Two days until sugery and I'm really sad tonight...

I am so touched by all your heartfelt responses and support.  I'm just so glad I found this wonderful group!  It's good to know that I'm not alone... well I KNOW I'm not alone in this journey... but I mean that some of you have faced the same issues... I won't call this an obstacle because I'm doing this surgery regardless.  I guess I wanted my kids to feel a certain way and I can't control what they think.  I spoke with my son this morning and he also thinks that I'm making a mistake and that what I'm doing is "unnatural" but he respects my decision so I guess that's something.  I just feel sad, that's the only way to describe it.  But nothing is stopping me from doing this and hopefully when they see how my life changes they will better understand. 
I think like was mentioned earlier, this WLS thing has been the focus of my life for the better part of a year now.  If you're not wrapped up in like we are some people don't get it.  I look fine to my kids but they don't know the depth of what will happen to me if I don't get a grip on my health.  I have friends who know people who have gone through this or they are in the health care industry and have practically applauded me.  So my children will hopefully "get it"as time goes on. 
I'll be fine come Thursday when this all happens.  I have a lot going on in my mind, not just my kids and their feelings but also the anticipation and anxiety of everything. 

Thank you everyone... I'm glad to know I can come here and people understand.

I LOVE YOU ALL!!!

"she's worried I'm going to be smaller than her.  She recently put on 20 pounds since she's been with her new boyfriend (she's 25)... and so I said, that's okay, you can save me your jeans that don't fit and I'll wear them."

 There it is in a nutshell, sweetie.  I'm so sorry you're going through this with your daughter.  It is most definitly NOT the cheaters' way out.  It is a WAY out.  It is a tool, and like any tool, we have to be able to use it properly.  Re-conditioning our eating habits, exercise habits, our self-evaluation, motivation, etc. etc.  I will pray for you that you won't let her hurtful comments impair your recovery.  I didn't even look at anyone's post before I made mine, so if this is repetitive, sorry.  But it struck a chord with me, and I had to answer.  Be good to yourself, stick with your buddies here on the forum, we'll give you all the support you need.  And don't forget, He is your biggest supporter. Post as soon as you can so we know you're alright.

Hugs, and good luck Thursday,
Terri

Thank you so much Terry!  I do have lots of great buddies on this forum.  I'm grateful for that.  I'll be back posting as soon as I get home from the hospital. 

To me it is thoroughly confusing why so many people have at least one family member against anyone doing WLS.  I had to deal with my mother.  Fortunately, she lives in NY and I live in Texas.  I told her on the phone, let her vent and then told her I was just letting her know.  My wife had already had RNY 18 months before me. 

There is nothing easy about this.  You are changing your life.  For the better.  I wish I did not have to do this, but the diets just were not successful.  I would lose 30, then gain 25 or so.  Gradually regain the other 5.  I was just tired of it.

My son and daughter were not in favor of WLS, but they fully understood it was my life and my decision.  And they are supportive.  My grandson (the oldest one) is really something.  Any time we eat something he will ask us if we are really supposed to eat that.  It is another pair of eyes.  He is concerned.

Lastly, someone on the Texas Message Board once posted a list of things to throw back at people like your daughter.  Because it is your daughter, I don't think you would want to do this, but it is a good comeback to people at work who annoy you.  Ask them if they use the microwave - cheaters way out, use a stove.  Do they use a car - cheaters way out, walk.  And he went on and on and on.  I loved it.

Just remember we are here, all the time.  Any time.  She will come around eventually.  They all smarten up sooner or later.

i had to come see what you said- i always enjoy your posts, george..you shed wonderful lite to so many things! thank you for joining our OFF family!!!!!

I just started a new book this past weekend and remembered  a passage in the introduction that I think fits not only to your situation , but to all of ours........

The title of the bood is "Believe That You Can" by Jentzeen Franklin.

"Pursue your dream no matter how far-fetched it may seem, for dreams are like children - they're your offspring.  They're the joy of your present and the hope of your future.  Protect them!  Feed them! Encourage them to grow , because as long ans you have a dream, you'll never be old!  I'm talking about a God-given dream that leads to God-honoring results.  God has a dream for you, and if you will seek Him, He will reveal it.

Your dreams ususally won't arrive with the sound of blazing trumpets.  You can miss them.  They are very fragile.  They tend to come very gently, and they may grow very slowly.  Dreams are almost like a divine mist, and one harsh breath from some critic can dissolve it.  All it takes is one negative word from a cynical person to crush a dream.

You need to be careful of dream assassins.  Make sure you're not assassinating you own dream, because you may be your own worst critic.  Be careful not to talk yourself out of your dream.  Instead, talk yourself into it.  Believe that you can fulfull your dream, and you will!"

All of us here dreamed a dream for a better quality of life and God has allowed our dream to come to fruition.  Laura, your's will come true too.