sat down and looked at me and told me I would be dead if i stayed on the path i was on ... Yeah a little bold but it kind of hit home.  My fasting blood sugar was 375,  chlos. was over 350.  He did say he was shocked that at 368 lbs and 38 yrs old i did not have a heart attack yet....
It took me about 2 weeks to think of what to do, after going on different types of meds.. 
Today is my 4 month post op and I am down a total of 152 lbs. that is the diet befor and after surgery.  I have lost a total of 122 from surgery as of today.

This was the best thing I have done for myself.. Matter of fact I dont ever remember weighing in at 216lbs...

If i can be at any help let me know..

Scott

Hello Kathy, am so glad to hear that you are very happy with your decision, at the present time am attending the Options Program with Kaiser, I was just wondering at what time and point did you go for your tests, how long was your pre op diet,  and how long after you finished the classes did you acturally had the surgery done? or of course before I forget where did you have the surgery done?    I am so curious about all this things. I keep reading everyone's posts, I think you are guys are awesome for sharing your knowlege with people like me.

I am scare of the surgery but am extremelly excited, so many diets so many failures.  I am so ready to change my life I can't wait to get it done.  Hopefully everything will go well with my surgery and I can start having a more fruitful life.

Thanks,
Maria

Hi Maria,

My lab work was done at about the 20 week mark. Same with the gallbladder ultrasound and EKG. Since I'd had a hiatal hernia repair when I was 18 years old, I also underwent an Upper G.I. to rule out any problems. I didn't do a pre-op diet. I was just told to lose some weight and if my weight was higher than my consult weight, I couldn't have the surgery. I finished my Option classes in January and had surgery the end of April, with only 8 days notice...lol

I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have lost 78 pounds in almost 6 months, and that's with being in a wheelchair with a broken ankle for 13.5 weeks. I wish I had done this 5, even 10 years ago! Good luck on your weightloss journey.

~Katt~

Hi Katt,

Thanks for writing back, wow no pre  op diet that is great, did you get it done in San Diego?  I met someone who told me that she did not have to do a pre op diet either and did not have to loose weight before the surgery, I thought wow that is amazing.  In my classes they do say that they want us to loose 10% of our weight before surgery.   I am glad that you are doing so great with your weight loss, 78 lbs is amazing.  I hope you are able to get up from that wheelchair soon.

I am ready to change my life, I think this is  an incredible tool, I only hear very few negatives compare to massive amount of positive feedback about this surgery.  I will be done with my classes in March 2009, hopefully I will get my surgery soon after that. 

Thanks for the info I truly appreciate it.

Get well soon!!!
Maria