Paula C.

Hi all,
From North Reading. Had gastric bypass at Lahey Hospital in Burlington on Aug 6th. Doing great!

I received my surgery date today. August 6, 2014. Now I'm scared. This suddenly got very real!

I also had planned on the sleeve and was told by my doctor that the bypass was better for me. I guess I have a small hiatal hernia and he is afraid Im going to suffer acid reflux with the sleeve. I'm a bit nervous about this change, so I'll be doing alot of research and try not to be too scared! I got my surgery date today for Aug 6th.

I just saw your post and noticed your surgery is fast approaching. I'm in North Reading. Only at very beginning of process, so no surgery date yet. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

Mrsto you took the words right out of my mouth! I meant to add that to the article and I know I need to so I will. I have never ever approached anyone but have done the same thing with neighbors or people that brought up a subject where I could just mention that I was obese in the past. I was much different when I was obese (what's new, I'm just weird) about being approached but that didn't happen 13 years ago. When I saw Carnie Wilson on TV I jumped on it and made an appointment in 15 minutes.
I do want to tell one story that made me happy that I am so open about my surgery. I checked into a hotel for a WLS event and the bellman asked why I was in town and I told him. I showed him my before/after pictures and talked about how my life had changed, He suddenly hung his head in shame and said "Oh no....I have a lot of apologizing to do". I asked why and he told me that his wife had been begging him to let her have surgery for 3 years and he thought it was sheer quackery. He told me he was going home to give her some good news and tell her how sorry he was for not believing her. That story always makes me happy!

I am at the beginning stages of this adventure, but once lost a lot of weight on my own. I experienced the same remarks when I lost that weight and am not looking forward to hearing them again after my surgery. I have talked about this with people and they don't get it. What it boils down to is that you feel like you must have been so disgusting before the weight loss.

...and you won't! Get up and walk around. Walk away from those who are eating and take a break. Keep thinking happy "thin" thoughts! YOU CAN DO THIS!