Scared After Pre Op Appointment

[lsereno 2,525]

I was terrified and I was afraid I would die on the table, but I was more afraid I would die from weight-related health issues. That kept me focused on the prize.

Every time you feel scared, work on something that will help you succeed. Use the energy to:

• Stock up on what your surgery program recommends you have on hand post op.
  
• Deep-clean the house so you can relax for a few months after surgery.
  
• If you have stuff others will have to do for you, write out procedures to make it easier on them and you. Gather phone numbers they might need.
  
• Buy post surgery treats for yourself such as trashy mags or bon-bon books
  
• Record TV shows and movies for watching when you're tired post-op.
  
• Buy a pretty nightie, robe, and slippers for the hospital and when you get home.
  
• Walk. Exercise is good for you.
  
• Check out this board and the VSG board on obesityhelp
  
• Go to an in-person support group if one is available.
  

Before you know it, it will be surgery day. Frightening, yes, but really the first day of your new successful life controlling your weight!

Best wishes on your journey,

Lynda

[chad2rad 491]

Anyone else get scared to death after they had their pre op appointment? I had mine today and had a panic attack on the way home. I have been going through this process over 6 months now but I got really scared after my doctor had me sign all those papers about the complications. I knew what they were but having him read them to me and sign my name on the bottom made it really scary. I didn't realize severe depression can be a complication and acid reflux will be something I will have to live with. Also didn't realize 1 in 1' date='000 people die from this surgery! I am thinking of canceling my surgery. Anyone else feel this way before surgery?[/quote']

Having the surgery a week ago I can relate to your fears. I working on a post op medical floor, i see all the checks and rechecks we make as a hospital for patient safety. I think there are much more dangerous things we encounter these days than having elective surgery ... Like crossing a busy street. Praying for you.

[COsleeveDude 273]

Did you know that violent crime in the U.S. is down for the fifth year in a row? http://www.npr.org/b...h-year-fbi-says

All we hear about and remember in life are the outliers, the horror stories. The statistics on surgery complications paint a different picture: http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/17981515:

Complications after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

Lalor PF, Tucker ON, Szomstein S, Rosenthal RJ.

Source Bariatric Institute and Section of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USA.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has recently become a feasible option in the management of morbid obesity. The objective of this study was to examine the morbidity and mortality arising from LSG as a primary procedure for weight loss.

METHODS:

We retrospectively reviewed the data of 164 patients who underwent LSG from 2004 to 2007. Patients underwent LSG as a primary procedure or as revisional bariatric surgery. The short-term morbidity and mortality were examined.

RESULTS:

One-stage LSG was performed in 148 patients. The major complication rate was 2.9% (4 of 149), including 1 leak (0.7%) and 1 case of hemorrhage (0.7%)-each requiring reoperation-1 case of postoperative abscess (0.7%), and 1 case of sleeve stricture that required endoscopic dilation (0.7%). One late complication of choledocholithiasis and bile duct stricture required a Whipple procedure. LSG was used as revisional surgery in 16 patients (9%); of these, 13 underwent LSG after complications related to laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding, 1 underwent LSG after aborted laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and 2 underwent LSG after failed jejunoileal bypass. One of these patients developed a leak and an abscess (7.1%) requiring reoperation. One case was aborted, and 2 cases were converted to an open procedure secondary to dense adhesions. No patient died in either group. All but 3 cases were completed laparoscopically (98%).

CONCLUSION:

LSG is a relatively safe surgical option for weight loss as a primary procedure and as a primary step before a secondary nonbariatric procedure in high-risk patients.

[chad2rad 491]

Having the surgery a week ago I can relate to your fears. I working on a post op medical floor' date=' i see all the checks and rechecks we make as a hospital for patient safety. I think there are much more dangerous things we encounter these days than having elective surgery ... Like crossing a busy street. Praying for you.[/quote']

While I know your fears are 100 % real to you, they may not telling you the truth. All the best.

[Britneelin 22]

To be honest, I didn't put much thought into being terrified. I was very nervous the day of surgery. But only because it's a HUGE lifestyle change. My mom has had several surgeries by my surgeon so I was very confident in his abilities. I knew if I thought too much about it, I'd talk myself out of it. So I kept myself busy with my daughter and my school work as the days drew nearer. I had so much to get done in preparation, that I didn't hardly think of it as a big deal. I'm 5 days post op and I admit that it's VERY trying to stick with the full liquid diet. I've so far lost over 16 lbs since my pre op appt 2 weeks ago. It's totally worth the lack of food, seeing that scale drop. I'm hoping by next week I'll be back under 300! Good luck, darling... You'll do great!