Anxiety

[8petals 57]

I'm new to this site. I literally just joined a few minutes ago. I have had GAD (generalized anxiety disorder,) panic disorder, and agoraphobia since I was 13. I am now 30. My anxiety (with meds) is relatively a lot better, but the closer i get to my surgery date (7/25/16) the more anxiety I feel. I am so scared of death and complications from the surgery. I've had 3 c-sections, a hysterectomy, an oophorectomy, and sinus surgery. I'm no stranger to surgery, but the vsg is scaring the crap out of me, and although I was nervous before all of my surgeries, this one scares me the most. I know that with each surgery comes risks, and complications that can occur. However, I can't stop reading horror stories (I know, stay off Google.) Has anyone had severe anxiety about this surgery and if so, how are you handling the anxiety? Thanks in advance, and I'm so happy to be here!

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[biglady904 65]

I'm the same as you I'm 26 and have GAD talking to my surgeon helped a lot also I'm just doing my best to think positive and think about all the good things like I'll be healthy and all the fun stuff I get to do I haven't had my surgery yet but I tell you what I'm more excited than scared.

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[Wolfgirl78 266]

Welcome to BP!

I had my sleeve 4 years ago. I had lots of anxiety about it and the possible complications. I had issues that in my case, it was an elective surgery( in my mind but it was necessary for my health even if my insurance didn't pay) , as I had to self pay due to insurance exclusion, the exclusion also included and complications from WLS. So I was worried about getting a leak or stricture and raking up a gabillion dollars in hospital bills. In the end, I rationalized it with myself that I needed this. I was almost 300lbs and the dangers of my rapidly climbing weight out weighed the chance I could have complications during and after surgery.

I don't think my anxiety was as bad as yours is though. I would speak to your surgeon about your anxiety, and if you have a therapist speak to that person about it. Try to start easing the anxiety a bit before surgery.

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[Maggie143 94]

I can tell you I am no stranger to surgeries as well. I was freaking out all the way to the operating room. After the surgery - so happy. Its so normal. Everyone is questioning their decision before they go and up to the last second. I promise you will be so happy. It gets much better after!

[justhere4theshow 462]

I think WLS is more daunting because it's elective. Why would we choose to have our insides rearranged? But it is necessary by the time you make the decision to change something drastically. Obesity is an illness and must be treated aggressively, whether it be with surgery or diet and exercise alone. I am no stranger to surgeries, and this is by far the easiest one I have had. I had no complications other than getting dehydrated and spending 7 hours in the ER getting IV fluids. Just trust your decision and stay the course. You'll be glad you did.

[8petals 57]

Thank you so much, everyone for your kind words and encouragement. As you stated, this is an elective, life changing surgery. I went to a seminar and met someone this evening who is 6 months post-op and 140 lbs down. He spoke a lot of his own anxiety before surgery and it helped a lot. I'm sure I'll be posting closer to surgery regarding my nerves. LOL

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[Maggie143 94]

You're going to do great! Look how many happy people are on this site.... that says a lot!

[8petals 57]

You're going to do great! Look how many happy people are on this site.... that says a lot!

It sure does! Thank you, sweetie! ☺

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