I have been so excited about this entire process, but today I feel like that excited feeling has been replaced with fear. I have a 13 month old baby and a 5 year old that I am unsure about how I am going to care for them afterwards. My 5 year old-no problem. But I will only have help for a short while after surgery-how am I going to manage with my 13 month old that isn't walking yet? Then I read the thread on hair loss. :w00t: I have super thick hair and I lost a lot after each baby, but I hope I don't lose a noticeable amount.

I tried some of the Nutrimed stuff that I am supposed to drink for the week before my surgery yesterday and I almost threw up. How am I going to do that for a week?

I know in the end this is the right decision for me, but I just have a ton of fear about these other things.

Hello Excited,

I'm really feeling your pain. I'm pre-op and things always creep into my mind, but as your last sentence says, you know this is the right decision for you, as do I.

I think it's normal to have questions/fears about taking care of your 13 month old. Heck, this may force her to walk! You said that you'll have some help post surgery. Do you have any friends that you can solicit for a day at a time worth of help? Do you have a partner that you can get creative about how to time-manage so that you won't have to be doing the lifting? How about temporary daycare? I know it's expensive, but cheaper than hurting yourself in the long run. How about an old friend that you can invite to come stay after the first few weeks? Make a list of everything that you can think of that might be helpful, then see how you can act on it.

Having thick hair is the best. I bet the hair loss will barely show on you.

Now about those drinks. Hold your nose!

You can get through this. You're going to be so happy that you did! Do you have a surgery date?

Hey, I was born and raised in Cleveland. Many of my school friends lived in Columbus!

hi i am going to the doctor today for an appointment for the surgery but i am really scared because its a surgery and what could happen although the doctor said its 0.5 risky but still i am nervous i read a lot of comments on here i felt a bit of courage to go forward with it but i fear that something wrong could happen help i am confused ((

I think it's natural to feel fear before surgery. I was scared before my gallbladder was removed in November. I was scared before my ankle surgery in 2008. Fear can be healthy and it makes sure we think through our decisions.

That said, I'm way more scared of having a heart attack at 59 because I'm so fat! I'll trade those odds anyday.

Good luck and keep talking about your fear until you feel more balanced.

Hello from the Queen of Worriers. Yes, I too had major fears, and I despise surgery and being put under. But, at three weeks out now, I can tell you that it was totally worth it. I'm not going to lie, the first four days or so were icky. I was fortunate not to have the body gas that others complain about, but my doctor equipped me with pills for that just in case. I used the heck out of the morphine pump in the hospital, so I'm not sure how bad the pain could have been because my medical team really managed the pain well. I used my liquid hydrocodone for about 48 hours after getting home. I was up walking the halls the same night as surgery,and I walked at home too. I don't have children, so I can't relate to that aspect, but I think if you have someone to help out for the first three or four days, you will give your body some time to heal and get ready for the rest of your life.

Considering all the things that will be required of you as a parent as the children get older and how hard it is to have the energy and mobility in an obese and unhealthy body, the few days of chaos after surgery are a small price to pay. Just keep your eye on the prize and know that you can be an even better mom if you are in a healthier frame of mind and body.

Good luck with everything!

Theresa

good advice, keep your eye on the prize. That, and plan ahead for the care of your toddler. You are making this decision for your best possible life for you and your family. Courage.

(((((hugs))))))