When you researched to find your doctor...

[ashleymarie1985]

When I researched Dr. Almanza I kind of got a little scared. I chose him because a friend of mine had him as her surgeon last April and said she never regretted it for a second. Plus I'm meeting up with someone else the same day of surgery so I don't feel so alone.

When I read "I almost died" or "another death following weight loss surgery" etc. on google searching... it worried me a bit and wondered if I should go through with it. I believe it all depends on the persons health. I guess I'm just having usual thoughts of doing this. My surgery date with Dr. Almanza is in 2 weeks.

Please tell me I'm going to be fine!! LOL

- Ashley

[Pam G]

I absolutely understand where you're coming from! any surgery is scary.

Granted, some surgeries are riskier than others, but I think the things that kill people the most are anesthesia complications and post-surgical infections.

I've had colonoscopies, EGD's and a couple of joint tendon repairs. After the first time I ever 'went under' and had trouble waking up afterwards, I knew I was super sensitive to anesthesia. so, from then on, I always made sure the anesthesiologist knew this about me before we went back to the OR. Never had a problem with waking up since.

The surgeon that did my shoulder had me scrub the shoulder with Cetophil and leave it on for a few minutes every day for the 3 days before surgery. I went ahead and did that for my elbow surgery, too. I'll do it again to my big ole belly, when I get my sleeve, too.

It never hurts to get as healthy as you can get before surgery....take all your vitamins, eat/drink healthy stuff....you know the drill.

Good luck! I'm excited to hear all about your experience!

[SweetCaroline]

Like you, I'm concerned about the risks - but there is one thing that I do know for sure: I will die from fat related illnesses if I don't do something drastic to change my health now. While I have no comorbidity issues right now, it's only a matter of time.
I guess its just which risk you want to take for your life. I'm taking the risk of surgery so I can hopefully have a much longer, happier, and fuller life (because I can walk, breathe, play, get-up off the floor, etc.).

(That doesn't stop me from being afraid, I just am more afraid to go through life feeling the way I do right now).


***AND we are both going to be fine

[shymamichula]

Awe guys I'm so scared and nervous, you just made me tear up. Sweet Caroline those are beautiful encouraging words I wish I was having my surgery with you. You hit it right on the nose. I'd rather take a risk and live a normal healthy life than to keep gaining weight and taking more medication.