So I have always been a big guy, My BMI is currently 42. Exercise and diet never worked for me. Id loose a small amount of weight and gain it back, I come from a family where they are all heavy and have diseases associated with being obese. So I decided to have this surgery through Abington hospital in Pa. I am in the process of lab work, and seeing my specialist for atena select approval. I hope all this work will get me approved. My friends and family don't understand I feel like. Some are thinking that I'm looking for an easy way out, but I'm not!!! ive been doing my research and I know that this surgery is far from easy. Here is the thing I know I want this surgery and I will go through with it, but I just don't Want to die! I'm terrified when I go under I wont wake up. Has anyone else been this scared. Luckily I have my partner with me every step, but he has doubts of his own. Any advice for me? My mind is going a mile a minute. I am just excited to feel happy and healthy and actually love myself.

Well, we are all scared when getting this surgery. Like any other surgery, there is a risk of death as well. But it is very rare. The sleeve has very low risk factors attributed to it. You are talking about going under with anesthia and not waking up. My rationale for this is that i'd rather die in my sleep than suffer from the horrible diseases that are/were contributed to my obesity. Trust in God, or what ever belief you have and you will prosper. I was horribly scared but had the surgery anyways. It was very simple, I went to sleep and woke up and it was over. Presto, just like that. Then my journey began and if I was to make the decision over again, I would definately do it over. Try to put your anxiety at rest. The surgeons and your PCP will look at all aspects of your health, including your heart and look at the risk, and be up front with you. If the surgery is too risky, they won't do the surgery, they don't want anyone to die on them. Relax, maybe get some therapy to help with your anxiety and you will do fine.

I completely understand how you feel. My family was 100 opposed to the surgery.They said it wouldn't work for me, it was the easy way out. That made it very difficult to go through with it, but I did! Best decision I ever made. You really have to pay attention to diet and excersise after, but you see results so you are able to stick with it. Once I committed, my family got on board and are all very happy for me. Do what you need to take care of yourself--you are worth it.

In my town, they do an hour long seminar to tell you about the different types of surgery and to get you started. I went to this start up seminar 3 times over 5 years. The first 2 times, I came up with an excuse not to do it. The 3rd time, I decided going in that this was it, i'm doing it.

Had my surgery 2 weeks ago. You aren't going to die, they know what there doing. I took a week and 2 days off of work and feel great. Don't let them talk you out of it. It's your body and mind you have to deal for the rest of your life so do it for yourself.

Good luck man.