My surgery is June 20th any last advice

My surgery date is June 20th, I'm excited and Very Nervous. I've never had surgery before and I'm alittle worried about going under general. I'm not worried about the new diet, I'm ready for that. It's been along time coming. Any advice on what to expect would be appreciated!!!!!! Thanks Maureen

Hi Maureen, I just had surgery last Thursday, so I'm sure I'm just full of advice (or something)! Walk, girl, walk. Start walking now, so that you've begun the habit by surgery day, then start walking as soon as possible afterward. My brother--and priceless helper--got me out walking the next day, and I'm glad. Four days later, that's my default when I feel stiff. About the nervous part, only you can handle that. I'll tell you, the thing that cracks me up is when they wheeled me into the operating room. I was intimidated by all the instruments all over the place, and those big overhead lights. What scared me was they told me to move over from the moving bed to the operating table. I know, it's a silly thing to be scared about, but at 290, moving from surface to surface while in a prone position isn't easy, and I was afraid I wouldn't make it. They helped me, and it was okay. My anesthesiologist was great. He was very personable, and said, okay, I'm going to put something similar to valium in your IV, and you'll start feeling it in just a bit. Then I woke up in recovery. Yeah, it was like that. When you wake up, you'll be uncomfortable, but just let the nurse know if you're in pain. They will help you. If you have a friend or relative that can hang with you the day of the surgery, it'll really help. Put them in charge of helping you drink the water the nurse gives you. My brother kept a close eye on the water and the clock, and whether or not I needed to go to the bathroom, and it really helped keep me focused on sipping. Oh, that's another thing. Try sipping now. It's a little difficult to get used to, but is crucial for post-op comfort. You have to sip constantly afterward, so getting accustomed to that routine now will help later. Gotta go now. Hope some of this is helpful. Keep in touch!

Maureen, My surgery is June 20th also. I have had surgery before (hysterectomy) and boy does the anesthetic work fast! You no more get into the operating room than you are totally out. Next thing you know you are in recovery and there are nurses there to make sure you are doing okay. What part of the country are you in Maureen? I'm in Oregon. What kind of surgery are you having done? We can be support for each other online. Shirley

My surgery is also June 20th (RNY). I'm not nervous - yet. The time seems to be dragging on, though. I know that this coming weekend is going to seem soooooo long. At least on the weekdays, I am at work and can get mind off of it a little. Shirley is right. It is so amazing how quick it is over. One second you are in the operating room and then a second later (or so it seems) you are waking up and it is over! The only thing I'm a little anxious about it the post surgery pain. But I did my pre-op yesterday at the hospital and the pre-op nurse told me they do a really good job administering pain meds and making you as comfortable as possible. So that made me feel better.