Long time viewer first time contributor

March 18, 2003

Dear Rojas (Sorry, don't know your first name),

Welcome! I was excited to read about your successful appeal! Many

people wait for months and even years for approval. What a blessing for you.

Having said that.. I totally understand your fears and apprehension

regarding your WLS. I am a wife of wonderful husband and mother to four

beautiful daughters. I had many of the fears you've expressed.

I thought that even though the quality of my life was deteriorating

rapidly, at least I was still here for them. What if I died in surgery...?

Well, my husband and I talked and talked about how difficult it was for me to

do even the simplest things like clean my house, take the girls for a walk

and grocery shop. Intimacy and lovemaking were difficult because of

embarrasment and physical problems.

After much prayer, we decided that this surgery was going to " save my

life, " if you know what I mean. I wasn't experiencing co-morbidities like

diabetes or a heart condition but I was well on my way. At 5' 10 " and

weighing over 350 pounds, I was carrying an extra 200 pounds on my skeleton.

Ouch.

Since September of last year, I have lost a total of 101 pounds. I

have just joined what we like to call here, The Century Club. I can hardly

believe it. I have another 99 pounds to go to reach my goal of 150 pounds

but I'm enjoying life 100 pounds thinner/smaller than I used to be.

Take good care and God bless you richly.

Love,

Trace

351.2/ 250/ ?

March 18, 2003

I have been scanning the threads of discussions for the last monthly

while I anxiously awaited my denial to be overturned. Well…I got a

call from the surgeons office today and was informed that my surgery

has been schedule for the April 21. I have to admit I am pretty

scared. I think I understand the risks and life style changes

associated with this process. I am doing this for my wife and kids

in the hopes to have a healthier, longer life. However, I could

never forgive myself if something went wrong. Any advice as my

countdown continues.

March 18, 2003

I am in the same boat as you. I think my comfort is that so many

other people has went through this successfully. And the proof is

right in front of our eyes:)) Lucky you for having a date I'm still

in the loooong process.

> I have been scanning the threads of discussions for the last

monthly

> while I anxiously awaited my denial to be overturned. Well…I got a

> call from the surgeons office today and was informed that my

surgery

> has been schedule for the April 21. I have to admit I am pretty

> scared. I think I understand the risks and life style changes

> associated with this process. I am doing this for my wife and kids

> in the hopes to have a healthier, longer life. However, I could

> never forgive myself if something went wrong. Any advice as my

> countdown continues.

March 18, 2003

Well, congratulations! No more anxiety! New life coming....

Sharon in D.C.

Long time viewer first time contributor

I have been scanning the threads of discussions for the last

monthly

while I anxiously awaited my denial to be overturned.

Well...I got a

call from the surgeons office today and was informed that my

surgery

has been schedule for the April 21. I have to admit I am

pretty

scared. I think I understand the risks and life style

changes

associated with this process. I am doing this for my wife

and kids

in the hopes to have a healthier, longer life. However, I

could

never forgive myself if something went wrong. Any advice as

my

countdown continues.

March 18, 2003

Hi. You forgot to sign your post, so I don't know what to call you. Your fears

are totally normal. We've all been through them. You really need to be at the

point where life as it is now, in your MO condition, is riskier than the

surgery. If you don't have the surgery, how long will it be before you have a

major heart attack or stroke and can no longer be the man you want to be? Yes,

things go wrong with surgery. It's scary. Only you can make the decision if

the risks are worth it. We'll be here to support you along the way. Take care.

Jeanne in WI

Age 39 - Dr. T. Chua

Open RNY - 5/21/02

5'7 " - 314/216/150-175

djgraves@...

March 18, 2003

Well realistically you stand a far better chance of dying every time you get in

your car. Does that thought stop you? Me either.

Sure there are some who have serious complications, and death can occur.

But...... I personally feel that if it is your time to go, does not matter

where you are or what your doing..... it will happen as God ordains it.

So..... with that knowledge, I found much comfort. I did this surgery for ME.

To find a way to take charge of what has controlled my life all of my life. I

wnat to make the most of what time I have left. Be it an hour, a day, or 60

years.

I think knowledge is power. And with that you have such a great wealth of

knowledge is all the people on this list.

For me, the hardest part of all of this is dealing with how others around you

feel as you lose the weight. At first it was easy. Now, over 100s down,

issues have arisen in a very strong marriage. I have one daughter who has

taken me as a challenge and has lost over 40 lbs on her own. WAHOO. I also

have a step-daughter who lives here, and has gone the opposite way. It is

amazing how it changes others.

Biggest issue for me personally is that I don't see me as smaller. Often times

I am doing laundry and put my jeans in my daughters pile. (by the way I am

wearing her jeans today...... the ones she wore before her weight loss.) I

hold up shirt and think no way will this fit, and it does. Perception seems to

take a while to catch up to the reality.

Hugs,

Jules

Romero

381/243/160

Lap RNY 5-29-2002

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are: impulse

buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That is my idea of a perfect

day.

Long time viewer first time contributor

I have been scanning the threads of discussions for the last monthly

while I anxiously awaited my denial to be overturned. Well.I got a

call from the surgeons office today and was informed that my surgery

has been schedule for the April 21. I have to admit I am pretty

scared. I think I understand the risks and life style changes

associated with this process. I am doing this for my wife and kids

in the hopes to have a healthier, longer life. However, I could

never forgive myself if something went wrong. Any advice as my

countdown continues.

March 18, 2003

Hi! I'm right where you are at too. My surgery date is May 7th

I'm not as scared of the dying. I'm more scared of the unknown.

I'm totally prepared and have been for some time now. I have

been trying to have this surgery for well over 2 years and have

hit alot of stumps along the way. I too have a hubby that is so

overweight himself and 3 little one. Just wanted to let you know

you are not alone on your journey and there are some awsome people

in the group to answer any questions you could think of asking.

I wish you all the luck in the world. HUGS! nette

> I have been scanning the threads of discussions for the last

monthly

> while I anxiously awaited my denial to be overturned. Well…I got a

> call from the surgeons office today and was informed that my

surgery

> has been schedule for the April 21. I have to admit I am pretty

> scared. I think I understand the risks and life style changes

> associated with this process. I am doing this for my wife and kids

> in the hopes to have a healthier, longer life. However, I could

> never forgive myself if something went wrong. Any advice as my

> countdown continues.

March 18, 2003

Welcome .

Hugs,

Jules

Romero

381/243/160

Lap RNY 5-29-2002

Dr. Hargroder - Plaquemine, LA

I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are: impulse

buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That is my idea of a perfect

day.

Sorry to all...My first name is .

March 18, 2003

Way to go Trace!!!!!

I have been noticing your progress since I joined this group a few months ago.

I think you were at like 62 pounds off. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! You are an

inspiration as are all the others whose postings I read on a daily basis!!

Continued blessings to all of you!

Rev. Pam in PA

Re: Long time viewer first time contributor