Surgery 01/12/04 and SCARED TO DEATH

My surgery is scheduled for 01/12/04 in Grand Haven and my Doctor is Dr. Schram. I am SCARED TO DEATH! I have read horror stories about internal bleeding complications (with a different surgeon) etc. and I basically only have my 16 year old daughter to stay with me while I am in surgery. Anyone have Dr. Schram? Can anyone offer words of encouragement about the possibilty of complications? Also, what types of Ready made Protein Drinks are good to purchase? I have been searching and always seem to find the kind which are high in sugar and fat! PLEASE HELP!!!!

OK...DEEP BREATH....OK....EXHALE....REPEAT.... LOL!!! Ok seriously now.... Yes there are risks of complications, but there are risks from being obese as well. Personally I think the risks of being obese far outweigh those of the surgery. I am 31 and my joints make me feel as if I am 71. For the most part I am healthy, but I know that if I continue as I am, I am in for an early demise. I do not know you doctor or your hospital, so I cannot offer any encouragement there. I am also having surgery on the 12th. I am not sure why, but I haven't gone throught the terrified phase yet...I am sure it will happen soon though!! I am confident in my drs abilities and have also come to terms with the possility of something terribly wrong happening...if it does I believe it was meant to be. If you want to chat tomorrow send me an email, and I'll send you my cell number. Good luck with everything...and RELAX!!! for protein shakes, check out bariatriceating.com Kim

I am not familiar with your doctor so I can't help there but I am sure at one time you were really excited about the surgery. I am scared also but so very excited about the possible results. I just keep thinking of the chances I am taking everyday by being overweightverses the possibility of a problem with the surgery and for me the odds are much better with the surgery. I went through the same fears when I had surgery a couple of years ago so I think it is just a fear of the unknown. Just my opionion. I know it's hard but if you relax and think about the positive aspects I think you will feel much better. I hope this helps a little! If you ever need to chat let me know. KC

Hi, Amy. Hang in there. Your reaction is normal. After two years of researching this surgery, the night before my procedure I had a panic attack as well. But I knew that I had done my homework on the doctor, the procedure, the diet and lifestyle I would have post-surgery, etc. I knew the risks and felt the upside was worth taking them -- and I made sure my family knew that I was at peace with that just in case the worst happened. But it did not! I had my lap RNY January 2 and have already lost 15 pounds. I felt great by the 4th or 5th day, and now I am so glad I didn't give in to my last-minute cold feet. Is your surgery laproscopic? If so, my experience is that you will heal amazingly fast and shouldn't need any physical support your daughter can't provide -- can she drive you places? That might be the only thing you need help with. If you are still on narcotic pain meds when you come home you will not be cleared to drive. Hang in there, you will do great. Good luck with your surgery! Linda

Hi Amy, You are feeling the same jitters I felt a week ago. It will be okay. I had surgery on Monday, January 5th. I felt anxious too. Pray for peace and talk to your daughter. She may not tell you but she is probably a little stressed out. She needs to feel and see your calmness as much as possible. Try to watch something funny on television or read a good book. Do something to keep your mind occupied. Just remember that you are doing a great thing for yourself and you've come this far. Don't focus on the now, focus on the future. Take care of yourself and best of luck with your new life. You'll do great!

Amy - please read my post "Postop Days 1-5" that I just posted.......If you have investigated your surgeon and feel comfortable with the number of surgeries that he has done then you are going to be fine......I was the same way that you are back in December when I was originally scheduled - I backed out in preop......This time (Jan 7) I was giving my coworkers high-5's as I went thru the corridors of the Operating Room on the way to the rest of my life! Take care and please feel free to email me privately with any questions....Tammy

Amy, Please try to relax! They have to tell you all the risks of having this surgery. I had to sign a five page release that told me that I could bleed, have blood clots and may not loose any weight. I was scared too. I am 5 days post op and I am doing great. I found a protein drink that I can tolerate ( I don't really like the taste) They are sold at GNC--Isopure is what it is called. It has no sugar and 50gm of protien. My doctor said you can only absorb 35gm at once but it still doesn't hurt to drink more than that. Hopefully your nurses in the hospital will help you and support you as they did me. Good luck. It will all be worth it soon. Kelley

Hi Amy, By the time you read this you will be into your prep day and waiting for surgery tomorrow. Please know that you are not alone with your anxieties. I'm having surgery on Tuesday and have all the fears you do. But I also know that this is the right thing to do and that God will be with me all the way. Like someone else said, we did our homework. We know the risks and the benefits. We would not be human if we weren't nervous. I pray that all goes well with your surgery and recovery. Please email me if you'd like when you get back home. By the way, are you related to any Miedema's from Minnesota? My hubby is Dutch and we know a family with that name.

Hello Amy,wish you well,iam going 4-14 for my surgey and cant wait.yes everyone tells us the stories.but iam over weight all my live ,iam a diabetic and have a hard time with the weight.i live in westfield vt,ive had alot of friends have it done and they look great and wish they had it done yrs.ago.so iam really looking forward to the day i go.have you waited long??ive been waiting one yr.their is only one dr.in burl.that does it here,and she is very booked up,hope to here how your doing and wish the best of luck.good luck afa leona burleson my email is [email protected]