How to prepare your body for surgery!

[jennaggie 43]

Besides being morbidly obese I've been healthy my whole life. Strep throat is the worst illness I've had. I've also never had surgery or been knocked out. I don't even like thinking about getting blood drawn. I'm a giant baby. With that being said. I'm terrified of being knocked out. It scares me more than the pain. But the pain scares me too. Geez I'm terrible. Any advice at all about how to physically prepare my body for surgery?

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

It sounds more that you need a little emotional-intellectual prep, but you're not terrible at all. Your worry is understandable, given that you've never had anything done before. Here are a few ideas.

People I trust and so many articles of the past few years say that meditation goes a long way. If you're not a practitioner, you can find lots of videos and and classes. You can borrow videos from the public library to see which suits you. A life-long skeptic, I'm going to try meditation just for living every day.

Some basic yoga with meditation.

I discovered that, when facing anxiety-inducing situations, including surgery (but I'm an old hand at it now, I think), keeping occupied with even the most simple-minded tasks leading up to the event works well. It's really as simple as being occupied. Example, during 4-7 days before your surgery date, stock up slowly on the things you'll need once you're back home, the things like proteen drinks; whatever you'll use to keep incisions clean; anything. Space it out so that you still have things to do. Do some housecleaning in those days so that you come back to a clean, neat, comfortable space. Change the sheets and towels on the morning of surgery -- another simple but occupying task which results in a fresh, crisp bed should you want a nap when you get home.

You'll be fine. Promise. One of the worst things about general anesthesia isn't the anesthesia at all; it's the pesky nurses who peskily wake you when you still want that deep, deep, delicious sleep.

Edited December 10, 2015 by WLSResources/ClothingExch

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

This was my first surgery ever so I had no idea what to expect.

The worst part of the surgery for me was pre-op when I really did not know what to expect. The uncertainty and fear is very normal.

The easiest part was the surgery itself. Once I was on the table it was lights out and the next thing I knew I was in recovery.

What I did to prepare for surgery was to: read a lot and learn as much as I could, worked up to exercising at least 60 minutes a day, weaned myself off of carbonation and caffeine, increased my Water consumption to at least 64 oz of Water a day, and shopped for post-op supplies (like small, cute dishes, storage containers, ramekins, and appetizer forks, a food scale, Protein shake samples, etc.).

I was blessed with an awesome surgeon and bariatric team, a complication-free recover and great progress. The whole process has gone much better than I could have ever imagined.

[jennaggie 43]

Thanks y'all for the responses! Yoga is a good idea. I used to take classes. I also used to do cross fit...things change lol. I'll for sure try that. And it makes me feel A LOT better to ear stories from other people who had their first experience in surgery with this too. Any other ideas are always welcome! Thanks again!

[Yaberhoo 358]

Super easy. One second you are awake and talking to the anesthesiologist and the next second you are waking up in your room. Anesthesia = BEST. sleep. EVER.

They can give you something to calm you down before surgery. Just ask.

[jennaggie 43]

I never thought of asking for a little something before I went in there. Good tip!

[sarinemaniss 33]

Hello, I am also too scared of going into surgery! Sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind or want to back off

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@sarinemaniss --

Will it calm you if you simply acknowledge that you can choose to "back off?" I'm not suggesting that you walk away, but pointing out that the whole shebang is a matter of the choices that are in your hands. You have the power. Reminding yourself as much may give you new perspective.

@@jennaggie, too, and anyone else who has yet to have surgery:

I do recall keeping myself busy with my part of the preparations in the days before surgery and changing the sheets/making the bed more perfectly than I ever had that morning. When I arrived at the hospital, I was occupied enough with paperwork, answering questions on my medical history and such for hospital, anesthesiologist and surgeon's records, and general pre-surgery prep. When it came time to go in to the OR, I stood up, expected to sit in a wheelchair to be rolled in. Seeing no point, I opted to walk. It felt as though I were walking the last mile to the gallows, but what a surprise when I stepped through the doorway. There I was at what felt like a masquerade surprise party with me as guest of honor. The nurses and other OR people were bustling about, already scrubbed and masked. Upon my entry, each looked up and called out the most cheerful, warm greetings. Nervousness evaporated and I hopped -- as easily as a 300-pounder hops -- onto the operating table.

