Surgery is tomorrow and I think my anxiety has gone through the roof

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

Hey everyone,

So I have finally decided that I needed to reach out for some extra support on this journey. I thought I would be able to “man” up and handle this surgery on my own but let me tell you, as reality finally steps in that tomorrow is my surgery, I’m beginning to feel super anxious about the whole thing.

It really hasn’t hit me until today and that’s why I’ve turned here. I think it’s hard to talk to anyone else who doesn’t understand obesity and the struggle of weight loss, they tend to just nod their head and agree or just simply seem like they don’t understand, there’s no connection in the conversation, feels like you’re almost like talking to a wall. So I guess maybe it’ll be easier to talk to someone going through the same experience through all this?

Anywho, so here I am. Trying to overcome this surgery anxiety.

Thanks for any tips and tricks. I’ve read so many posts and weight loss stories already which has been helping but ya know, anxiety is just always there no matter what. I guess I’m just here to talk with you all about your experiences and journeys on a first hand basis.

Thank you again!

-Jon

[justmetj 421]

The night before my surgery I was extremely anxious which is not typical for me. I kept thinking maybe if I canceled my surgery and made the commitment "once again" to diet and exercise that I would not have to have medical intervention. The unknown scared me to death. But deep down inside I knew that it was not an option to back out. Saving my life with this surgery was my only option. The next morning, my surgery day, I felt sort of a calm acceptance and just went through the motions. I'll be two weeks post-op on Thursday. I've had five surgeries in the past and this was by far the easiest for me and I'm so glad I went through with it. I can tell already this is going to be the best decision I've ever made for myself. You've got this! I wish you the best tomorrow! 😊

[DeeberLee 300]

Good luck tomorrow. It's perfectly normal to be anxious, this is a major surgery. I was so nervous, on the day of surgery, I told my surgeon I was having second thoughts! It helped having family with me. The WLS surgery is the best thing that has happened to me. I haven't reached my goal weight yet, but I'm healthier. I can do so many things that I couldn't do before. Keep reading the forum for inspiration. Save journey to you.

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

36 minutes ago, justmetj said:

The night before my surgery I was extremely anxious which is not typical for me. I kept thinking maybe if I canceled my surgery and made the commitment "once again" to diet and exercise that I would not have to have medical intervention. The unknown scared me to death. But deep down inside I knew that it was not an option to back out. Saving my life with this surgery was my only option. The next morning, my surgery day, I felt sort of a calm acceptance and just went through the motions. I'll be two weeks post-op on Thursday. I've had five surgeries in the past and this was by far the easiest for me and I'm so glad I went through with it. I can tell already this is going to be the best decision I've ever made for myself. You've got this! I wish you the best tomorrow! 😊

Thank you so much! That is certainly reassurance because I am having those exact same thoughts. “What if I just give it another go at a diet and exercise” but at the same time I know that it won’t work, it won’t keep the weight off, it always comes back no matter what. I’m hoping tomorrow as time gets closer, I get the same calmness as you did and just go through with the motions.

Thank you again, for the reassurance! I hope your post-op is going well and best of luck to you!

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

40 minutes ago, DeeberLee said:

Good luck tomorrow. It's perfectly normal to be anxious, this is a major surgery. I was so nervous, on the day of surgery, I told my surgeon I was having second thoughts! It helped having family with me. The WLS surgery is the best thing that has happened to me. I haven't reached my goal weight yet, but I'm healthier. I can do so many things that I couldn't do before. Keep reading the forum for inspiration. Save journey to you.

You’re awesome! Thank you!

It’s certainly hard to push past those second thoughts and the what am I about to do myself thoughts. I’m glad to hear you’re doing great after surgery! I do have my families support but they’re not going through the surgery so it’s just nice to hear it from others experiences the same anxiety I guess.

Keep on pushing! Hopefully you’ll be at that goal weight soon enough

[FluffyChix 17,415]

@Jon_gets_skinny Welcome! I don't know if it's comforting to you, but this is so totes normal. Yay on normal, right? The night before my surgery I could barely sleep a wink!

One suggestion I would like to make: Turn your energy into something constructive. When the anxiety hits you, do a couple of deep breaths, relax all the tension in your muscles and "lean into the anxiety." Give into it. Don't resist. It's like letting the air out of a balloon. And you can visual that if it helps! Then replace the anxious thought with a positive thought or affirmation.

