Profile: Noel P Surgery: Surgery date scheduled Forest City, PA, USA Personal Comments I am a 32 year old homemaker, married to the love of my life, and raising his three children ages 8, 12 and 15. My life is blessed with a great support system of friends and family. I have achieved all my personal goals in life, except for one. Ever since I was 6 years old and my baby brother was born, I knew I wanted to be a mother. Growing up, when asked what I wanted to be when I was older, I always answered "a mom"! Once my husband and I were married for a few years, financially secure and bought our own home, it was time for us to bring a beautiful baby into our lives. With years of infertility visits, and countless numbers of dollars, we were finally told that it was close to impossible for me to have children, with one of the biggest factors being my weight. I was devistated. A few months later, we got the wonderful gift of his three children coming to live with us. It was so great to have that full-time parenting responsiblity. I love his children as if they were my own, although that feeling I have longed for, to be called "mommy" was still eating away at me. Then I heard about the gastric bypass, and how so many women who couldn't have children before, were successful at it after surgery. Could I really do something so drastic? Especially when it was only a "maybe" that I would get pregnant. Well, let me tell you, I did my research. I went to two doctors before meeting Dr. Peters, and I just didn't feel comfortable. But Dr. Peters was different. He was very thorough and definately didn't sugarcoat things. He put it out there straight and left the decision of whether or not I was ready up to me. I told him about my want to get pregant, and he was honest in saying that he couldn't make me any promises. But when he talked about all the other reasons why the surgery is a good idea, it really made sense. Being fat could literally take years off of my life. And even if I never have a child of my own, I still have those three wonderful step-children who need me around. Living a longer life just makes sense. So I decided in August 2004 that I was ready. Only two months later, I recieved a letter in the mail with a surgery date. November 15...it was so soon, I couldn't believe it! I was so nervous, but also, so excited! That is when my journey began. For the next few weeks, I ran to all the appointments. Pulmonary tests, EGD, blood work, X-rays, the dietician...and my personal favorite, the Stress test! That was absolutely horrible! It should be called "it will cause you stress test". But, being the big chicken I am, I took comfort in just being able to complete all of these tests, and it really put my mind at ease. Now, here I am one week away from surgery and I am so thrilled. Of course I wish I could fast forward a few months when all the pain is over with. I'm also worried about all the mental and emotional abuse I will put myself through. I'm FAT for a reason...I love to eat! But I keep in mind that I am doing this to have a better life, and it puts a smile on my face. Of course, I hope in a few years that I'm writing about being pregnant, but for now, I will just live one day at a time. Surgeon Info: William S. Peters (Peckville, PA) Insurer Info: bluecross