Scared

[ChristmasJanet 74]

I am close to getting a date for surgery. Is it normal to be scared to death and constantly doubting my decision to have surgery?

[magtart 603]

Yes, very normal. It is the fear of the unknown. You will be fine!

[plantosleeve67 12]

Oh yes....very normal! I postponed my surgery once, wrote a will several times, cleaned my house in case I never returned, and said goodbye to my husband about 100 times that last two months...

The worry was SO MUCH harder than the actual surgery...I had never had surgery before so I was terrified...

The surgery was quick, successful, and mostly painless. I has some aches and pains at first, but nothing too bad. I am down 40+ at 9 weeks, maybe not the fastest loser, but I am very happy. I feel better, am off diabetes meds, and have so much more energy than before. love the sleeve...only regret is that I didn't do it sooner!!!

All the best to you

[ChristmasJanet 74]

Thank you magtart and plantosleeve 67. Planto that is exactly how I am feeling. Thanks so much for sharing.

[zelmo 20]

What you're experiencing is totally normal. Believe me when I started the journey, I was gung-ho about getting this done and how much I was looking forward to feeling better...until the night before my surgery. I could not sleep, I was a total wreck...and that morning I even had an anxiety attack that I couldn't go through with the surgery...Luckily my husband sat me down and reminded me of all the effort I had put in to starting this new life. I realized he was right and wiped away those silly tears and had my surgery. BEST THING I HAVE EVER DONE FOR MYSELF! I have no regrets. You won't either. Just follow your surgeons advice and take care of yourself, follow their program and you will be just fine! Go for it!

[ChristmasJanet 74]

Thank you zelmo! It really helps to hear that this is normal. I have felt like was losing my mind going back and forth. I just have to remember that if I could "just lose the weight" I would have done it by now.

[Sassy Pants1 186]

Yep, totally normal. I would be surprised if people weren't worried. There is a calculated risk. And then there's the fear of giving up the food we love. Lots to deal with.

My surgery and recovery has been textbook - no issues at all.

[ChristmasJanet 74]

That's fantastic Sassy Pants 1! Thanks!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

I have one more appt and then I'm also getting my date. I was just over-thinking everything last night after everyone went to bed and all was quiet. I just keep telling myself it's normal and in fact I would probably not be a good candidate if I wasn't nervous and anxious about the process. I know I'll go thru with it, it's just that "What if..." that pops into my head now more then ever.

[Laura9643 22]

I had what felt like a racing heart for two months before surgery, couldn't sleep and was miserable with fear. 6 months later I wish I had done it sooner! Fear is normal because you have never had this done. But I can say it should have been more fearful of keeling over from being overweight than from surgery.

Hang in there!

[ChristmasJanet 74]

SugarFreeMe, I am seeing the nutritionist on Monday and will be starting the preop diet. Looks like we will be having our surgeries close together. I think my problem for one thing is that it is always quiet around here. Everyone is grown and gone. This week, in particular, seems really quiet. I think it seems quiet because I am driving myself crazy with doubts! I am sure this is going to be the smartest thing we ever did for ourselves. So, here's to us! Good Luck!

[ChristmasJanet 74]

Thanks Laura9643! Looks like you have been doing fantastic with your sleeve! Way to go! And, you are right...I should be more afraid of keeling over from the weight related issues I already have!

[SugarFreeMe 293]

ChristmasJanet, My last appt is the psych test/eval on Tuesday next week. I had my pulmonary on Monday and the stress test today, all of which went very well according to the techs. I was told that I have "above normal" lung capacity, I'm convinced that's because I talk so much and my family totally agreed with me LOL I'm so hoping to have the surgery on or just before the 17th of March. My youngest who is a senior has that week off and it would be nice to have a gofer or chauffeur around with me.

[ChristmasJanet 74]

SugarFreeMe. I have been reminded by my family from time to time that I have the "gift for gab." I hope you can have your surgery while your senior is off. That would be great. One of my daughters is flying in to stay with me and/or my sister-in-law.

[DaddyMarie 291]

I have my last preop next Friday. Then it's all downhill and I'm thinking surgery will be in April. I am scared to death!!!! The closer I get the more scared I get! I have a husband of 13 years, a 4 and an 11 year old. What if I die? What if I have complications like infection or leak? What if I am a weenie about the pain and have a rough time? What if I never see my kids again? What will their life be without me? How will my husband and family manage? What if my backup at work can't do my tasks right? I'm scared!!!!!! I hear it's normal, I know it's normal but why am I freaking out so bad? I'm contemplating taking some of my dad's ashes into surgery with me cause he was always my biggest protector...

How to I chill out? I've had anxiety all week... I feel ya!! I really do empathize.