OMG! Less than a week to go!

I can't believe my surgery is less than a week away! Sunday night I could barely sleep: my mind was racing with "what I needs" and "what if?s". I guess my nerves are starting to get to me. Not worrying about me, as much as the possibilty that something could go wrong and, since I'm a single Mom of 4 daughters, the disaster that would cause! Oh well, I know I need to do this, and I will be able to be a more active Mom once I'm on the losing side. Just have to hang in there a few more days..... Anyone have any calming advice? Carol

Hi Carol, I can't offer any advice from the losing side, but I will commiserate with you on your nerves. I'm having my surgery the same day and I feel like I've entered an alternate reality. I just want to turn into a turtle and crawl in bed for the week! But life goes on. I can sympathize with your concerns about your kids. I have two little boys, 3 and 7. I often start thinking about what would happen if the my worst fear became a reality and my boys were motherless. I made my husband promise he would put them in counseling until they were 21 if I died! He just looked at me like I was nuts and said "Stop saying stuff like that, you're freaking me out!" I think we'll just need to trust that we've made the decision to get healthier to live longer and more actively with our kids. Surgery is always a risk, but the odds are in our favor. I have to do a week long liquid fast this week that's just about killing me, so I have treating this time as a time of preparation and prayer and am writing in a journal. (I normally hate that whole mushy "writing my feelings down" stuff, but it has seemed to help when I am feeling whiny and wanting to eat! ) and keeps me from freaking my husband out! Here's one Bible verse that makes me feel like it's for this time: Isaiah 43:19 "I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." I am waiting for God to do a new thing with me! If He can make a "river in the desert" surely He can help me not eat a pan of brownies this week! which is ALL I can think about. I hope you get to a place of calm this week and make it to Monday. See you on the the losing side of things and bring on the morphine pumps! Hugs, Katie

Thanks Katie, At least I know it's not just me! A turtle....yeesh, I'm just an emotional wreck! Thank you for the good thoughts to guide me! And good luck to you also. Be very thankful that you have a loving supportive husband by your side. Its a gift! Carol

Honey--I just had surgery last Monday. I was high risk in that I was a revision from as old stomach stapeline, 58 yr old, and 350 lbs. I did so well--I could hardly tell I had surgery by Thursday. Go read my profile for my experiences, You are in a good group--we MARCH together. Be strong and positive--bj

BJ, Thanks for the encouragement, and sharing your experience. Keep up the great recovery! I hope I do as well! Carol

Hi Carol. I know that this process can be so nerve wracking! I recommend deep breathing and also visualizing a smooth surgery and recovery. Also, put your faith and trust in those that will be taking care of you and performing your surgery. I was very surprised on the day of my surgery at my calmness. I was ready. You will be too. Best, Stephanie

Thanks Stephanie, I'm trying! Carol

I,m sorry that I don't have any calming advice for you yet, as I am also 1 week away from surgery. March 28th!!! I have an 8 year old daughter and a loving husband at home. My husband went through the surgery this past jan and is doing well so he can be our angel. I see you are from great meadows I am in port murray. Are you going to morristown or dover for your surgery? I will be in dover for mine. Well wherever you go just know that my husband and I will be praying for your speedy and uneventful surgery. Stay calm and keep in touch. Jamie

Jamie, Thanks for writing! I also see you are with the same surgery group as I am, although my surgeon is Dr. Pukova and I'm going to Morristown Meml Hospital. At the pre-op class, they said that each operation is performed by 2 of the surgeons, so I guess they'll be at Morristown on Monday and Dover on Tuesday. Good luck to you. Thank you and your husband both for all of your prayers! I feel like an emotional wreck this week. Please keep in touch! Carol