In need of support

Hey Everyone. I am in desperate need of some support. Up until a couple days ago I have been so excited for this surgery and I have been looking forward to having this surgery more then anything. I have stayed active on the message board and chat room, gone to support group meetings and have been on this web site every night and sometimes a couple times throughout the day. When My boss asked me last week what day was my last day until I cam back I felt this chill run down my spine and my teeth started chattering, I got a shortness of breath, my heart was racing a million beats a minute, I got all clammy and light headed - I couldn't speak. I have never had a panic attack before but I think I may have experienced my first. I told him I'd get back to him - and went in the bathroom and threw up. Since then, I have had terrible nerves. Upset stomach, chills, and vomiting. Whenever someone brings it up to me or I sit and think about it I make myself nauseous. My nerves are so bad that even when something touches my skin, it feels so weird. I can't explain it really. This is my first surgery ever - I am only 22 years old. I think I am just really afraid. Can anyone relate to what I'm going through or help? Please....

I have had panic attacks almost for as long as you have been alive, and that sure sounds like one. I am having surgery in 2 days, and am getting nervous too. Do not let the panic attacks scare you. Take deep breaths, and focus on something else. I try to think of all the positives of the surgery, or think about "my favorite things". I am glad that I committed to this decision BEFORE my nerves set in, now I am just trusting that decision. You are young, so I understand how that makes you scared, but look at all the wonderful years of new healthy life you have ahead of you!! You will be fine,,,,the only thing to fear, is the fear..... Hang in there!!!!

Hello Tiffany, Well all I can tell you is that I have been feeling the same exact way. I get stiff necks, my heart races, at times I feel like I can't breath, sometimes I get depressed, I am an emotional basket case. My PCP had given me Xanax to take for anxiety in March when this all started but I only have taken 2. I do deep breathing exercises and that really has helped. As much as I try not to focus on this surgery that is all I think about 24/7. All I can say is that you realize that every person I have spoken to goes through the same thing. They all also say there only regret is not have had this done younger, so I think you are corageous doing this so young and just imagine what wonderful things will lie ahead for you. Good luck and keep on posting to express yourself that also always helps me.

Hi Tiffany, it's normal to be scared of surgery. Especially since this is your first one. I've had several by now (2 c-sections, a hysterectomy, a lumpectomy and surgery on my foot). I think that the reason this surgery is a little scarier is because we have so much time to think about it! It's not like you are rushed into surgery in a crisis. We have to prepare for months, sometimes years for this. And then all of a sudden the hurdles are all jumped, we have a date, and BOOM. All of the energy we put into getting to this point is now rolling around in our bodies looking for an outlet, and the most logical place for it to come rushing out is in nerves! When your boss asked that question, it suddenly all came into focus for you and it was overwhelming. Whenever I get doubts about the surgery, I just look at my belly and my butt and realize that I STILL want to get rid of the fat, and the surgery is the door I have to walk through to get started on that. You'll do fine. Keep reading the posts of the post-ops and remember that a year from now, you'll be a new person! Good luck! ~Cathy