One appointment left before scheduling surgery

[Mrs. Stewart 2023 0]

I have one more appointment before scheduling surgery. Did anyone else feel like they were missing something or nervous about what to expect, recovery time, dehydration? Is there anything I should know or be prepared for post surgery.

[The Greater Fool 2,055]

I felt like I was missing something every day. I counted that I had 12 different appointments for tests and the dates and times kept changing so I feared I dropped one or asked for the wrong test. As it happenned I got every last test correct, but the surgeon decided on another at the last minute. Grrrr.

Because of my surgery being 20 years ago and the fact I had a couple of huge risk factors, Doc said I had about a 1 in 20 chance of dying on the table. In fact, his last words when we talked just before surgery were "You know you can die from this surgery?" Yes. "Do you wish to continue?" Yes.

I never worried about my recovery but I did research complications and visualized how I would deal with them. I had an 'open' surgery, meaning they openned me up from stem to stern and closed me up with 30+ staples and a drain. Every little movement was exruciating pain. I knew this was a short term thing and the staples would come out at 4 weeks or so. I told myself I could do anything for 4 weeks. Pain meant eating (puree) and drinking were impossible but I kept trying. Always keep trying.

As I said, I prepared by knowing what could go wrong and mentally preparing for it. Knowledge, for me, is power. Just focus on doing the best you can. Don't kick yourself for what you can't do or do wrong, it's part of being human.

If you have a rough time, it's just the price of admission. If it's easy take the W and keep going.

Success starts and ends in the mind.

Good luck,

Tek

[summerseeker 2,274]

Hello, its great to meet you

You would not be human if you didn't have some trepidation going through this surgery. You don't need to know everything, you can always jump back in here to ask. I read a lot of the back pages of this forum to pass my time and learn. They are a friendly bunch and very knowledgeable.

You will spend your first few days after surgery re learning how to sip slowly and snoozing.

[catwoman7 11,223]

I get anxious before every surgery I've had, and they always go off without a hitch! Honestly, I think my RNY was the easiest surgery I've been through.

[Possum220 230]

20 hours ago, Mrs. Stewart 2023 said:

I have one more appointment before scheduling surgery. Did anyone else feel like they were missing something or nervous about what to expect, recovery time, dehydration? Is there anything I should know or be prepared for post surgery.

Use this one last appointment to ask all the questions that you want/need. Have you had a dietician assigned to you. Does your surgeon supply written information on the procedure and after care? Are there follow up appointments afterwards?

There is a very informative book called - Your complete guide to nutrition for weight loss surgery. Written by Sally Johnston, Great information on all the procedures, stages and the journey post WLS. Also includes Fluid and Vitamin requirements.

Edited February 25, 2023 by Possum220
Additional info

[qtdoll 535]

Become as well versed on your post op Vitamins as you can. I find that many people become confused about that!