I think we all had a doubt or two. Hugs!

Just remember you son will have a new mom and this new mom will have all kinds of energy to take care of him. I'm so glad I had it and wish now I would have done it years ago. Saying a prayer for you.
Francis

I just wanted you to know that I had the surgery on may 7th and one of the reasons that I did it was to be able to live longer to care for my son. I have a nine year old son with autism and we are faced with the realization that he may never live on his own, and I want to make sure that I am healthy enough to be there for him as long as he needs me or for as long as I am able. You are doing the right thing, and for the right reasons. I have 3 younger kids (5 and 7) and I didn't really explain anything about the hospital to any of them, just said that I needed to be away for a couple days and that I would talk to them on the phone each night. I did not want them to worry. I explained it a little more when I returned,, mainly to explain the soreness and why they could not clmb on me, I answered their questions as they showed interest but did not go into to any more info that what they were asking for, and in their terms. If you are anything like me, you are the one closest to your son and you will find the best way to tell him what he needs to hear in the right way for him.

You can do it! :-)

I think its typical for us to second guess ourselves especially when it come to taking care of us. As a mom i always found me being put last because i had to take care of the family.

But as i have gotten older i have come to realize that it is time to take care of me for a change.

Your son will be amazingly surprised in his own way when he realizes that mom has more energy and ability to do things with him.

Its okay to doubt ourselves, but remember this will make an amazing change in your life forever.

I just want to address the shame we have all felt at not being able to take off the extra weight on our own. Obesity is such an insidious thing!! I have always been seen as a driven personhigh energy, smart, determined, perfectionist in most thingsbut I could never get control of my weight. So, in my 30sI gave up. If I couldnt do it right, I didnt want to play the game any more. I didnt realize that without me continuing to fight, my weight would grow from 180 to over 300 lbs! When I re-engaged and tried to get back to a healthy weight, it felt like an impossible task. I hated myself for being a failure in this area of my life. I hated that I lied to myself every time I committed to a new diet and didnt stick to it. I hated that everyone could see that I was out of control.

The reality is that at least 95% of all diets fail. For those of us who become morbidly obese or super-morbidly obese, the statistics are even worse. Metabolic syndrome sets in and our bodies are programmed to stay obese. Even when we can manage to take off 30-50 lbs, the minute we relax those pounds come backand bring friends!! It is proven fact that surgical intervention gives the obese and super-morbidly obese the best chance of taking the weight off and keeping it off for the rest of our lives. GBS and the Sleeve re-set our metabolism. We finally get to work with our bodies rather than against them.

My psychologist gave me the following analogy (and I love a good analogy!!)trying to lose a significant amount of weight is like trying to roll a large boulder uphill it is possible, but it takes an intense effort for a prolonged period of time and it requires all a persons attention and energy. After WLS, you still have to roll that boulderbut now you get to roll it on level ground. It still takes work, but it is much easier and does not require such a singular focus. It becomes do-able.

Please dont be ashamed that you couldnt do it on your own. No one really loses significant amounts of weight on their own somewhere, they have a tool. On the other hand, anyone who loses significant amounts of weight has to pick up whatever tool they are using and do the deal on their own. Short of a feeding tube, everyone has to make choices and do the work.

Personally, I am so glad I live in a day and age where GBS was available. I survived super-morbid obesity. With help or without help, it doesnt matter. I am finally healthy. That, my friend, is what is important!!

JJ

JJ, You Rock! What amazing words of wisdom. Thank you for sharing and helping those of us just starting this journey.

Hi. I had those same doubts about 2 months ago. Wasn't sure I should do it. I think we all go through that. Then I got excited again. But last week when the surgeons office called to schedule my pre-op appt with the surgeon, my heart sunk with panic. It tokk about 24 hours to get out of that mode and then I was ecstatic that my time was about to come.
You will get over that wavering, I believe. Remember this will be the best thing that you can give your son, because you will be healthier and feel better and more ableto do the things with your son that you can now.
I wish you all the best. I'm here if you want or need to talk. debby

Such words of WISDOM...Youre good for my soul JJ!!!!
Thanks !