Question:
Finally approved after long hard fight, but now I am scared, is this normal?

I have been going back and forth with surgeon's office and insurance since December 2001! Two days ago I received a call from BCBS saying I had been approved! I thought I would be the happiest person in the world, but I am having all the what-if thoughts. I am afraid I will miss my old self, I am afraid I will not be able to do everything my doc says, I'm afraid my family will feel different toward me, and many more fears. It's not like I haven't thought this through, I have been in a program since August 2001. Has anyone else had this problem?    — Cindy T. (posted on April 19, 2002)

April 19, 2002
I am having the same thing happen here. My surgery is scheduled June 4th. I still have 6 weeks and i"m freaking out a bit. Good thing I'm in therapy. I worked for almost 2 years to get my approval and when I got it.. I found it bittersweet. i think we are normal and have to make sure we don't let fear get in the way of our intellectual, well thought out plans. Good luck, email if you like!
   — psychdoc B.

April 20, 2002
hi cindy, being afaid is normal, any surgery can be scary, but you are in the best hands you can ever be in, these dr's know what they are doing, w,l,s, is not a trial procedure anymore, my dr said great advancements were made in the 90's, and this surgery is near perfection,, i had an open r,n,y, november the 2nd,2001, i was 425 pounds, 50 years old and the dr, said i was a stroke or a heart attack waiting to happen,, this surgery wasn't for good looks, through i'll take it, it was to save my life, and i feel it did, today i've lost 140 pounds, feel great and may reach my goal of 180 pounds by years end, believe me you are o.k. but normal,, and you'll be fine, stay happy,, you have great things to look forward too, god bless
   — bruce M.