Pre-op/Step in the right direction

May 8, 2001

Hi everyone,

I'm still pre-pre-op, but I just had something happen tonight that I wanted to

share with you. I was talking to my brother tonight and we discussed the

obstructive sleep apnea I was just diagnosed with and out of the blue my brother

said, " I don't know if I should bring this up, but have you thought about the

surgery Carnie had or is that too drastic for you ? " Wow, all I could say

was I was dumbfounded as I'd been really nervous about bringing this up with my

family. So, I proceeded to explain that actually, no, it wasn't too drastic for

me and I did plan to have weight loss surgery in September after I switched

insurance companies, but not the one Carnie had. I explained I was going

to have a surgery called the BPD/DS which I considered better than the RNY as it

gave me a smaller, but fully functioning stomach, etc. I went into the details

about the surgery as well as my choice of doctor and why I chose that doctor,

etc. His response was, 'It sounds like you've really researched this and then

you'll be able to go horse back riding like you enjoy or take up snow boarding

if you want, plus I know how you like fashion, so you'll have more choices in

general (the fashion part is obviously not important, but it's true and I wanted

to give the full quote *grin*)..What astounded me was that the brother I think

is a pain in the a$$ most of the time and who's 5'11 120 lbs actually

*understands and supports my decision to have surgery*.

For those of you who maybe reluctant to tell your family because you're worried

about their reaction, this may be a reason to give them the benefit of the doubt

and tell them anyway, especially when they realize how informed you are about

the surgery. This doesn't mean blurt it out if you know they're going to make

your life hell or cause you more worry, of course. I know both my Mum, Dad and

other brother will be worrywarts so I'm not going to tell them until closer to

my consult, but I will explain it to them and I just feel good knowing at least

one person (whose ribs are sticking out no less!) understands and supports my

decision to have BPD/DS.

Thanks for letting me share

Anita

Pre-pre-op in Denver

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