A little scared of surgery

[preciosarose2 0]

My surgery date is Septmber 23, 2009 and I'm a little scared of the complications and just going under anesthesia. Any advice on how to get over it? :frown:

[melmarlem 0]

Just remember that your drive to the hospital will be more risky than going under anesthesia :frown: It's normal to be scared, I was too. But just think of all the great things to come when you lose the weight. Relax. It will be here and over before you know it...and you'll look back and wonder why you were so nervous to begin with :w00t: Best wishes!

[bookwormswot 0]

Besides what Mel says, do some research or talk to your doctor before hand. I find out that the more I know, the less scared I am. I got a packet of info that went over several types of anesthesia, the benefits and risks, which would most likely be used and why. And you'll meet your anesthesiologist before surgery and you can ask any questions you have. Don't feel shy; ask away!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

I posted this on another thread the other day and maybe it can help you:

Surgery is amazingly easy. They'll give you something to relax you before they roll you in. If you've never had surgery, being "out" isn't like sleeping; you won't really have a sense that time has passed. You'll be "there" and then "gone" and then "back". I find it helpful when in recovery to find a clock (they all have big clocks on the walls) and re-orient myself to what time it is.

You'll probably have a mask on, with oxygen. Don't flip! It helps clear the anesthesia from your lungs. Once you're alert enough to concentrate, take several deep breaths (in and out) and it helps clear your lungs and your mind. Deep and slow. Once you are oxygenating well, ask them to remove the mask if it bugs you (it does me) They'll remove it and see how you do on room air. Again deep slow breaths really make a difference here.

The soreness, to me, was reminiscent of too many sit ups. I felt a little "odd" but nothing excruciating. Again, breathing deeply helps expand everything, helps you feel normal. If it hurts a little at first keep at it; things will loosen up.

A big secret I can share: The sooner you act normally, the sooner you'll feel normal. Walk as soon as you feel able (with the nurse's help, and of course once you're out of recovery LOL). Don't be a fool about it, don't try if you're still dizzy, but walk ASAP. When they give you something to drink pick Water first; less likely to nauseate you.

Let the nurses know, in fact, if you feel nauseated or "funny".

Surgery is scary. The nurses all know this, the docs know it, so don't feel badly because you are petrified. No mentally healthy person ever says "Surgery? Oh yeah baby bring it ON!" LOL The medical staff will help you through it, and the tips I've given you give you a degree of control to optimize it for you.

You will probably be dreadfully thirsty, too. They give you a "anticholinergic" to dry up your mucous membranes so anticipate that; it's normal. A mild sore throat is normal too. Take some chapstick and that helps with the dry lips. I agitated for ice chips and got some before I was cleared to drink water; that helps a lot too.

Post op take your pain meds if you need them; liquid tylenol may be enough for you after your first 24-36 hours or so. Or not. Just be aware that if you take your prescription it MAY constipate you so be alert for that; ask your doc what s/he wants you to do if that happens.

And follow your doc's post op diet and instructions TO THE LETTER! You'll be through it in no time! :wub:

Hope some of this helps!

[RebeccaJ 0]

Thanks so much for what you wrote. I am having my surgery in the morning at 7:15, and I am a little scared, too. Your account of things helped put it in perspective. Thanks again!

By the way, how do you add a ticker tape to your messages? I can't figure that out. Help!

[RestlessMonkey 7]

Here's a link to a ticker tutor: I don't remember how I did mine (I just remember I had lots of help! LOL) but I think this will do it

http://www.lapbandtalk.com/f5/ticker-tutorial-pictures-41782/

Good luck on your surgery; let us know how it goes! I'm sure you'll do marvelously!