Finally Have A Date But...now I'm Unsure

[Tai29 17]

After all of the seminars, meetings, psych evals, etc I finally have my surgery date. Jan 23rd @ 7:30am. I thought I would be a lot more excited but now all I feel is nervousness. I was soo sure before and now I keep questioning myself. Will I be able to do it? Will I get enough Protein? Am I making shakes correctly???? What should I bring to the hospital with me? Ew I hate the thought of dealing with a drain! Lol. I thought I would be so excited to finally be on my way towards a healthier, more in shape version of myself. I really wanted to enjoy this moment leading up to this life changing event for me, but I just really can't. My stomach is all in knots over fear of the surgery. What if I don't wake up from the surgery?! What if the pain is intolerable?! I find that my mind has run amuck! I am finding things to worry about to ultimately talk myself out of it. Does anyone have any helpful advice? :crying:

Thanks for listening to my rant ...I'm a newbie here but I always feel the love from everyone.

[ProudGrammy 8,322]

:welcome: Tai29

Hi, i think every one of your feelings i can say we've all been there done that, even the ranting. Its exciting after all the waiting for your WLS - and you get an official date - you start to get very nervous. You are probably very excited on the inside, nervous on the outside. This is totally common. I think we all go through this. But as time goes on, you'll get that extremely happy nervous feeling too.

You only have a week or so before the surgery, so you don't have that much time to be nervous. You will make it through surgery, and be around to talk about it. After all you have to be around so we can read your posts about the surgery. :smile1:

Many of us have absolutely no problems with the surgery, back to work quickly. Many others have minor things like gas and other stuff, being very tired for a while. Some sort of pain usually is involved, i'm afraid i can't say other problems off hand cuz i was lucky not to have any problems.

As far as what you should bring to the hospital, i wore the gown they supplied, Your gown might get messy, why mess up one of your pretty gowns. Some people bring slippers, deodorant personal stuff like that. The truth is i used what they supplied. Most important though - bring Chapstick. your lips will be very dry - since you won't be allowed to have Water for a while.

Many dr.'s give drains, but not all dr.s. i didn't have a drain. i've heard many people have some prob with drain, while many don't.. You can't worry about everything. But I know i did worry too. Its only normal. Get any information though, that will help and maybe put you more at ease.

Just be prepared, try and ask your dr. or the nurse to help you with any of your questions your asking here. Don't be afraid to ask any and all questions - no question is silly. You have a right to know, and they have an obligation to tell you.

Do you have a nutritionalist? (msp) She can answer all your questions about food issues, like Protein shakes, getting in your Protein, drinking 64 oz daily. All that good stuff.

Whatever you don't get an answer too, just ask here, or ask someone else. Don't worry TOO much - things will take care of themselves - really

good luck and happiness towards your new journey :grouphug:

best wishes

kathy

[koriswlj 66]

I hear you! I have been not to vocal with my family on my fears that have just now arised. Probably because for the longest time the conversation was only the worry about being approved. After the approval the conversation became all about oh just imagine what your going to be able to wear.. etc (all the good things). I feel though that our worries are normal but we have all the resources we need from others right on this site. I am worried about all the aftercare.. drinking enough Water taking my Vitamins etc** but it's all going to be worth it.

When is your surgery?

[koriswlj 66]

After all of the seminars, meetings, psych evals, etc I finally have my surgery date. Jan 23rd @ 7:30am. I thought I would be a lot more excited but now all I feel is nervousness. I was soo sure before and now I keep questioning myself. Will I be able to do it? Will I get enough Protein? Am I making shakes correctly???? What should I bring to the hospital with me? Ew I hate the thought of dealing with a drain! Lol. I thought I would be so excited to finally be on my way towards a healthier, more in shape version of myself. I really wanted to enjoy this moment leading up to this life changing event for me, but I just really can't. My stomach is all in knots over fear of the surgery. What if I don't wake up from the surgery?! What if the pain is intolerable?! I find that my mind has run amuck! I am finding things to worry about to ultimately talk myself out of it. Does anyone have any helpful advice? :crying:

Thanks for listening to my rant ...I'm a newbie here but I always feel the love from everyone.

oh nevermind that question, just saw your surgery date, you'll do great!

