I have been scheduled for Gastric Bypass Surgery on June 6th. I have read all kinds of books and researched online about this surgery. Until recently I was very excited and confident. Now that I am getting closer to the date, I getting really scared. I live in North Dakota. There are no support groups anywhere near me. I have to lose weight so that I can get my knees fixed so I have to do this, but just scared.

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Welcome! This can be a great support group. The people are friendly and helpful and have lots of varied experience that they are willing to share!

I have been scheduled for Gastric Bypass Surgery on June 6th. I have read all kinds of books and researched online about this surgery. Until recently I was very excited and confident. Now that I am getting closer to the date, I getting really scared. I live in North Dakota. There are no support groups anywhere near me. I have to lose weight so that I can get my knees fixed so I have to do this, but just scared.
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Most of us have been in your shoes! This forum is great because you meet people that are experiencing the same thing. Its ok to be scared, but don't let it deter your decision. Before you know it, your surgery will be over and off to recovery you go. Allow yourself to vent... we'll listen. You can do this [emoji4][emoji6]

HW: 256
SW: 238(4/25/18)
CW: 226
GW: 165

Another midwesterner here (Wisconsin)! I get what you are saying Harleymama11. I'm scared as he** too, but then I ask myself what my alternative is. I've played this game before (drop some weight, gain it back and more) and I always lose. I can push it off and let my health deteriorate more (and it will... that's why they call obesity a chronic disease) or I can do this now and be on the road to recovery and better things. You're doing this for you, to be healthy. You CAN do it :-)

Surgery is May 23 and I got scared for the first time yesterday. I guess because it's getting real. You are not alone if that's any consolation.

On ‎05‎/‎15‎/‎2018 at 5:01 PM, Harleymama11 said:

I have been scheduled for Gastric Bypass Surgery on June 6th. I have read all kinds of books and researched online about this surgery. Until recently I was very excited and confident. Now that I am getting closer to the date, I getting really scared. I live in North Dakota. There are no support groups anywhere near me. I have to lose weight so that I can get my knees fixed so I have to do this, but just scared.

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Can I ask you what specifically scares you? I can try and ease your fears but it's hard when I don't know what scares you. There is very little risk associated with the surgery itself. If your fear is around whether you can conform to the program afterwards, only *you* know if you are ready. Have you hit your rock bottom with dieting and trying to loose weight the "conventional" way?

I promise you, my only regret was not doing this sooner!

Harleymama11 maybe I also can help with your fears, climb on my virtual lap anytime you want. I am 72, anticipating my own RnY surgery within the next month or so. In the last few years I have had both a son and my husband die, so death does not frighten me. You'll have to consider how much healthier you'll be without obesity. Obesity over the years wore out my joints, made me short of breath, slowed my moments, tried stomping my spirit into the ground, now I'm trying regain control back,of my . life And I find I want to spend my remaining years not looking,like Bip the Michelin Tire Man's twin sister. I have had enough sadness already so,i figure the next part will be the best part of life. And I want to hang around and see it. Why don't you join me in this bumpy thumpy journey????

Can I ask you what specifically scares you? I can try and ease your fears but it's hard when I don't know what scares you. There is very little risk associated with the surgery itself. If your fear is around whether you can conform to the program afterwards, only *you* know if you are ready. Have you hit your rock bottom with dieting and trying to loose weight the "conventional" way?
I promise you, my only regret was not doing this sooner!

I have had a lot of surgical complications with wounds not healing properly in the past. I don't think I will have much problem conforming to the diet. I just worry about complications. I have done a lot of research so I pretty much know the good and the bad.

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Harleymama11 maybe I also can help with your fears, climb on my virtual lap anytime you want. I am 72, anticipating my own RnY surgery within the next month or so. In the last few years I have had both a son and my husband die, so death does not frighten me. You'll have to consider how much healthier you'll be without obesity. Obesity over the years wore out my joints, made me short of breath, slowed my moments, tried stomping my spirit into the ground, now I'm trying regain control back,of my . life And I find I want to spend my remaining years not looking,like Bip the Michelin Tire Man's twin sister. I have had enough sadness already so,i figure the next part will be the best part of life. And I want to hang around and see it. Why don't you join me in this bumpy thumpy journey?[emoji13][emoji10][emoji12]

Thanks.

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Thank you everyone. I appreciate the support.

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On ‎05‎/‎19‎/‎2018 at 7:12 PM, Harleymama11 said:

I have had a lot of surgical complications with wounds not healing properly in the past. I don't think I will have much problem conforming to the diet. I just worry about complications. I have done a lot of research so I pretty much know the good and the bad.

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Surgical complications and infections post op are legitimate fears. However, can be significantly reduced with the right diet, wound care, and doctor follow up. I'd express these concerns with your surgeon before the big day. Let him know that you've not healed properly in the past, and maybe he will take extra precautions.

Hi I'm in Dickinson and I'm actually looking to have a gastric sleeve done and scared as well. I'm looking to have it done in Bismarck and I know there's Dr helbling and Dr Dewing but I haven't decided which one and I'm trying to decide which ones probably the better surgeon. Just wanted to see what your thoughts were and how you been.

Hi Aileen. I had my surgery in Fargo. I don't know any of the surgeons in Bismarck. I am doing well since surgery. No problems. Very glad I had it done. Pain wasn't bad for me. I would recommend Dr. Luis Garcia in Fargo. He is awesome.

I am considering Dr Garcia but the drive for follow-up and all is much further.

He is by far the best and I believe he is well worth the drive.

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I completely feel your pain. I am getting very close myself and am feeling fear. I've never had a major surgery though so I think it kind of comes with the territory.