Surgery Date - SCARED

I finally got a surgery date. I was fine until I actually got the call for a definite date. I am now scared...my tummy hasn't stopped doing flip-flops. I am having RNY on August 14. I need some encouragement and maybe some, "It's going to be ok." I teach school and hope to be able to start the school year off after Labor Day. It's also an issue that my husband doesn't have enough days to take off and stay with me when I have it and the hospital is 2 hrs. away. He'll have to take me and then pick me up when it's time to go home.

I got my date last week, it's August 15th, the day after you. I have been having flip flops in my stomach as well, I'm not scared of the surgery, just keep thinking of EVERYTHING! I plan to return to work after Labor Day as well, we will both be fine - better than fine we will feel great!! My mom had the surgery 7 years ago - her only regret . . not having it sooner. Good luck to you! Tanya

Thanks for your reply. I think it is just that any kind of surgery is scary. I've been in the Kaiser program for 6 months in preparation for the surgery so I know everything I'm supposed to do and what to expect. I have waited a long time. It is just now...there is a definite time. Thanks again.

Tammy it is very normal to be scared. I doubt there is a WLS person who wasn't. And look at the statistics! If this was the lottery you'd want to win and the chances were the same you'd certainly not have any hope of winning it right? There is NO doubt in my mind that we are going to hear from you after surgery and you will be telling us it is wonderful to be on the losing side and it's OVER! It's DONE! All the waiting and working toward it and there you are... LOSING and getting healthier and feeling fabulous! Most people feel great in TWO weeks so you will be fine for getting back to school. Will you have a friend or family member who CAN be with you at the hospital when you get out of recovery? Do you live close enough to someone who you can call to come over if you need a litle help with something? You probably won't need anyone but it would be good just in case. Especially since you won't be able to drive. Also.. is there a hospital nearer than the one you're having your surgery that someone could drive you there if something came up. I'm sure nothing serious will but my girlfriend had to go for intervenus fluids because she got dehydrated and her hosptial was far away too. She just went to a nearby hospital and they took care of it. Hugs, Marianne C.

I just had my surgery on the 2nd! I was in the hospital Thurs, Fri , and came to the hotel Sat afternoon. (My surgeon requires that if you live more than an hour away you have to stay in town for the first week.) I was really really scared too.. and even asked the nurse (half-jokingly) when I was being admitted if it was too late. First thing that happened after I got into my gown was they did a blood panel.. then I got my IV in after answering a gazillion questions. ( And for reference, any time someone asks your name, add your birthdate afterwards. Expedites so much! ) Also, the IV is much better in the arm vs the hand so ask if they can do it there. We relaxed in the room until I was ready to go.. which was a bit considering I had to be there early my blood panel. Finally, I was wheeled down to anesthesia. I had to get some shots in my back similar to an epidural for pain reduction. They gave me some feel good stuff in my iv to relax me. The last thing I remember was "we're putting an oxygen mask on you take some deep breaths" and then I was waking up. I couldn't believe it was done that fast! I was wheeled up to my room and the rest of that day was pretty much a blur. I did get nauseous from the anaesthesia so I barely walked that first day. (Maybe 5 steps) I had a catheter in. I had blood drawn a few times as well as my blood sugar tested. I had my iPod which was really nice to listen to to drown out the hospital sounds Next day was pretty much the same... catheter came out and was able to walk. It was nice having my hubby and mom there. I found for me.. the more information I have, the less nervous I get about things. It was very straightforward and the nursing staff was fantastic! You'll do fine.

I enjoyed reading your response since you are just on the other side of where I am. I'm scared of waking up nauseous too. I hate to be nauseated more than anything...I can deal with sore. I wish you the best...wish me luck next week!

It is totally natural to be scared, just because the reality of this happening has finally came true. I am able to say this because I had the same the feeling. I kept it to myself thinking I could work it out. What finally happened for me was I read a little book called "Who Moved My Cheese", (a requirement of current class I am enrolled in) and realized what was paralyzing me was fear. I was able to address it, with this simple fact, I want to improve the quality of my life. Just surround yourself with someone who can assist you through your recovery period. Go into the surgery with a positive attitude knowing that your body has what it needs to recover, your outcome will be exactly what you want it to be. Always the best Frances

Thanks...I'll have to look for that book. I, however, have not kept it to myself. I felt better after church yesterday when some people prayed for me. It made me feel a little less anxious.

Absolutely nothing to be scared of. I went in and the worse part was waiting to have the surgery done. I went to sleep and woke up in my room, I immediately asked the nurse if I could get up and walk, she said if I thought I could. I was up and walking within an hour after I got back to my room. One reason I did very well was that I got up and started walking. I wasn't even sore. I had surgery on Tuesday and came home on Thursday. I started cooking two meals a day on Thursday. I did have a little problem learning how to eat with my new stomach, but that was short lived. You have nothing to be afraid of. Complications with this surgery are rare.

I did that after my c-section...I got up and moved around as soon and as much as I could and the recovery was a breeze. I am more scared of being put under and waking up nauseated. Thanks for the support of your reply.