Having surgery Monday and I'm terrified

[USMCwifeandTEACHER 3]

So...

I finally got my magical date and its kind of anti-climatic. I'm so friggin scared. Not only that I think I've got a sinus infection. My voice is all raspy and and I'm coughing. Also... if you're not supposed to eat Clear liquids two days prior to surgery... well I blew that. I ate Chinese food leftovers. In typical fashion of me, I'm sabotaging. I want this so bad. This has been six months in the making so why am I so afraid?

Any wise words would be appreciated.

[Caliblonde 25]

Lots of deep breaths! My surgery is this coming Thursday and I also have some sinus issues at the moment. Take lots of Vitamin B12 and c, and drink a TON of water!!!

It's totally normal to be afraid and to revert back to old habits. Try using some other coping strategies to relax, like deep breathing, going for a walk, taking a bath, whatever makes you feel better!! Maybe start making a list (if you haven't already) of all of the things you are looking forward to as the weight comes off. That might help to remind you why you're putting yourself through this.

As far as the Clear Liquids, I only have to do that the day before surgery, so make sure that tomorrow you're on top of it!! I keep reminding myself that the liquid diet is only temporary and that it will be more than worth it in the end!!!

I wish you the very best of luck and I'll see you on the losers bench soon!!!

[keepaloozen 0]

Fear can make us do illogical things. I am almost one month post op. I can remember the week before surgery walking around numb. It was surreal. I could and then again couldn't believe I was going to go through with this. What am I, nuts? I am going to allow someome to cut the majority of my stomach away? The worst was the day of surgery as I was getting my preop done in the hospital. I felt dizzy, I swear. Well you know what? It's never as bad as the anticipation. Take a deep breath, and review all the reasons that you want to go through with it. Have faith in your doctor and yourself. I have to tell you, that I felt pretty good as soon as I got home from the hospital. My surgery was more involved, because I had the band removed, and then the sleeve done. I had all these visions of terrible pain and nausea, which never occurred. I am having no trouble eating, and if anything, I think that I eat too much. So far I have lost, (counting my 1 week preop diet) 22 lbs. Not bad, right? Know that you are absolutely normal, and we all have been there. In a few weeks, you'll be writing someone to help calm their nerves. Good luck!

[Amanda131 214]

Hi There!

First off, you are not alone! I would say that very few of us went into this surgery without fear. I lost it the night before surgery and bawled in Hubby's arms to the point that he reminded me that this surgery was elective- I could back out. But, my feelings were that the "me" that depended on food for security and happiness was terrified while the happy, healthy "me" that would exist after surgery knew I needed it.

I went through with it but I will admit a moment of blind panic in the pre-op room where I prayed either for a sign to get the hell out of there or a sense of calm. Fortunately, I got the sense of calm. If you believe in a higher power, lean on it.

I will say that me quality of life and happiness is through the roof 10 weeks post-op and has been for at least 6 weeks. I'll be thinking of you as you begin your journey. Hugs!

Amanda

[USMCwifeandTEACHER 3]

Ladies, thanks for the pep talk. I just hope Im ready.

[MRSKOUBiK 27]

Good luck!

[JG407 4]

I can totally feel your fear. I have been "trying" to come to grips with it too. Its drastic, its a major decision and its one thats elective and irreversible. I was so gung-ho and now that i have my date (may 27th) and am in my pre-op diet, its getting SUPER real!

I have confided in my wife at least once daily about my emotional concern with the procedure. I'm not scared AT ALL about the surgery itself, but I think its more of "what will i think of myself" afterwards. I have heard about the depression, (maybe like a seperation anxiety?).

At the end of the day, you are making this decision with MUCH MORE insight that you probably understand. You have no doubt tried and tried and tried, and then tried, and tried some more to lose weight and keep it off traditionally (god knows i have) and you need some help. You want to make sure that you have a long and healthy life to spend with family and friends, want to feel better about who you are (how you look that is) and want to be able to do normal things that you envy that your "skinny" friends can do. People have said, drastic times call for drastic measures but lets not confuse "drastic" with foolhearty or reckless b/c the procedure is neither of those.

I know i'm probably rambling and while i have 11 days to finish coming to terms, you are going through this tomorrow. I want you to know that me and probably lots of other people on this forum understand, sympathize and empathize with what you are going through and they all seem to say the same thing...their only regret, not getting it done sooner!

Thanks for sharing your feelings and know that we are all here pulling for you and we are in good company here to both Celebrate the good, understand the not-so-good and keep other motivated.

Best of luck!

JG

[USMCwifeandTEACHER 3]

I can totally feel your fear. I have been "trying" to come to grips with it too. Its drastic, its a major decision and its one thats elective and irreversible. I was so gung-ho and now that i have my date (may 27th) and am in my pre-op diet, its getting SUPER real!

I have confided in my wife at least once daily about my emotional concern with the procedure. I'm not scared AT ALL about the surgery itself, but I think its more of "what will i think of myself" afterwards. I have heard about the depression, (maybe like a seperation anxiety?).

At the end of the day, you are making this decision with MUCH MORE insight that you probably understand. You have no doubt tried and tried and tried, and then tried, and tried some more to lose weight and keep it off traditionally (god knows i have) and you need some help. You want to make sure that you have a long and healthy life to spend with family and friends, want to feel better about who you are (how you look that is) and want to be able to do normal things that you envy that your "skinny" friends can do. People have said, drastic times call for drastic measures but lets not confuse "drastic" with foolhearty or reckless b/c the procedure is neither of those.

I know i'm probably rambling and while i have 11 days to finish coming to terms, you are going through this tomorrow. I want you to know that me and probably lots of other people on this forum understand, sympathize and empathize with what you are going through and they all seem to say the same thing...their only regret, not getting it done sooner!

Thanks for sharing your feelings and know that we are all here pulling for you and we are in good company here to both Celebrate the good, understand the not-so-good and keep other motivated.

Best of luck!

JG

Wow, your statements really resonate with me. I'm praying for that sense of calm that another poster mentioned. I will see you all on the other side. *Whew*

[ejsmith 0]

I know how you feel my surgery is scheduled for 6/14 . I have thre pre op appt's on Thursday and I am scared. But you must remember why you are doing this. TO GET HEALTHY.... If you believe in Prayer, just Pray that God gives you Peace. And I will be Praying for you.

[sleeve 4 me 910]

I was super nervous before surgery too! Had many second thoughts. Had a terrible time post op...but I would do it all over again in a heart beat. Here I am 1.6 lbs. from my goal of a NORMAL BMI, just 8 months out...YOU CAN DO THIS! IT WILL BE SOOO WORTH IT! Hugs!

[losingwait 1]

Hi, ej:

I too am having surgery on the 14th and I am scared to death. I have totally gone between gung-ho and heck no! I hope that I can resolve my fears before the big day. Maybe we can compare notes!??