First off welcome  and glad to meet you.  You are not alone in this journey and never will be as long as you are here.  This is a great sounding board, a place to vent, to celebrate and to just ask anything.  No judgments just support.  (sometimes we need that kick in the butt) 

As for timing, there will always be stress, it may not be the same stress, but the stress will be there,  only you can make the choice of when is best.  I thought about the timing of my surgery and worried about money and complications I have 2 boys now 16 & 17 a husband who has gone thru all of this the previous year.  There is no perfect time but I felt when I completed all the steps (took me over a year) that when it was completed it was meant to be.  If I made weight I was ready to do this so I could be a better parent to my boys.  

As for time off some people only take 1 week other take the full 6 some people somewhere in between.  I took 6 because of the distance of my job from my home and driving was difficult for me  (my body doesn't like the disolvable stitches) .  Only you know how far you can push yourself after wards. 

If you were not nervous then I would be worried.  It is normal to worry and to wonder if this is the right time, the right choice, but deep down inside you started this journey for a reason, ask yourself what that reason was and is that reason still there?  Is it better health? To be there for your little one?  To be able to run and play with your little one? 

we are here for you PM (private message) me if you would like to chat or if you would like my number to call.  Life is not measured in the breaths we take, but in the moments that take our breath away. 

Good luck and welcome to the board!

This is my first time posting here and sorry for the lengthy post. But I figure you all were the best folks to ask. I've been reading your posts off and on for the last 10 months since I joined the pre-op program last Nov. in Ports. and you all are inspiring to say the least!

I've finally completed all the pre-op requirements and had my 1st consult with the surgeon last week... everything is in order and I'm just waiting for my date. Problem is since meeting with the surgeon, panic has now set in and I am consumed with the thought and fear of any complication happening. I'm 35, married and have a 20 month old. The only health problems I have right now at my weight is mild/moderate back and foot pain and mild GERD. It took me through the winter, spring and most of the summer to get my mind wrapped around losing the pre-op weight and since the end of Aug. finally got off the last 12 pounds... because I was eating right and began exercising regularly again. I know if I lose weight no matter the method the couple of issues I have will get better. I'm just worried now about the possibility of creating a different set of problems by having the bypass surgery.

There is also some stress in my life and I don't forsee it going away at least for a few months, so I'm also questioning the timing of the surgery thinking about that and my own recovery. I also don't have quite enough time built up at work right now to take the entire 4-6 weeks of leave paid adding to the stress.

Bottom line, I'm having second thoughts about doing it, questioning myself, the timing, nervous about any complication and stressed. Has anyone else gone through anything like this? Or, decided to wait awhile longer, lose more weight to lower the risk of complications etc.?

Thanks for any insight you all might offer, I appreciate it greatly.

it did look good i should have eaten dinner with you and gary than i wouldnt have gone home sat in the living room alone and eaten WWWWAAAAAYYYY too much shepards pie!

LOL...Sookie you are awesome!!! 

Portions are such a *****!! I have the scale out on the counter but I don't use it as much as I should. Its a good digital one but the batteries last about a week before its dead so Ill have a good week with it... then a month of nothing before I remember to get batteries! Probably should get back on that. Need to figure out how to deal with this whicked sweet tooth I have had as of late too... its killin' me!

So todays plan

Breakfast: Cottage Cheese w grapes (out of almonds!!! )
Lunch: Left over Turkey Taco meat with refried beans and salsa
Dinner: Grilled chicken & veg
Snacks: laughing cow cheese & 100 cal pack of cookies (for my devil sweet tooth!)

Need to work on drinking too.. major slacker there as of late! Today the chart goes up.... 64oz here I come!

Probably no walk at lunch since its so himid and I need to get over to Home Depot. Ill gym it tonight (as I did last night) so activity should be good today.

Now.... lets see if I can stick with it!