ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass and Lap Band® Forum - View Single Post

MiladyB · 10-03-2007, 05:44 AM

Like everyone said, it is normal to feel scared. Who isn't scared of the unknown, the "what if's". We've all gone through it. We all know what it means to fail at something but you can get past this. Try to not let your emotions and fears run the show. For now the best thing you can do is keep getting knowledge, ask your surgeon ALOT of questions...go with them all written down. Find out his mortality/complication rate. If he has had patients die what was the cause of their death? How many surgeries has he done. Does he do LAP and if so how many of those has he done? What are the potiential complications during the surgery, soon after and years down the line. If you are considering the RNY have him/her explain the malabsorption end of it? How will this surgery change the way that you have to live the rest of your life? What are the hospitals mortality/complicaton rates? You want to make sure you are not involved only with a good surgeon but a good hospital who understands bariatric care.

Knowledge brings with it strength and peace...at least it did in my situation.

You have to remember that your obesity IS killing you. That is an undeniable fact and that the gift of this surgery can change your life, extend it and bring health but it isn't a magic bullet and there IS the potential of complications. I did a lot of research ahead of time and looked honestly at where my life was MO and the "what if's" that could happen if I did have this surgery or if I didn't and then made what I felt was the best choice for me.

Like Bridget said, this surgery is a gift....SO many people are turned down and it honestly deeply saddens me but it also makes me appreciate SO much the gift I have received....hell week, hell months, pain, anger, dumping, foamies, hormones and all....there is nothing that feels so good as being able to live LIFE!