where do you get the courage?

I like pilotphil's fear of dying>fear of surgery idea.  In addition, I had 2 surgeries last year, 1 to donate my kidney and the other a womanly concern.  My fear of surgery has decreased although I am very respectful that it is something to consider. It was time I did something for me and my future health!

I am much moe afraid of NOT doing it.  I don't want to die from obesity.  I don't want to spend my last years in a wheelchair or confined to bed.  I have to do this for myself.  It was an easy decision after I overcame the fear of doing a surgery not covered by insurance.

You would not be normal if you didn't have concerns. I was scared to death, but I knew if I didn't do it I would be a prisioner in my own home. I couldn't work, and was so big, I didn't want to go anywhere. I hurt too much with my back to go anywhere, hell, I couldn't even work. I hadn't worked for 6 months and I wanted to go back to work. Back surgery was not the answer for me, taking the weight off was. I was back to work after only 3 months after wls. This by far is the best thing I have ever done for myself. I HAVE MY LIFE BACK!! When you are truely ready to do this, you will. Good luck to you in making your decision. It has to be yours. Susan

I am scared to death!  My surgery is 8 weeks from today.  I have no comorbitities and I have never had surgery before.  I fear the unknown.  I have been thinking A LOT lately how I'm going to muster up the courage to to this.  It's almost unthinkable to me, but it has to be done.  I obviously CAN'T lose and keep off the weight and I won't be obese and healthy forever.  It's time to take charge and be proactive before it's too late.

I was more scared of living than dying.   There is risk in any surgery.  But, IMO, the VSG has the least risks of complications. Without losing weight my diabetes would have gotten out of control and start to compromise my organs; without losing weight I am sure my life would have been eventually in a wheelchair; and without losing the weight I would have had to depend on others to take care of me....NO WAY! I am so very grateful to have had this surgery..... Oh, and BTW, our prayers and positive vibes here are VERY strong...we will be with you in the OR, promise!

I felt like I had no other choice.  I had yo-yo'ed so much and I kept getting bigger each time.  I had no energy or desire to try to lose weight again, knowing that I would gain it back.  I was miserable at the weight I was at, and I could see no other way out of being miserable than the drastic measure of surgery.  Sure....I was afraid, but honestly.....once I made my appointment and met with the surgeon, the fear got less and less.  By the time I got to my surgery date, I was really rather calm.  It was weird.   So, if you've made the decision that this is what you have to do....make that appointment and just start on the path.   Susan 

Like most of my buddies who already posted, I was afraid of dying more than I was afraid of the surgery.  At 38 years old, 5'2" and 330lbs I was physically miserable. I was afraid of all things medical and was a big crybaby throughout the preop process. I would do it again. All the best to you...we're here to help! Stacey

you guys rock. I guess I'll just stew about it for awhile...

Stewing is good, it'l help  you get where you need to be to make the big decision.  I let several available dates go by because I just wasn't ready to say yes.  I did a lot of praying, reading, talking and wrestling.  At some point it moved to "do it".  Then, I was still scared and second guessing.   One thing that effected me was reading some of the memorials where people died prior to receiving surgery.  They didn't get their chance.  Good luck with the decision.  Susan

I woke up one moring and said this is it.  I'm tired of who I am and I want to change.  No more bs!  I have several medical problems that can mostly be cured by weight loss.  I have all my doctors saying that I need to do this to get healthy.  I have me saying I need this for me.  Alot of people don't get to see me for me because of my weight and I want that to change.  I love life, but I want to be able to live it better by being healthy.  I'm tired of being sick and tired of being sick and tired.  So I just stepped up to the plate on the 3rd, make and appt. to see the surgeon on the 9th, and now I'm having my surgery on the 3rd.  Am I scared?  yes. But I know that I have great support here and at home to help me through this. ~to courage~ cheers! Chel