OPEN RNY--SURGERY MARCH 15TH

Hello! I haven't posted to the "BMI over 50" messageboard before; but I thought it might be helpful to ask a question to those of you who may have felt or feel the way I do as I'm approaching my surgery date. Having a BMI at 52, I'm scared that my severe morbid obesity will be a great risk to me during surgery-especially since the majority of my weight is in my stomache---I'm the classic 'apple shape' they talk about regarding heart health, etc. It would help me to hear positive messages from peers who have faced WLS starting with pre-surgery weight over 300#. I'm sure like many of you, I am very nervous, anxious and a bit scared as I am at day 12 and waiting. I'd appreciate any words of support you may have for me. Thanks much and I wish continued success to you all as you continue your weight loss journeys. God bless you and yours! Patti

Patti, My BMI was 54 when I started out.. My weight was over 300!! Im that lovely "apple" shape too.. I carried almost all my weight in my stomache area and I still do now.. I was lucky enough to have my surgery done lap, but I went in knowing that it could turn into open if he ran into any problems. I was so nervous and so excited at the same time. Honestly the week before my surgery I thought I was crazy- one minute I was happy and excited, looked forward to the surgery.. The next I was crying and trying to back out... I had to take xanax 3 times a day to help control the panic attacks.. I was a wreck!! I will openly admit that I was ready to be admitted to the mental ward!! The morning of surgery was hard, but they gave me something for my nerves to calm me down and things were fine. Its normal to be nervous about this, this is a major surgery, and your going to be making major changes in your life. It can feel a little overwhelming at times, but you can always find support here. Dont try to get through tough times alone, go to people who understand, they will get you through everything.. We all need support from people and we cant do this alone. This board is great about giving loving support when you need it, and also a kick in the butt if you need that too... You will do fine! anytime you need support just let us know! We are here for you when you need us, just post and let us know! Ill be thinking of you the 15th! Amber

Hello Amber! Thank you for your supportive words and for sharing your pre-surgery experience. I attended a required bariatric surgery support group tonight- I did speak up and asked for advice about handling pre-surgery jitters...it's a lot of facing the mortality issue; but as the facilitator put it-I'm at higher risk from dying crossing the street than I am from this surgery. I will take your advice and rely on support from my family and friends - including my WLS/message board friends! Thanks again and continued success with your weight loss journey! Patti

greetings patti i had an open rny 13 months ago -- my weight on day of surgery was 463, bmi was 66.4. and everything has gone GREAT for me! the only real problem i had was a portion of my incision pulled apart...and once that happens, it's a slow healing process, but it DID heal. and it really wasn't too bad to deal with. other than that, (oh, i've also experienced hair loss, but i'm assured that is a temporary situation), this has been a wonderful experience for me. today my weight is 229 and my bmi is 32.8! and as i posted yesterday, i'm wearing size 16 jeans! i was tense preceding surgery, too -- i think that's only natural. but it was well worth it! hoping for the best for you! deb -234

Hello Deb! THANK YOU for your words of support and CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss success -- how wonderful that you have lost 1/2 of your presurgery weight! You must be very proud of yourself! Thanks again for sharing and continued success with your weight loss journey! Patti

Hi patti well we share the same surgery date. I am having mine done in traverse city michigan... I have a bmi of 57.1, I am sure your doctor has done all the pre testing so you are ok for the surgery. I know it is scarey but we will make it and be able to watch each other loose... Please feel free to email me privately at [email protected] I also have yahoo with the same screen name for instant messages only. So lets keep in touch I am also having it open. We can do this together... You know what my nephew told me the other day he said bob the builder say can we fix it yes we can .. So the doctor can fix your belly. He is 5 so I told him the doctor has to fix my belly it is broken. What else can you tell them...Lol hope to hear from you soon priscilla

Hello Priscilla! Awesome! We'll both be in surgery on the 15th! What time are you schedule for? My surgery is 11:00 a.m. It will be fun to email and see how we are each doing afterwards -- I'll definitely keep in touch as we fix our broken bellies! I pray that God will bring you safely through surgery and that your recovery will go smooth with no complications. God bless you and yours. Patti

Patty, I started at 384 lbs with a bmi of 57.1. I had no problems at all. This is a risky surgery, but, it is so worth it. I send you tons of best wishes for your new life! Lori 384/250.5/168

Hello Lori! THANK YOU for your support! And, CONGRATULATIONS on your weight loss. It gives me such hope to hear of successes like yours. Way to go! I wish you all the best as you continue your weight loss journey. Thanks again! Patti