Hello everyone, I have debated about this for so long, I have used so many excuses as to why I shouldn't have the surgery, from not being able to drink a full glass of water because I love water to I cant afford to get my clothes altered!! I stopped smoking cigarettes Jan. 26 of this year and have gained some additional weight, im currently 47 y/o 5'6 and weigh 287 pds. I sat down and took a long look at my 8 year old daughter one day and decided that I do want to be around a lot longer if its the Lords will, therefore; I mailed in the completed application that's been siting on my desk for about 3 months, didn't expect to get such a quick response (actually thought I had more time to find more excuses) LOL, my first visit to see surgeon and nutritionist is 4/12, honestly after seeing some of the horror stories online, im scared as hell!! I will keep praying for the right decision to face me at some point in time, anyways, anyone out there have any advice for last minute jitters? and what happens next after this appt. ? thanks in advance.

Hello everyone, I have debated about this for so long, I have used so many excuses as to why I shouldn't have the surgery, from not being able to drink a full glass of water because I love water to I cant afford to get my clothes altered!! I stopped smoking cigarettes Jan. 26 of this year and have gained some additional weight, im currently 47 y/o 5'6 and weigh 287 pds. I sat down and took a long look at my 8 year old daughter one day and decided that I do want to be around a lot longer if its the Lords will, therefore; I mailed in the completed application that's been siting on my desk for about 3 months, didn't expect to get such a quick response (actually thought I had more time to find more excuses) LOL, my first visit to see surgeon and nutritionist is 4/12, honestly after seeing some of the horror stories online, im scared as hell!! I will keep praying for the right decision to face me at some point in time, anyways, anyone out there have any advice for last minute jitters? and what happens next after this appt. ? thanks in advance.

I think the horror stories are incredibly rare. Don't let them scare you. At this appointment they will assess your personal risk based on your health concerns and you will be better able to make decisions after that prognosis and any tests needed.

I have 7 children and one grandboy and I realized my weight and comorbidities (diabetes especially) were going to take me away from them too soon. I am excited for this chance to be healthy again. Diabetes is already gone.

I'd have to say that you are "just about right".

If you didn't have the jitters and a healthy dose of fear, I do believe you would be "the odd one out".

I always like to tell folks to make two lists:

1. a list of everything you've wanted to do but couldn't do because of your weight and how that feels

2. a list of your dreams, and wishes for you and your daughter and how that feels

Now, which one do you want to feel for the rest of your life??

Have you decided yet?

I thought so.

See you on "The Losers' Bench", my friend.