male only Hardest thing I ever did.

[chubbsey1 126]

Now I know we're supposed to be positive and the support here is awesome, but I wrote farewell letters to my two boys and my wife just in case ya' know? I know it's a safe procedure and I know the stats are in my favor but better safe than sorry I guess. Now I've seen some rough things in life and I've made some tough choices but that was probably the toughest thing I've ever had to do. I guess I'm trying to come to terms with my decision with my surgery which is rapidly approaching on the 17th or maybe it's my empty belly from the pre op diet talkin' . Just curious anyone else do this or am I just nuts? Thanks for listening friends.

[Babbs 14,681]

You're having major surgery. It's always good to be prepared in case something happens. I didn't write letters, but made sure my living will and estate items were in order. I just made sure I told each and everyone I loved them before the surgery

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

I've seen several men here do this. Women, not so much. Not sure why the difference.

[*Lexie* 1,486]

Yep, you're crazy. Just kidding. I think it's normal. I heard 2 stats before my surgery that gave me some peace of mind.

First one was that someone's doctor told them that they have a greater chance of dying on the way to the hospital in a car accident than during surgery. Not sure if that is an official stat but it made me realize that I don't freak out every time I get behind the wheel of the car even though each time is technically a risk.

Second, my surgeon said that mortality rates for WLS were lower than knee surgery. That made me feel better too.

I hope this helped and if it didn't, just know that as soon as surgery is over, you won't be worried about it anymore. Hang in there!

[catdaddy 232]

No I haven't. You hear of soldiers doing it prior to going into war. I did four years in Iraq as a contractor and never thought about it. I did make a decision to not tell my family about the war raging around me. I always told them nothing was happening around me. They were happy with that until I came home and let them know the real stories. That's when I knew I made the right decision to keep them in the dark.

I guess I'm saying if you want to write a letter do it. I knew the risk going into the surgery but I didn't want to worry my family and I clearly informed them everything was going to be fine. I advice that to you.

[JamieLogical 8,727]

We risk our lives every day, so I just try to make sure all of my loved ones know how much they are loved all of the time. I always make sure that "I love you" are the last words I say to any of my family members on the phone or in person when we are parting so I can be confident that my last words to that person were "I love you". I can't tell you how much peace it has brought me knowing those were my last words to my grandparents, my sister-in-law, and my niece before I lost them.

[Shortierock 10]

I go in on the 17th as well, I have a husband and children too. I was told to start my liquid diet today... I am to lose 12-16 lbs it seems very impossible. I would say that you are not crazy for thinking that way and writing the letters to your family.

[chubbsey1 126]

As always thanks for the support friends.

[chubbsey1 126]

@ Shortierock, me too just curious what Protein Shakes are you using?

[MegKangwa 1]

I am just starting my weight loss journey. I decided months ago I would do this for my two kids. You never know what could happen.

[CowgirlJane 14,260]

I did the same thing. My surgery was December 11 2011 and I gave those farewell letters to my sons for Christmas!

In Sept 2013, I wrote farewell letters before plastic surgery which i entrusted with a dear friend. She nervously dumped coffee all over them when I was in a long day of surgery - she told me she knew I was going to be fine since the letters were a gonner..haha

It is normal to be scared to death. It is almost all you can think about, but go in with confidence that you will be fine and have a trimmer, healthier YOU to look forward to!

[chubbsey1 126]

@ Cowgirljane thank you I like the Christmas gift idea.

[Shortierock 10]

I use skim milk with whey Protein 1 scoop or our protein today was my first day it fell so weird it's easier when I'm at work than home hope I meet my weight lost goal by the 13th when they weigh me

[chubbsey1 126]

^^^ thanks and good luck.

[Big Guy 77 11]

My surgery is 2/25. I plan on writing notes to my family as well. I don't think there's anything strange about it.