Every time fear raised it's head I flipped the light switch off on that thought and replaced it with this thought: That surgery is my rebirth day--it's the day that I forever alter the outcome of my life and it's the day my fan-forkin-skinny-life begins. That's how I thought of it. Pretty soon, the excitement overtakes the fear.

I promise you this Jon, the first month are so is difficult, but not impossible. It's hard--more for some than others. There are ups and downs emotionally and physically at times. But morbid obesity in a skinny world is hard emotionally and physically. Right? Choose your hard.

Obesity is a disease as defined by the AMA. It's not a character flaw. You have the chance for a new start. Take it. Don't look back. I'm down nearly 150lbs from when I began my journey. And I'm lovin life every day. No regrets.

You can do this. Don't come this far to let fear dictate your future and choices.

Good luck. Your team has you!!

[Ajmarshall3 11]

1 hour ago, Jon_gets_skinny said:

Hey everyone,

So I have finally decided that I needed to reach out for some extra support on this journey. I thought I would be able to “man” up and handle this surgery on my own but let me tell you, as reality finally steps in that tomorrow is my surgery, I’m beginning to feel super anxious about the whole thing.

It really hasn’t hit me until today and that’s why I’ve turned here. I think it’s hard to talk to anyone else who doesn’t understand obesity and the struggle of weight loss, they tend to just nod their head and agree or just simply seem like they don’t understand, there’s no connection in the conversation, feels like you’re almost like talking to a wall. So I guess maybe it’ll be easier to talk to someone going through the same experience through all this?

Anywho, so here I am. Trying to overcome this surgery anxiety.

Thanks for any tips and tricks. I’ve read so many posts and weight loss stories already which has been helping but ya know, anxiety is just always there no matter what. I guess I’m just here to talk with you all about your experiences and journeys on a first hand basis.

Thank you again!

-Jon

I feel you pal! My op is tomoz and I’m in the same boat! Best of luck I’m sure we will both laugh at this tomoz night

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

38 minutes ago, FluffyChix said:

@Jon_gets_skinny Welcome! I don't know if it's comforting to you, but this is so totes normal. Yay on normal, right? The night before my surgery I could barely sleep a wink!

One suggestion I would like to make: Turn your energy into something constructive. When the anxiety hits you, do a couple of deep breaths, relax all the tension in your muscles and "lean into the anxiety." Give into it. Don't resist. It's like letting the air out of a balloon. And you can visual that if it helps! Then replace the anxious thought with a positive thought or affirmation.

Every time fear raised it's head I flipped the light switch off on that thought and replaced it with this thought: That surgery is my rebirth day--it's the day that I forever alter the outcome of my life and it's the day my fan-forkin-skinny-life begins. That's how I thought of it. Pretty soon, the excitement overtakes the fear.

I promise you this Jon, the first month are so is difficult, but not impossible. It's hard--more for some than others. There are ups and downs emotionally and physically at times. But morbid obesity in a skinny world is hard emotionally and physically. Right? Choose your hard.

Obesity is a disease as defined by the AMA. It's not a character flaw. You have the chance for a new start. Take it. Don't look back. I'm down nearly 150lbs from when I began my journey. And I'm lovin life every day. No regrets.

You can do this. Don't come this far to let fear dictate your future and choices.

Good luck. Your team has you!!

Wow, 150lbs is amazing! Congrats!

You're exactly right, not to let fear dictate my future. It’s been 5 months since I’ve start, and only one more day until it’s finally here.

I like the thought of a rebirth day, the new me day. Thank you so much for your inspiration!

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

35 minutes ago, Ajmarshall3 said:

I feel you pal! My op is tomoz and I’m in the same boat! Best of luck I’m sure we will both laugh at this tomoz night

Careful not to laugh too hard lol, best of luck to you man! Hope it’s a smooth recovery

[VIKING 0424 1,107]

ALRIGHT GUYS DO SOME HEAVY BREATHS YOU GOT THIS I PROMISE IF I CAN GET THROUGH ANYONE CAN IM A BABY WHEN IT COMES TO THIS STUFF (IM A GUY) LADIES CAN HANDLE SO MUCH MORE THAN US LOL RELAX AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY YOU HAVE BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE BELIEVE ME ITS ALL WORTH IT VERY MUCH SO REALLY ALL THE UPS AND DOWNS JUST MAKE US STRONGER ANYTHING YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT REACH OUT THIS IS A POSITIVE PLACE I HAVE FOUND CONGRATS YOU ARE ONE DAY CLOSER KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