I hope you have the same.

[jennaggie 43]

I certainly hope so! You're right though. It will be super busy and over before I know it. I'm already dreading seeing my husband walk away from me though. Wish they could let him stay with me till I go to sleep lol. I know I'm over thinking it. A year from now I'll hopefully look back and laugh at how much of a mess I was.

[WLSResources/ClothingExch 3,444]

@@jennaggie

A "mess?" How harsh you are with yourself. You're really no mess, just a goose. A year from now you'll laugh laugh laugh about it and flap your wings over all the weight you will have lost.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

I was going to put on my Child Life Specialist hat and explain it to you, but then I remembered there are surgical prep videos on you tube. I have to say one of my favorite things about being a CCLS was the difference that a properly prepared pt makes.

Here's a few tips.

1. When you get an IV, blood draw, etc...Ask for the option to look away. Have the tech count down to 3, then slowly exhale. This helps you relax and hopefully make the stick easier.

2. If you are extremely nervous you can ask for something to help you relax. Make this need known at pre-admission testing and repeat the request when you check in.

3. Practice taking slow, even breathes. Sort of like meditation. It's a good way to calm yourself. I literally close my eyes and think, "Breathe in through the nose, exhale through the mouth" in a slow, steady tone. Focus on that and only that. Tune out any noises/or sounds you hear.

Other than that, I would say start doing some core exercises. I was doing aquafit 4-5 days a week and I swear it made all the difference in the world. I woke up sore, but not actually in pain. I was able to sit up and get out of bed with no assistance. I didn't need any additional pain medication which made getting up and walking that much easier because I wasn't groggy from pain meds.

food wise my nutritionist had me practice eating and drinking slowly, taking teeny bites. Each meal had to last at least 30 minutes and food had to be chewed until it dissolved in my mouth. I quit sodas years before and only drank coffee on occasion. This will come in handy for post-op life when you may crave these things.

[Cheeselife 68]

I'm only a few days out, but it was my first surgery too. It was weird to walk into a room full of people and equipment, looking just like a medical TV show, and being asked to go lay on the bed in the middle of it all. It was fine though, a few people introduced themselves and checked how I was, the anesthesiologist was nice, put in my IV, then put on an oxygen mask and that's all I remember before waking up comfortably from a lovely sleep!

I'm ding way better now, but was very uncomfortable for the first couple of days, even with pain meds. It's worth being aware that the 'buyers remorse' stage is a very real (and very common!) thing when you feel like you've made a weird choice to incapacitate yourself painfully.

It's a short stage though, and walking really helps, even just around the house.

My surgeon wasn't fussed about the pre op diet, but I wish I'd done it more thoroughly, the headaches aren't fun when your body is recovering from surgery! I second being fit too, I had a shoulder injury about 6 months ago and quit the gym and I really regret it.

I don't know if you have people relying on you, but to distract myself the day before surgery I cooked a load of meals for my husband and children to reheat. I'm feeling up to cooking today, but it's nice not to have to!

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[tmcx28 297]

To prepare my body I did cardio 3 times a week. I have an elliptical at home so it was easy to get it in. I convinced myself that my heart would be stronger and my breathing would be better.

Is it true? I have no idea. But I was exercising and it certainly helped me mentally prepare for the surgery. I was TERRIFIED of surgery but I promise when the day comes it's not so bad.. Especially after they give you something to chill out a bit

[jennaggie 43]

I don't know if getting some working out in is better or not. I just feel like I need to give this my absolute best. So I'm trying to lose as much as I can. I don't see many stories of people over 400 lbs getting this and I'm right on the edge. Makes me nervous about the risks of my heart stopping. I've always been very active. Even participating in 5ks. I just want to be strong enough to maneuver myself afterwards I guess lol.

[MikeyS 455 12]

I've never had sugery before so I'm nervous about the sugery and all prep and being put to sleep really don't know what to expect sorta nervous