Nervous about "What if's"

[Born2Bfree]

I know I shouldn't be concerned about "what if's" and I can't live my life thinking about "what if's"...
But...What if I need the portion of my stomach that is removed later in my life?? Horrible things like stomach esophageal cancer, or have some illness or injury that would require greater nutrtional intake. Am I the only one that thinks these things??? Maybe it's the nurse in me...

[ambercard]

I thought the same thing about an illness, and that's why I decided against bypass. but if you did have an illness that required greater nutritional intake you would most likely have to drink most of your calories.

[midnight]

Think about your heart and the stress you will be taking off of it and you infidelity body!!!!!

[LadyLacey]

No, I wonder the same exact things. I think that God made our stomachs a certain size so that's how it should remain. Then again, I seriously need to lose weight. I just recently decided to do this so yes I still have tons of questions & yes I'm freaking out!!

I know I shouldn't be concerned about "what if's" and I can't live my life thinking about "what if's"...
But...What if I need the portion of my stomach that is removed later in my life?? Horrible things like stomach esophageal cancer, or have some illness or injury that would require greater nutrtional intake. Am I the only one that thinks these things??? Maybe it's the nurse in me...

[LadyLacey]

Think about your heart and the stress you will be taking off of it and you infidelity body!!!!!

Then I see things like this.. It's so bitter sweet!

[tlwebb]

I truly believe that God didn't make my stomach this size but through my overindulging I did this to myself [maybe a little Satin involved). Having to go through thepain I am today is my own doing and I believe He is giving me a way to stop killing myself one bite at a time.

[yankegal]

I guess we all worry about the what if's! but what if we dont get the surgery and we have complications from all our weight, co-morbidities etc... I did the same as you. but I got through it. the day of surgery I said I need to relax and let things happen. I was perfectly fine after surgery, all the worries were now behind me and my new life has now begun. I am 8 mo out and have never looked back!! good luck to you and remember we all worry about the what if's!!!

[jazziejasmine]

I also worried, cried, second-guessed myself prior to surgery. Heck, two days before my scheduled surgery I almost called it quits but then I reminded myself that I would never forgive myself if I didn't go through with it. Even the day of surgery as they were walking me into the operating room I was nervous and crying but the anesthesiologist took good care of me and knocked me out right away after checking to see if I was ok. I regretted the surgery the first couple of days just because those are the worst but now 11-1/2 weeks later I'm so glad I did this. My children were my first reason for this surgery and then myself (I know that's backwards but I'm a loving mother) and now I know I will be there through everything with them. And if God intends to take me in another manner, it's not up to me anyways!

[leamarieb]

I think there are always what-if's with everything. For me, any what-if's about the surgery disappeared when my brother was diagnosed with leukemia two months before I was originally scheduled for surgery. He's super active, eats really well, takes great care of himself, and wham. Luckily, it was his high level of health & fitness that got him through the treatments and is helping him get through the transplant process. I couldn't help but think "what if that had been me?" The shape I was in... I probably would not have done very well with any of it. That was my last what-if, and when having the surgery became an absolute for me - there was no way I'd be backing out on the opportunity to finally - once and for all - get myself in good enough shape to live a healthy rest of my life, however long that may be (and I do hope it's a loooong time)!!

I'll deal with whatever comes my way in the future, and as I've learned, dealing is a whole lot easier when you are fit and healthy to start with.

[yankegal]

Lea, well said!!! I couldn't agree with you more. we are all dealt a hand and its how we play it that counts!!! congrats to you and your journey!!!

[Born2Bfree]

Thank you all for the input. Sometimes I just need to hear other's thoughts and view points.

[compact]

These are good questions and there are some great answers here. I work in health too -- sometimes we know too much about the rare and disastrous things -- occupational hazard. I worried about being a thin little old lady. But you know what? I'd rather be a thin little old lady than a fat one who never stops complaining about her hips and knees..
Cancer of the oesophagus and stomach is very very rare, I am grateful to say. Diabetes, heart failure, ischaemic heart disease, osteoarthritis.. you know all of those things obesity puts us at high risk for -- these are not rare at all.
There is risk involved in the surgery. For many years it meant I would not consider surgery and was, in fact, militantly opposed to it. I do not qualify for health insurance until early next year so I am taking more than a year to research and think about the surgery. But if I had the opportunity to do it sooner, I would.
Best wishes for your journey,
Nel

[Born2Bfree]

Very good point. Thank you Nel. Guess I've always been a "over thinker".

[BCmomabear]

I so appreciate hearing about everyboy's fears, as they are mine as well. However, I am doubling down on the "what if's", as my 19 you daughter is having the GS as well. We have both battled all our lives, but at 19 her situation is worse than mine ever was. I have spent HOURS exploring the internet finding what I hope to be a safe, optimal situation. It is one thing to choose to put myself at risk, however, it is more stressful to advocate the surgery for my daughter as well. I think the best endorsement for having the surgery is that both our family doctors and her gastroenterologist have been VERY supportive of the decision. My doctor is actually excited for me, and says that I am an excellent candidate. I thought she would be concerned that I was going to Mexico, but she was not. She also thinks we will benefit by going through all the change and transition together. As her BMI is 54%, she needs to make dietary modifications 4 weeks prior to surgery. My BMI is 45%, and I technically onlt need to do a 2 week prep. However, we'll do the 4 week prep together for solidarity!!

At a certain point, we all need to shift to a place where we know that the "what ifs" are not contributing to our sucess, and that we are over thinking the whole thing. It's like any other major life committment... marriage, babies, starting your own business, ect. After doing due diligance, we need to shift to the place were we are goal focused and ignore any more "what ifs". This is why I have told only a few, select people, and am not telling anyone else. I do not need to listen to their "what ifs". My daughter and I are going on "a road trip" at the end of June to celebrate her completing her first year at university. This is the greatest gift we can both recieve! I will not let the "what ifs" throw me off course. We're on a mission here people!!!!!!

[yankegal]

I remember when I had my surgery, there was a lady, her husband, daughter, and another family member that all had their surgery at the sametime. I thought wow! but they all came out fine. Best of luck to you and your daughter.