Cold feet or legitimate feelings?

[apw0 7]

So I went to my pre surgery appt yesterday, and they also require you to attend a surgical/nutrition class. (They also have you take a test at the end of it. hmmmm) I'm listening to the NP, and she's going over everything that will happen during surgery, and your first nite at the hosp. She talked about the central line, and the tube that will go down your nose and into your stomach, and all of these things will be with you when you wake up. She also talked about the possibility of having two drains, and how they will be sutured in, and you will probably go home with them, and they will be removed at your 1 week post op visit. I don't know if I'm having a case of nerves, but I just feel like the VSG is a lot more invasive than I realized. I think I'm having the 'what if's' again. Am I just getting cold feet? I'm really starting to feel like I want to just back out of the whole thing. I feel like I'm being a big baby, and I just need to stop it, and get it together. Or maybe I'm just concentrating on the worst case scenario. I'm starting to think that maybe this is a case of just too much information.

[Gayle 9]

I think you are getting cold feet. When you start to think about the what ifs of what bad could happen think about the facts of it. It rarely happens, and if your surgeon is good it most likely won't happen to you. Also, think about the good things that are more than "what ifs" because they will happen. Think about how you will lose weight and fit into clothes you love and be able to do a lot more things that you want to do! Whatever you do, don't cancel it! Just stick it out, it will be over before you know it.

[ezlsm 1]

I am one week away and although excited and ready, I too, tend to overanalyze things. When I do, I start second guessing the whole thing and lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel. I just keep repeating "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got"! That usually brings me back to reality and the reasons why I started this journey.

[NJMOMof2 17]

Just list all the "what if's" with the risks of your current weight...

As for the drain, it's a pain in the butt but there for a good reason. Yes, the surgery is invasive! You are throwing your stomach in the trash but the health effects (both physically and mentally) outweigh the risks. You can and will get through it and will feel GREAT!!

I was a MESS before surgery. They had to give me medicine to calm me down the morning of surgery. I was hysterical. Now I am almost 11 weeks out, almost 50 pounds down and laugh about it!!!

[snowfie9 6]

All feelings are legitimate. All feelings are valid. The question to be answered is if your fear is rational or irrational.

A little fear is a perfectly rational response to any surgery. But will this surgery fix more problems than it will reasonably create? What are the chances of serious complications? These answers will probably make you feel better about the surgery.

[Foxbins 625]

Quite frankly, the first 48 hours after surgery are a big blur in my mind. Yes, I had a drain. DId it hurt to take it out? No, but it felt peculiar and I felt better when it was gone. Yes, the nurses kept coming in the room to check on me and take by temp and BP. Did I care? No. I was sleepy and doped up and healing. After I came home, I was fine and all those surgical details have faded pretty much entirely and I have lost more weight in eight weeks than I ever have before. Was surgery worth it to me? You bet.

[aaa 3]

I was a complete wreck the first time I went in to have my surgery. I was worried about every possibility going. I didn't sleep for weeks before.

The two days in hospital are a blur. The drain was only in for twelve hours luckily, but all the removals and stitching and injections and taking of blood are nothing. They become like second nature and I was so out of sorts I didn't feel a thing. I knew everything that was happening was to help reduce my pain, so I encouraged it all willingly. I'm sure you'll feel the same. The scariest thing is taking the first step towards surgery, and that's out of the way already!

[apw0 7]

Thank you all so much for your support and encouragement, and especially for keeping me grounded. I may need a bit of medication right before the surgery too, but I do feel much better about it. I've had a host of surgeries in my adult life, and each time, I had to be opened up. Comparatively speaking, this will be a walk in the park. I also went to a support group meeting last night, and they said the same things that everyone has been saying here.

So.....here I go!! I've got 18 days before my surgery, and then I'll be on the loser's bench! YEA!!!!!

So thanks again everyone. And I'm so glad to have all of you be part of my journey.

[cutie0615 0]

Hi, I too am a nervous wreck...I have my follow up visit tomm. and I have completed all the pre op steps that I need to complete. I was thinking of getting the band put back in because that is what I had previously before it slipped and I had to get it removed. Anyway, my best friend got the sleeve in Dec. and she said she couldn't be happier but when I see her eating so little I wonder if I can handle that mentally. I know the point of surgery is not to eat but I still want to eat in moderation and learn to live healthfully. I am so confused. I really don't know what to do...I would also LOVE to get more feedback too.. the other thing I am afraid of is the long term results..I just want to be healthy for my 2 kids...so I'm confused..again

[apw0 7]

If the band slipped when you had it before, why would you do it again? You have the best testimony for the sleeve, and that is your best friend. From what I have heard and seen, most people that have the sleeve, are incredibly happy with the results, and their only regret is that they didn't do it sooner. Talk to your friend, and you may want to seek out a support group. That will really be helpful to you.

[cutie0615 0]

Hi,

Thank you for the wise advice. Yes, you are completely right I have more reasons not to do the band and I have a perfect example of how great the sleeve can be.

I am going to go to the seminar to get the full info on the sleeve. I already know everything about it but before I go in for surgery (which should be sometime in April) my friend told me to go one time before making the final decision. I am pretty confident that I will be going with the sleeve just because my gut is telling me that this will be the best decision for my health.

Again, Thank you for the feedback, it is truly appreciated Next time I post something hopefully it will be my surgery date )

[fern 195]

Your feeling are totally legitimate, and totally normal. I think we have all felt them at some time pre op. It's always hard hearing all the surgical stuff. To me, it's like getting on an airplane and hearing about what to do if the plane's going to crash. It's terrible to hear, but we need to hear them. The worst part of the surgery for me was how groggy and foggy things were when I woke up. But you've had surgery so you know how that will be. You'll be fine. Trust in your surgeon does wonders : )