[lisahg 9]

I can totally relate to your feelings. My journey even included 3 months of appeals fighting with my insurance compnay before being approved. When I finally got the confirmation that I was approved for the sleeve, I was like "Ok" now what. I thought I would be more excited too but instead felt unsure and had second thoughts, like you. You know that saying "Be careful what you wish for..." I think deep down you know this is what you want, as I did. My rational brain just had to go through all the "What ifs" I left the hospital after surgery with a drain. I thought I would be grossed out or not be able to do the bandage care for it but it wasnt a big deal at all. I did take a little longer to get dressed in the morning. After a week with it I referred to it as my little sidekick lol and it didnt really hurt being removed. Take some of the pain meds or tylenol before its time to have it removed and you'll be fine.

[islandmom 10]

Tai29,

I too am scheduled for Jan 23rd and I can relate to your feelings 100%! The closer it gets the more things run through my head! It was excited anticipation for soooo long and now that it is a reality and coming very quickly I am finding myself really really nervous! I have just been telling myself that I have worked hard to get to this point and it will all be worth it! This is but a small space in time compared to the rest of our lives! So hang in there and keep posting so we can keep up! Best wishes to you sleeve sister!!

[Tai29 17]

Thanks so much guys for the reassurance ... I really, really needed it. Even though my husband is the most supportive it always just feels better coming from someone who is going through exactly what you're going through. I know it may seem strange, but after reading every kind word I really am feeling a bit better.

Islandmom! We start our journey together! We should definitely keep in touch and be motivational pen pals lol ... After finishing my Protein shake for tonight's dinner I'm thinking I am going to need that!

[islandmom 10]

Tai...we will definately keep in touch and keep each other going! I am working on my last Protein Shake of the day as well! Woo Hoo!!! LOL

[Bypassjourney 88]

I am scheduled in two weeks. I am sure I will have a lot of nervousness between now and then. But I am really trying to stay strong in my faith and keep praying. I keep telling myself that God didn't bring me this far to drop me now.

I took my "before" pictures tonight as I start the liquid diet tomorrow. If I ever had any doubt about the surgery before, I can tell you that after seeing those pictures I will be running to the hospital on Jan. 30th to get this journey started!

[Swimmer 199]

I'm on the 25th and I'm feeling the same way. It's nice to see others going through the same journey. I am having a very hard time thinking about anything else. I feel bad that I'm so obsessed with this, but I spend so much time thinking and preparing for this day. Best wishes to you all!

[Writergirl 230]

I'm on the 24th and am right there with you! This liquid diet seems so cruel, knowing my last big meal blowout is behind me and I can technically still eat. I've been obsessing over this decision, and crying at the drop of a hat. I even told my husband how I want my life insurance divided up if I don't make it through!

I called today and made an appt to see a therapist who had the bypass a few years ago. We talked for a long time on the phone, and she assured me this is all perfectly normal. I actually felt better knowing I have an appt scheduled with her two weeks afterwards.

Keep this in mind, too: food is an addiction, and the addiction wants to own us. I've never been able to think rationally about food when I'm eating badly. So I'm telling myself that all the last minute thoughts are my addiction talking, and I need to ignore that voice of destruction.

Good luck to all of you. Sounds like there's a group of us all having surgery within a day or two of each other.

[Sleeved&Hopeful 182]

Congratulations you all! I think I understand the nervousness. My worries are different. My surgery date is on 2/3 and I'm more worried about problems pre op than post op! Isn't that weird? I worry what if my heart rate or blood pressure shoots up or something crazy happens and I don't get the sleeve. I have these thoughts of coming home from my trip bawling my eyes out with no sleeve. So weird. I do worry a little about post op complications but not too much.

[shellee 0]

My date is 1/24

I feel exactly the same thought it was just me, lol weeeew. I know in my heart of hearts it's the right thing to do I've prayed on this for a few years and have ended up with my insurance approving a procedure they dont normaly approve and ended up with a blessing in the form of my copay. This is why I do beleive it's the right thing to do. Still nervous as all H@#$!

I think the nerves stem from us knowing that this is a life long change for us not just us going on a diet then were thin but a comitment to ourselves.... I dont know about you but commiting to myself scares the begeebees out me? I'm a comited, loyal person except when it comes to myself that's a whole other bag.

Anyhow I feel better after readding your post I wish you all a fast and safe recovery! :Angel_anim: