Anyone's first surgery?

[sarinemaniss 33]

This will be my very first surgery and I'm worried of the experience. Anyone else is having their first one?

[MarciaN 391]

I was sleeved on Nov 24th. It was my first surgery too! After I got my IV in and spoke to the doctor I was wheeled into the operating room. I got on the table and they attached these little electrodes to my body. They were talking to me, put an oxygen mask on me and that is all I remembered until the nurse woke me in recovery. She told me everything was fine. It was shocking how in my mind I had just gotten into the operating room. Pain was tolerable. It was worse for about 4-5 days. After that is just felt like a did a lot of sit-ups.

I just started back to work yesterday and am doing great. I can keep everything down and don't seem to have any problems that I hear some folks have.

All in all, I am pleasantly surprised how well I am recovering and how quickly I started feeling better.

It is always frightening to do something you have never done before. That is normal. Only you can make your decisions. From my point of view, being just "a little" on the other side, I can say that it was not nearly as bad or painful as I had thought it would be. Just do a lot of reading and ask a lot of questions. Remember, we are all here for you.

[sarinemaniss 33]

Thanks Marcia for your comment. I have actually been doing a lot of reading especially on here, I read a lot of stories. I'm having my surgery on January 13th

[Daveo 485]

Getting Sleeved was my first surgery as well, I thought going into it I would be more worried but it was actually fairly simple. I only spent one night in the hospital and home the next day. no complications at all. Looking back I thought being wheeled into the OR I was going to get really nervous but I wasn't.

[BLERDgirl 6,417]

My sleeve surgery was my 6th surgical procedure. That doesn't include being intubated and placed in a medical coma. I also worked in hospitals for 10 years as a Child Life Specialist, 5 of which were spent in the ER. I actually gave pre-surgical tours to families and medical play with kids to explain what the procedures and processes would be like. Having that knowledge was helpful because I think for many the fear of the unknown is scarier than what actually happens. If you don't know better all those machines, sounds and smells can be really scary when they really aren't.

So for all you first timers, try and relax. This is a relatively simple procedure. You will most likely be just fine.

[ivettev001 27]

I feel you... Same to me.. First time!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

It was my first surgery, too.

And get this -- I was 68 years old. Had never been in the hospital before except to visit people.

It was easy peasy.

[jennaggie 43]

My first one too! The idea of being knocked out scares me most. I don't like not having control. I worry I won't wake up for some reason. Seems crazy I know! Best of luck to you! I'm sure everything will be fine. People always worry about things they are passionate about. Being healthier should be a passion of ours.

[sarinemaniss 33]

Me to "Jenaggie" I feel the same about the anesthesia. Good luck to you, when is your surgery date?

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

It was my first surgery ever and had no idea what to expect. It really went well and I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

[Mrs_O 118]

Haven't got my surgery date set yet as i am still finishing up all the pre-op requirements but this will be my first surgery as well. To be honest, i think i am more nervous about the blood thinner injections the month afterward than the surgery. i hate needles and the thought of having to give them to myself is creepy. sure ill get used to it after a day or two.

[sarinemaniss 33]

"Mrs_O" what is that for? My doctor didn't mention that one for me. Do they do it for everyone?

[Mrs_O 118]

My surgeon requires 30 days post op of blood thinner to prevent blood clots. Injectable in the stomach only.

I'll get used to it I'm sure. The pain doesn't bother me but seeing needle enter skin gives me the Willies

I've heard of a lot of surgeons that don't require it though. They told us about it at my first visit.

[sarinemaniss 33]

I hope mine doesn't require such a thing Anyway good luck with it

[jennaggie 43]

I go Monday for my final weigh in and then we schedule it that day too. Nervous! ????