Anxiety about upcoming surgery...is this a good idea?

[advocating09 0]

I am 33 and weigh 320 pounds. I have two boys 10 months and 3 years. I also have been teaching for 12 years. My weight has held me back all of my life, but since the birth of my boys I have put on an additional 75 pounds. I'm so worried about health issues and not being around for them.

All that being said, I am also a worrier. I am scheduled to have surgery on July 31st with Dr.Alvarez. I am going alone. Freaking out a little. What if something goes wrong? I am just so worried about this. My other fear is flying home by myself. Am I going to be up to it?

I had two very rough pregnancies (mainly due to my weight). I'm just scared that something bad will happen and it's driving me crazy!

[Jersrose43 837]

Can you get a friend or parent to go with you?

I am afraid to fly so my anxiety would be right there.

[Luigi5144 29]

I think the anxiety is healthy to an extent. to me, it means you are taking this surgery and the new lifestyle changes that come with it very seriously. You're looking reality square in the eyes. But, as you already know from being a Mama, life is unpredictable. You can't worry about things that you have no control over. You look at the risks, the probabilities and plan around those. Talk to the dr about flying home alone. I was told by my dr to have some back up for parenting for the first few days home. And, if the anxiety is getting so bad that it's impairing your daily life, maybe ask for something to take.

[GretchenInDE 6]

I had Gastric Sleeve 2 weeks + 5 days ago (June 23), and once I left the hospital, it was very easy. I had very little pain, was alone at the get-go after leaving the hospital, and never felt unsafe or even ill, just tired.

I will say while I was in the hospital, I was not expecting the level of nausea I had during the first 2 days, but they give you anti-nausea meds that help a lot. This procedure is just a shock to your system, and they explained the nausea was a normal response. Because you will not have eaten, though, it's just a sort of dry heave, and I only experienced actual dry heaves in the first few hours. Exactly 48 hours after surgery, it was like a switch was flipped and all nausea left and never returned... have not experienced even a hint of it since.

You are going to need some help at home; however, as you won't be able to lift your boys for several weeks (nothing over 25 lbs. for 4 weeks). Is getting help at home possible?

Edited July 12, 2014 by GretchenInDE

[Tear Bear 1]

Hey Girl, I'm right there with you I want to go to Mexico I haven't made a date yet, I'm scared of failing, I love food, Its my only lover I've really ever known, although I'm married food still wins, Is this the right decision for ME?? I hate being fat, I own horses and yes I still ride, I'm the fatest person at the team sorting events, people look at me weird or at least I feel like they do, I'm at least 250 pounds, I would like to get to 140, so 110 lbs and I'm 5'4". I think you are so brave, I hope the best for you!

[Who Dat 70461 331]

The anxiety is normal. This is major, life-changing surgery...if you weren't nervous, then you should panic!

This part of the process was undoubtedly the most difficult for me. However, it is all a distant memory now!

I was sleeved May 8, 2013 and my wife July 8, 2013. While my surgery and recovery were textbook, hers was a bit more challenging. She had two hernias repaired and it took about 3-4 weeks for her to quit complaining...uh-hm, I mean start to feel better!

Now, that period of time is a distant memory! She can tolerate just about everything, albeit in moderation. I can eat almost everything, but for some weird reason, still have a tough time with canned tuna fish!?

I can eat steak, chicken, fresh tuna steaks, roast, crawfish, ribs, etc., etc....but canned tuna just doesn't sit well w/me. No worries, I can live without it!

I am down 119 lbs. and hit my original goal around 6 months ago.

My wife is down 80 lbs. (She looks fantastic, but she's on a mission to lose more...I told her not to get carried away, I don't want to feel like I'm hugging a sack of hammer handles!).

You are in for an awesome transformation! Just follow your doc's orders, allow your body time to heal, don't (DO NOT! ) let the number on the scale dictate your feeling of success or failure (If you feel better and your pants are falling off, to hell with what the number is on the scale! LOL).

The first few months will be an emotional roller coaster...don't be afraid to use the folks on this site as a sounding board, I think you'll find this is pretty much a judgement-free zone!

By the way, you're in for one heck of a journey and there's an incredible new you, waiting on the horizon!

Godspeed for a quick recovery!

[greensleeve 457]

I can't answer the part about flying but the anxiety is completely normal. I lost four pounds before the pre op diet because my stomach was so upset I could hardly eat.

It is a major decision, a major change. You will do great. I am three months out and I just wish I had done this sooner! I am so grateful for the surgery.

[finallyfree101 39]

I was extremely nervous, I even had a panic attack a month before surgery. Then one day I came to a place of peace, determined to Live again and stave off disease for as long as I can. you will know if it's right! I felt the risk of not having it was much higher! Good luck I wish you the very best! BTW easier than childbirth in my opinion.