Half-Ton Mom!!?!!

angel96049 · January 2, 2010

So I was doing fine up until this point. I'm 3 days away from my surgery and the freak out has begun!

Last night my man and I were sitting on the couch relaxing and watching tv. There was an interesting show on about a Half-Ton Mom and her journey through obesity and her fight to get weight loss surgery. Well, she pleaded for help to get weight loss surgery and finally a specialist in gastric bypass offered to help her. The surgery was a little rough because of her weight but she made it through...but two days later she has a heart attack out of no where and dies!!! She was only 29 years old with two daughters.:crying:

I was sooo sad, and my man was clearly upset asking 50 questions. The whole time I was trying to reassure him I was getting more scared. I had a very hard time sleeping last night, I just couldn't stop thinking about it! I mean, what if?????????????????

Tiffykins · January 2, 2010

There is always a "what if" with any surgery, even just a simple tonsil removal can have complications.

You have to remember that particular woman, weighed 900 pounds, was bed bound, and her heart was stressed severely from the excess fat that encased her heart.

Complications happen, but you have to trust your surgeon. They knew about her heart issues, so the heart attack was NOT out of nowhere. You have to know that your surgeon is doing all the pre-op testing for a specific reason. They are looking for indicators that may lead to a complication.

I know it is a nervous process, but honestly what are your long term risks of being obese for the rest of your life? For me, those risks outweighed the risks of surgery.

i1Linda · January 2, 2010

Well put Tiffany. There are risks and benefits with every surgery, procedure, and every medication we put in our body. With our doctors help, we have to decide if the benefits outweigh the risks. But don't forget that caring an extra 50-100+ pounds is a risk factor for just about every major illness (cancer, heart disease, diabetes - just to name a few). For me, the huge benefit of having WLS and losing my excess weight FAR exceeded the risks of the procedure itself. Good luck with your journey. Take a deep breath, everything will be fine. Just a few more days and you will be on your way to a healthier you.

angel96049 · January 2, 2010

I know that there is always a chance of complications. I have weighed out all my pros and cons as to whether or not to get surgery and ofcourse I made the choice to go ahead with it. I think it is only natural to have a little fear beforehand. I guess I was just looking for some understanding, compassion, and positive reinforcement...thanks everyone!

Deb · January 2, 2010

I do understand! I just had this done Tues and I was so afraid....mostly wondering if I was making the right decision. I sounded like a whiney tail! Fears are normal. As far as the "what if" we need to always be ready to go in case we go Home. One of my goals for this year is to try to live closer to Jesus than I ever have. That said, you are not in nearly the shape that lady was in. It is a shame she had to wait sooo long to fine someone to help her. I have seen that and it is sad. Iam just 4 days out now and though I am a little tired today, I am doing soooo good. I have been to see my daughter, gone to lowes and Wal greens and cooked chile for the family. It is really amazing....oh yes and I have lost 11 pounds since Tues.

i1Linda · January 2, 2010

We are all a bit scared - it's surgery. I got a bit freaked out before knee surgery last month. It's completely normal. I can't imagine watching THAT program right before WLS. I would have a major freak out - I tend to worry about things. Hang in there - you're almost there. :crying:

thinoneday · January 2, 2010

So I was doing fine up until this point. I'm 3 days away from my surgery and the freak out has begun!

Last night my man and I were sitting on the couch relaxing and watching tv. There was an interesting show on about a Half-Ton Mom and her journey through obesity and her fight to get weight loss surgery. Well, she pleaded for help to get weight loss surgery and finally a specialist in gastric bypass offered to help her. The surgery was a little rough because of her weight but she made it through...but two days later she has a heart attack out of no where and dies!!! She was only 29 years old with two daughters.:crying:

I was sooo sad, and my man was clearly upset asking 50 questions. The whole time I was trying to reassure him I was getting more scared. I had a very hard time sleeping last night, I just couldn't stop thinking about it! I mean, what if?????????????????

Oh yeah, I saw that show. . . i ask myself everytime why do we do that to ourselves? I am 5 days out and guess what? I went shopping! Not far just to HEB for week 2 stuff doctor told me to get. . . loves my doctor, i get to eat string cheese next week and fat free yogurt! much better then popsicles Water, Jello, and tea. . . freeze to death. . . the pain isn't bad anymore, you have to really put your confidence into the doctors. . . this was my 18th surgery and yes I was all freaked and everything too but it's normal. . on the day of the surgery i just waltzed in and got it done. . . other then they couldn't start the IV and had to start a central line every thing went great! I was up and about the next day. . . yes, i felt like a freight train hit me, but i had to do what doctor told me and that was walk, walk, walk, . . . i couldn't tolerate liquids at all, but he said at that point it was ok, i had IV fluids going. . . then on day 3 i showered, washed hair, got all the tubes, staples, and IV's out and that afternoon went home. . . you'll be ok. . . it's not easy, its a major surgery and you feel really gross. . . I was saying that I wished there could be a trial test to see if you'd like the sleeve or not? Thats wishful thinking huh?????? But after a week, you'll feel good. . . your going to learn what tiny tummy is saying. . . it'll be ok! Good luck you'll be fine!

Tiffykins · January 3, 2010

I know that there is always a chance of complications. I have weighed out all my pros and cons as to whether or not to get surgery and ofcourse I made the choice to go ahead with it. I think it is only natural to have a little fear beforehand. I guess I was just looking for some understanding, compassion, and positive reinforcement...thanks everyone!

Nerves are completely normal. I don't think anyone could walk into surgery and not have some degree of nervousness.

Just remember, you're doing something fabulous for yourself, your future, and your family.