Congratulations! I'm happy for you as well and I hope your life is blessed beyond measure as you discover the 'new you' :-) I was recently approved as well and and after the initial shock, excitement and surprise...it hit me that I'm actually going through with it. Now, I'm feeling nervous and a little afraid. Did anyone else experience this? If so, how did you deal with it? I'm definitely going through with the surgery. After all, I practically fought tooth and nail to get approved and goodness knows I want get off all the medication and live a better life...but I'm kind of down on myself for even getting to the point where surgery is even necessary. This is the first time I'll undergo 'elective' surgery and I'm experiencing all kinds of emotions.

Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you. This is what you've been working for. It has been the object since you started. You have been an inspiration and support for all of us since you came here and now it is our turn to be there for you. I am ecstatic for you and your new life! You are a beautiful human and a sister of my heart. I would truly love to be your friend, in truth! We don't live near each other, but, I feel a connection.

Claire your words and the well wishes from everyone has really brought tears to my eyes. I am who I am by the grace of God and I genuinely love people. I know what its like to be alone, I know what its like to be ridiculed and even how lonely it can be sometimes even in the midst of a crowd. God has given me the gift of compassion and i thank him for allowing me to reach out and positively affect the lives of others. I know i will need some down time and need to depend on others through this - sometimes its hard for fear of rejection but i've even made strides with that - so thank you for letting me know that you are here for me, it is beyond appreciated. Love to all of you.

Onmyway2013:

Please know that you are not alone. After all of the euphoria wore off last night - I cried in my pillow. Some of it was fear, anxiety and emotions I didn't even recognize. The enemy tried to attack me and for a few minutes i truly wanted to run and hide but like you I've been to the hills and back trying to make this happen and I did not come this far to turn back now and neither have you. I am expecting my phone to ring anytime between tomorrow and Monday with my date and then I will probably pass out from sheer joy. I don't know how else to put this other than to say " I am beyond ready."

I have looked at every ones before and after pictures over the past few months, I've read the threads, tried my hand at encouraging those already on the path of weight loss to keep going, I've smiled, cheered and cried each time someone experiences a NSV and I've longed incredibly hard for the day to come when it would be me. And now it is so close I can reach out and touch it.

So you asked is anyone experiencing the same anxiety you are - you bet your bottom dollar I am. Am I scared?, well yes!!! You would seriously have to check my pulse if I wasn't. Do I lay awake at night and question whether I will be that person who fails at loosing the weight, yep that is me too. Do I question my choice to have the surgery? After everything I've been through in my life do I dare to dream of the freedom and happiness the weight loss surgery is offering me - Yes I do because it is my time to shine. I, Tami Lynn Hepbourn have taken care of everybody my whole entire life, it is time to wooosahhhhhhh and do me. As Diana Ross but it "It's my turn"

I am unequivocally certain that this is what I need to do in order to be healthy. I am tired of going to sleep and waking up in pain, not being able to walk without shortness of breath, living with the limitations put on my life by being obese - so i am going to take this bull by the horns and run with it trusting God with every fiber of my being.

Remember, God did not put us on this earth to live with limitations and not experience true joy and happiness. It is his gift to us embrace it.

In case no one told you today "You are loved and you can do this" be encourage and know that I will be on the sidelines cheering you on!!!

God is good! Let us know when you have an exact date. Will keep you in prayer. Congrats! debby

I just got the chance to read your reply and it made me cry...tears of joy that is:-) I LOVE U THepbourne and my prayer for you is that the inspiration, joy and sincere passion you have shared with everyone be returned to you 10-fold! I hope the journey you're about to embark on brings you more happiness and NSV's than you could have ever hoped for. Stay beautiful and thank you for sharing your light with us here in this forum. You're a blessing and I'm 100% in your corner too - cheering you on every step of the way. God Bless!