12 minutes ago, VIKING 0424 said:

ALRIGHT GUYS DO SOME HEAVY BREATHS YOU GOT THIS I PROMISE IF I CAN GET THROUGH ANYONE CAN IM A BABY WHEN IT COMES TO THIS STUFF (IM A GUY) LADIES CAN HANDLE SO MUCH MORE THAN US LOL RELAX AND ENJOY THE JOURNEY YOU HAVE BEGUN TO EXPERIENCE BELIEVE ME ITS ALL WORTH IT VERY MUCH SO REALLY ALL THE UPS AND DOWNS JUST MAKE US STRONGER ANYTHING YOU WANNA TALK ABOUT REACH OUT THIS IS A POSITIVE PLACE I HAVE FOUND CONGRATS YOU ARE ONE DAY CLOSER KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

Lol thanks for the reassurance Viking!

[Tereza 3]

The night before my surgery I actually thought about canceling it. I didn’t and it has been the best decision for me. I had minor complications but doctors were on it. Just think past the surgery and pain the life you are getting back. My weight held me back from doing so many things and three weeks post op I don’t feel any pain and I am very happy to have gone through it. Don’t be discouraged, this will change your life. May God be with you through this amazing journey. May he guide the surgeons hands and make this experience an easy one for you in Jesus name. Amen!!!

[Jon_gets_skinny 53]

25 minutes ago, Tereza said:

The night before my surgery I actually thought about canceling it. I didn’t and it has been the best decision for me. I had minor complications but doctors were on it. Just think past the surgery and pain the life you are getting back. My weight held me back from doing so many things and three weeks post op I don’t feel any pain and I am very happy to have gone through it. Don’t be discouraged, this will change your life. May God be with you through this amazing journey. May he guide the surgeons hands and make this experience an easy one for you in Jesus name. Amen!!!

I’m glad you’re feeling better!

if you don’t mind me asking tereza, what were the complications?

[Frustr8 7,886]

And the day and night before mine I was certain the surgeon was going to back out on me!!! See I had struggled for over 3 years, been through emotional times and into moderate depression. Was about ready to the atypical meds because it wasn't abating. See I wasn't actively seeking suicide , I just wanted to sit, hide and wait for Death to come. Felt like this would be another time of "You're such a failure you can't even do this right!" But with the last of my will I had try this last time. And my surgeon didn't fail to show up, he gave me a smooth sleek surgery, and I hope to prove day by day this was theright time, for the right reasons and it wasn't too late for me. And the black cloud of depression has left me and I face a new future with confidence. I may not be perfect, but pretty close Baby, pretty close!😝❤😝🌸🌺

[FluffySaysForkIt! 823]

On 4/16/2019 at 3:07 PM, FluffyChix said:

@Jon_gets_skinny Welcome! I don't know if it's comforting to you, but this is so totes normal. Yay on normal, right? The night before my surgery I could barely sleep a wink!

One suggestion I would like to make: Turn your energy into something constructive. When the anxiety hits you, do a couple of deep breaths, relax all the tension in your muscles and "lean into the anxiety." Give into it. Don't resist. It's like letting the air out of a balloon. And you can visual that if it helps! Then replace the anxious thought with a positive thought or affirmation.

Every time fear raised it's head I flipped the light switch off on that thought and replaced it with this thought: That surgery is my rebirth day--it's the day that I forever alter the outcome of my life and it's the day my fan-forkin-skinny-life begins. That's how I thought of it. Pretty soon, the excitement overtakes the fear.

I promise you this Jon, the first month are so is difficult, but not impossible. It's hard--more for some than others. There are ups and downs emotionally and physically at times. But morbid obesity in a skinny world is hard emotionally and physically. Right? Choose your hard.

Obesity is a disease as defined by the AMA. It's not a character flaw. You have the chance for a new start. Take it. Don't look back. I'm down nearly 150lbs from when I began my journey. And I'm lovin life every day. No regrets.

You can do this. Don't come this far to let fear dictate your future and choices.

Good luck. Your team has you!!

FuffyChix, this post is so good I actually printed it out to refer back to later. Such great advice, as always, thanks!

Edited April 18, 2019 by FluffySaysForkIt!