I'm Approved! Now I'm scared!

I found out a couple of days ago my insurance company approved me to have WLS, the first time around. Great! right?   I was so excited talking to the insurance guy from my Dr's office.  And now, I don't feel as excited.  Is it the reality of what this all means setting in?  I have waited and researched WLS for many years and finally got up the nerve to get myself approved for this procedure.  At the end of my psych eval. the doctor told me that I was one of the best candidates he's met for this surgery and it would be a mistake for me not to do it, because I have a thorough understanding of what needs to be done to make this work for me and all the benefits that would come from it.   Now, I feel like I'm scared to go through with it.  Has anyone else experience such a dramatic change in emotions?  Any words of encouragement or advice would be very welcomed. Thanks, Jackie

Congrats, and welcome to the board. There are a lot of others on here that went through what you are doing and they made it. Just take it one day at a time and start by taking your vitamins and protein so that you will be ready for the surgery.  Please ask any questions that you want and we will get the answers for you. Do you know when the surgery might be?

Thanks for the advice.  I haven't gotten my surgery date yet.  I was told I would get it within the next week.  I'll post when I get it.  Can't imagine how I'll feel then!

You will do fine. Just take it one day at a time. Welcome aboard, we all will be with you and be here to answer any questions that you might have.

Hi Jackie, welcome to the board.  If you weren't scared I would have to ask if you are okay.  Being scared, nervous, excited, intimidated, and all range of emotions is normal.  You are embarking on a big journey to improve your life.  Congrats on making that decision for yourself.  Try not to let the fear control you.  Remember that you researched this, you know what you are doing, and you have all the support from us.  Can't wait to watch your journey.  Best to you. 

I know you feel scared. Listen I had my WLS 11/06/2007. (With Dr. Northrup, Dr. Schirmer's partner) In my opinion and lots of others they are the best in the country at this. You will have lots of thoughts go through your mind from now til then, thats normal, if you didn't then I'd be scared for you. I did excellent. I had laproscopic surgery, went home in 2 1/2 days, never used any pain med, in the hospital or after. ( The test after to make sure you don't have a leak was the only bad thing, because it makes you so sick and you certainly don't want to throw up). After surgery walk, walk, walk, and walk some more. I had a 4 1/2 hour drive back home when released and other than being tired no problems, never even got the pain Rx filled. Went back to work after 2 weeks, (could have before then if the doctor would have released me.)   I am 7 months out and have lost 115 pounds. I am 37 years old and I feel 20 (my husband says I feel 18 to him, HAHA). Before I had surgery I couldn't walk up the steps at work without getting dizzy and short of breath, I felt more like 60 than 37, I had high chol., high BP, pre diabetic, (now all those are gone).  I ride my bike 12 miles 2 - 3 times a week and I am doing a walk - run program 2 - 3 times a week, believe it or not I love to exercise. I still have 60 more pounds til my goal but I will make it. This WLS is a great tool, but it is also work. Anybody that thinks this is easy and they are going to have this surgery and not change their life is sadly mistaken. I would do it again in a heartbeat. For someone who has always fought this battle from age 10 and to now feel so much better physically, emotionally, heck I feel better in every way possible, this is GREAT!!!!!!  If you need support this board is a great place to get it.

A big Welcome Jackie to the VA board, all your emotions are so ver normal, but you have one of the best surgeons, Dr Schirmer is the most awsome man, I thank him everytime I see him, read my profile you will see the mess I was in when he got me and he has most certainly changed my life. I sent you a friends invite and an invite to our lil support group meet we do here we are called the FFP's and we would love to have you join us on the 30th hereat Cheeseburger in Paradise on 29 email me if you would like to come, [email protected], here you will meet all from different stages of there journeys from a few girls we have where you are just starting  to some of us who are a few yrs out. You are welcome to come and join us. You will learn a lot. Get yourself prepared and get ready for the ride of your life kiddo..... 

Jackie, Welcome to the VA board!  And please know that you are perfectly normal.  You are beginning what can only be called "a wild ride".  It will have its ups and downs and your emotions will follow.  I'm a newbie here - I joined the boards (as a lurker) last fall and am one month out from Open RNY surgery today!  While I have never questioned my decision (I began the approval process last September) I'm sure there were those nervous moments along the way.  Personally, prior to surgery I found myself in a very good "place" - knowing that I was doing exactly what I was meant to do and that it was the right decision for me.  I'm sure you'll get there too!  The folks on this board are the best - their input is a great resource as you prepare and all questions are answered (no matter how silly they may seem) without any judgement whatsoever.  The only thing you'll find here is information, support, love and respect!   We're glad you're one of us!  Can't wait to welcome you to the losers bench! Hugs, Chele