How Did You Mentally Prepare?

Hello Fellow AMOSERS I have so many questions,as I have my surgery in two weeks, and I am full of questions. BUT I will ask one @ a time..LOL I have debated with myself time again and again over the surgery. Although, I feel it will save my life, I still struggle mentally. I would like to know how did any one of you get mentally prepare for the surgery? *smoochies* ~NEVER SURRENDER~ ~T~

Hey TT, The truth of it for me was that I was so "backed up into a corner" by my health and weight, I didn't really feel I had a choice but to take this course. Once that became clear to me, there was no way to go but forward and "turn it over" to the Man Upstairs, so that's what I did. All the way to the operating room, I was "turning it over"!!! I truly believe if He leads you to it, He'll get you through it. When's your surgery date? I want to put it on my calendar, so I can be sending good thoughts and prayers your way that day!! All the best! Myra

I too realized that if I didn't have surgery I would probably not live to see my child even enter his teens, much less grow up... that helped. I also researched and researched and researched... I talked to people who had great outcomes and I talked to people who had horrible outcomes. Interestingly enough, there was only one person who said they wished they hadn't done it. But I talked to those people who had problems even more... I didn't want any surprises. I knew it might not be easy for me. I put in the hands of a higher power... if there is more work for me to do on this plane then let it be so... and I left it there, with the help of those anti-anxiety drugs before surgery in the IV!!! I prepped myself physically as best I could before - I tried to get into the habits I would have to adopt post-surgery - I drank my water - took the supplements and exercised more - opened those lungs up. You are doing exactly what you should be doing... you don't want to go into this blind... and you definitely don't want to feel betrayed if things don't go well - You also need to understand that this means you will HAVE to be committed to your health for the rest of your life - no ifs, ands or buts.... you can't afford to miss those follow up appointments or labs... and that a lifetime thing!!! Good luck B

Sphinxy, I read over your profile and saw that we had a few things in common with the heart deal. I went through that just last week. Thankfully everything turned out okay on the treadmill but I thought for sure when they sped that thing up I was going to go flying off and into the next room!! I copied this from your profile,"Being the fat kid has always been a part of my identity... who am I if I am not fat??? Well, Dammit... I am ready to find out!"(Sphinxy One Profile), and I think it is SO profound and SO True, it really speaks Volumes about my own life and I wanted to take a second to Thank You, Thank You for letting me know I am not alone in this battle!! Take Care, Jamie

T, I read books about Weight loss surgery. My health was very bad, so it seemed like the only "real" alternative. But, I was aware of the risks, but, decided they were worth it. And they have been! I've done great! You will too! Lori 384/245/168

ok this is what i did i know it sounds crazy but i went into the operating room kidding with my surgeon and laughing. and it was not a scared laugh either, i was so happy. I sat in front of a mirror and talked with myself. I asked myself do you want to be like this the rest of your life? Can you loose the weight without this surgery? Do you trust your doctor? Do you trust yourself that you can handle the changes in your eating habits and life after surgery? Do you know that when you sit here in front of this mirror one year from now you will be happier healthier and know you did the right thing? Do you know you are doing this for you and you alone ? You can not do this for anyone else. This has to be in your heart. Let me know how the talk goes. I am 17 days out today and I am so glad I did this. Priscilla

TT, I am still 16 days from my surgery date, but I have been preparing mentally for a 3 weeks now. When I start to get really scared, I just sit quietly and think of all the things that this surgery will allow me to change in my life. I start with the physical....I think about how nice it will be to be able to walk through WalMart without having to sit on the little benches and rest halfway through. I remember what it was like to not have constant pain in my knees and back. I think about throwing my blood pressure medication in the trash can. I think about being able to do the things I used to enjoy again, like hiking and camping. I think about going dancing with my partner and being able to finish a song. And I think about the vanity issues too.... I think about buying clothes at any old store I want to. I think about NOT being stared at by people, especially kids who are so honest and will say things about your weight. I think about looking beautiful and wearing something sexy to bed without feeling self conscious. All those things psych me up for this. I pray and I trust in God to get me through this surgery, but I need the above things to help with the jitters I still get. Lisa L.

I researched, researched, and researched some more. I didnt really have a choice though. I had back surgery last year. And I was told by doc and I knew that my weight was not good on my back. If I could have done this years ago I most likely would have not had to had the back surgery, yet anyway. I want to prolong my back as long as I can. Not being able to walk is not a option with me. And I dont want to have to go through another back surgery because of my weight. love marie

Hi T I am pre-op and new to this board--I discovered it when I was at a support group last month. I am "getting my head ready" by continuing to see the psychologist that did my psych eval. I don't have to see her but I know that I should get some help. I know that surgery is giant step in my life and that it effects my husband as well as the rest of my family. By the way--I am the ass kissing Happy Bunny. I have that Happy Bunny on my keychain Mary