Hi, my name is Sammie. I am having this operation on July 16th. I am scared to death. My family is begging me not to have it done. Is there any information you can give me to calm my fear? I am 4'11 and weigh 196# They say I am morbidly obese. I would appreciate any support you can give.
Thanks...Sammie

If not read it first and pay special attention to the lab results listed at the bottom. I don't know how old you are but the younger the better as far as preventing health problems that WILL come with the excess weight. You will see I was lucky at 54 to be able to reverse many things that would have robbed me of my quality of life until my weight killed me or I got hit by a truck {:-) I have reached a point of strength, feeling good, and energy that I
can't remember ever in my life. I am about 30 #s from my goal, but if I knew it would never get any better than it is right now I would still do it again tomorrow morning without any fear or hesitation. My life is fun for the first time ever. I suffer from clinical depression and even that is better because my entire "being" is better.
My 82 year old Mother was against the surgery until I sat down with her and fully explained the gastric bypass procedure and my feelings of despair and what I could see for my future as I got heavier and sicker. I don't think she ever really wanted me to have it but she understood my position and stepped back. Today she marvels at the new me and expresses how good the surgery has been for me.
One fellow had a good idea when he faced opposition - He took his friend to the grocery store and went straight to the pet food department and had his friend pick up two 25# bags of dog food, one under each arm. His friend, being the cool guy he was, said "hey this is no problem". The over weight guy responded with " now follow me around the store while I shop for this week's groceries. Well the skinny guy gave out long before all the
groceries were gathered up and the fat guy reminded him that he was carrying less than 1/2 the excess weight that he carried 24 hours a day. This guy also took his friend's pulse and blood pressure which were highly elevated after his "test."
I carried my weight well and it was hard for some of my friends to believe I was nearly 300#s. One friend commented that she couldn't believe I was going to mutilate myself that way. Her husband got all my first batch of "under grown" clothes, my XXXL shirts and 50 waist pants. I am in L shirts and 38-40 waist pants now. You can't believe the thrill of shopping for clothes and finding out that the size you thought you were is too big.
This really happened to me the other day for the first time in my life. I shop at thrift stores like Goodwill now as I am changing sizes downward every couple of months. I actually feel good in my clothes now for the first time ever.
Your family may use the argument that you are being selfish for
doing this....since when it is selfish to want to have a long and healthy life? The reality is that often friends and family are the ones that are selfish. This is for many reasons such as Not wanting you to be thinner than them, afraid you will be more independent and not have to rely on them as much ( a control issue ), you will develop a larger circle of friends, will not
love them as much or anymore, and their own insecurities.
If you are a younger lady there are added benefits in the area of
monthly cycles and fertility.
Hope this has been of help. Don't hesitate to e-mail again and feel
free to ask ANY questions you want to.

bill

----- Follow up Message -----
From: "sammie"

Thanks Bill. I am 29 years old. Everyone says that this surgery is so risky, but I just want to feel good again. Thanks again...Sammie