A LITTLE SUPPORT

Im really needing someone to talk to because im so close to getting a surgery date hopefully next week. Im getting scared can someone please tell me all of the positive sides of the bypass surgey. Maybe I should stay off of this site until I have my surgery. I am drawn to the post and stories about people getting sick ,death,and pain which I fully understand is a possibility. I just need a little encouragement. Please talk to me.

Hi hon. Well, let me tell ya my story, and see if it helps. I weighed 321 pounds, was on 5 different high blood pressure pills, 4 shots of insulin a day, 2 pills for cholesterol, and was told I had only a year or two to live. I couldn't hardly walk due to knee and back problems. Update...I am down to 198 pounds in just 6 months, the only pills I take are my vitamins, and I am no longer considered a diabetic. I am able to exercise, play with my nephews and nieces, without pain. I am able to live again. I did the same thing you are doing before surgery, it seemed like every post was something bad. I even said no way, I am not having this surgery, now I am so HAPPY that I did. I can't believe the difference it has made in my life. If you need someone to talk too, just holler. Dee

Hi Paeisha What you're feeling is normal sweetie. You are about to take a lifechanging step. Try and focus on the end in mind - a healthier, happier and yes thinner Paeisha. If it wasn't for this surgery I would have died at a very young age. And I am now feeling great and ready to rejoin the workforce after being on disability or almost 4 years. I am down 125 pounds and only 15 pounds from my goal weight. I can walk, most times even without a cane, I can get up out of a chair without assistance, and more importantly, I can see a life ahead of me when before I was just sitiing in a chair waiting to die. My one and only regret is that I waited so long to have this surgery and all the time that was lost due to the waiting. If I can help, or answer any questions for you just let me know. Regards and hugs, Ronna

Hi Pateisha. It is normal for you to go through these feelings. You have come to the right place for support. I was 51 when I had my Lap RNY. I had lost weight before on weigh****chers - a lot of it. But I would always regain the loss plus more. I could never get to goal. Originally I was against the surgery. But as I got older and more educated on the procedure, I changed my mind. The only problems I had prior to surgery was high blood pressure and stress incontinence (leaking of urine when coughing, sneezing). Of course, I had swollen feet and got short of breath easily. I knew if I didn't do something soon, I would start to have medical problems. I couldn't live my life this way anymore. I weighed 383.4 pounds the day of surgery. Prior to surgery, my highest weight was 484.8 pounds. I was so huge. My life as it was, was really no life at all. I'd go to work, go shopping for food once a week, and maybe see relatives once a week or so. TV was my entertainment. No vacations. Couldn't fit in an airplane seat. Afraid to go out to restaurants because of the booths and wondering if I could fit in their chairs. Hated being stared at and ridiculed by kids and adults both. Now my life is so wonderful. I am living for the first time in my life. I lost 227 pounds since the surgery and 327 in total. Everyday living is the best. I have so much energy. No tired feelings unless I'm out all day. But that is a good feeling. I'm hardly home any more. I love shopping for clothes and accessories. It's a whole new world for me. I've been on vacations. I went parasailing when I went to Hawaii on the OH cruise. I was able to take a hot air balloon ride in Arizona last spring. I took a helicopter ride in Las Vegas last summer. Airplane seats and restaurants are no problem anymore. I don't have to fear fitting in or breaking a chair. My high blood pressure and stress incontinence is gone. No blood pressure medication anymore. My feet are much less swollen. People consider me slim. How shocking is that! My thought was I'd rather take the risk - if I died after surgery, well at least I tried to do something about my health. I knew if I didn't, I was slowly killing myself day by day. I was going to die anyway. The benefits of the surgery outweighed the negatives. I wanted the surgery so much I paid for it myself. My insurance company denied approval. That's how much I wanted it. You have to do what is right for you and when it is right for you. It is your decision all the way. You need to know the possible complications and accept the possibility, in order to move on. I hope this message gives you some thought as to what you want to do for you. Good luck and keep us posted. We're all here to support your decision no matter what it is. Hugs, Lucy

There are a lot of great people on this board who can help I am one included If you look on my profile you will see a list a little ways down of all the things I want to do that I can't do right now. Some I may never do but after surgery it wont be because I am too big it will be because i am broke I have 2 kids 4 and 6 and I am scared I will die and leave them motherless..... but right now I can't do the things a mother should do with her kids so I am spoiling there childhood. There are some bad things and yes some people do die but there are thousands on here who lived and thrive!!!! look at the before and after pages. Ask how many regret it. The number one answer to that is the only regrets they have is not doing it sooner. Believe me you are not alone I am having surgery in 16 days and I cry everyday with the what ifs. I know though in my heart I have to do this or i will die from obesity! Good luck to you and look inside your heart make sure you really want this!!!!

Thank you all so very much for the support I truly need it. I feel like im all alone in this but I finally found a place that has such caring and compassionate people .I am so grateful to have found all of you . Keep the support coming I sure need it . I wish I found this over 6 months ago .But better niow than never . Thank all of you so much. And pray for me and God has sent me several angels.

Just remember that there are a load of us here who will be happy to talk to you. jeannine

Hello Im new to this site also. Everyones great and helpful . No one here makes you feel bad for anything. its supportive for me. I find myslef comming here every day. ive been thinking of this surgery for a few years now. I finally decided to do it. and got the means to pay now. I hope to have a surgery date in a few weeks. from what ive heard on this doctor I think it will all go fast for me. I can realte let me tell what I was doing last night until 5 this morning !! I was reading the memorial page I was crying anf grieving for them all. i was also reconsidering the surgery. ewery person I felt I realted to myself I was it was all in my head. I also have 4 kids one with special needs all of them very young. Im so scared to die also but im not living now theres so many things I cant do because im 300 lbs Im trying to think good thoughts. Ive not been sleeping well latley because of all of this on my mind too. If you wanna chat or email me then priviate message me and I can give you all the info to contact me.!!