Upcoming Surgery and Scared To Death.....

My surgery is scheduled for next week 10/25, and up until yesterday I was feeling kinda scared but more excited about it, that is until a dr. that I work with told me that a story about WLS was going to be on NBC last evening, well when I went home I searched for the story and couldnt find it, perhaps that was a good thing, between watching Discovery Health Channel and seeing everything that could go wrong with any type of surgery, I was already on noid -- so this morning I see a blurb on the morning news about WLS, saying that a new study came out today saying that people who get the surgery are most likely to die within a yr. of having the surgery, I cannot tell you how that has put a damper on my whole being, I have a headache, and my stomach is turning, I dont know what to do, I do know if I stay with this weight, I'll for sure end up in a wheelchair unable to walk. I told my co-workers about it and they are all around me assuring me that everything is going to be okay, I even had my friends boss give me a call to wish me success with the surgery {I thought that was nice}; all my friends and family are praying for me, I'm praying for me, I do believe in God and know that if it is his will, thy will be done, and there is nothing no one can do about it, and with that said, I forge forward with my surgery, because I know its the only way I can help myself escape this prison of obesity. I'm sorry if this gets anyone down, that's truly not my intention, God bless you all and keep you well. Pray for me as I will and have been praying for you all.

Hello Latricia It is very commen to have these feelings. I am going into surgery on the 25th as well. I was very scared for the last 2 weeks, now I am just excited for it to get here!! I know what they say in T.V. and in books can be upseting. But believe me, sometimes they just do that ( say the neg.) to stear you away from getting it done because of rising medical costs. Those people don't understand that this is a sickness like any other. It needs to be treated as the same as well. Please, if you have anything else on your mind or need a friend to talk to , I am here for you hun! We are "Surgery Sisters", going on the same date!!! Erin

Keep your head up! Pray for guidance and peace that surpasses your understanding! Take care and you'll be in my prayers!

The study was only done on Medicaid patients, and the riskiest group was over 65. I had my surgery on 10/5, spent one night in the hospital and went back to work this past Monday (1 1/2 weeks post-op). I feel great and have lost over 12 pounds since surgery and over 27 pounds since 9/1. I was having second thoughts a few days before my surgery, so it's natural to re-think your decision. Hang in there....

tricia, this is sandy from florida... i got your email and i am going to call you, you hold your head high and let your anxieties be replaced with good thoughts and know that you will do fine..the report was to tell of the bad that can happen with surgery but what they dont tell you is of all the thousands of people who have this surgery and go on to live full and productive happier lives because they have gotten the demon of weight off of them.. and you know when you talked to your doctor they told you the pros and the cons to this surgery or any surgery...but remember one thing....many many people do fantastic after this surgery so think that...not what the news report said....they looked at it from one angle--the negative but they did not look at the other side-the positive side with the success of so many many people.. none of us on any bariatric board are there because we are all 110 pounds and happy..we are all overweight and obviously in need of trying to get our lives back together so we can be a happy, healthy person..so dont dwell on the report...think of how your life is about to change for the better.. i have told myself that i now have two birthdays 2/18 when i was born many years ago.....and 10/10/05 my rebirth.the day i had the lap band done and it represents the birth of a person who wants to take control of her life..and that is what 10/25/05 is your rebirth to a healthy happier tricia..so come on chin up, smile and know that you have made a decision that is going to improve your life.... i will be talking to you soon....sandy in florida....

Latricia, I hear you! That story that has everyone buzzing came at a bad time for those of us with upcoming dates. One post that made me feel a lot better was by a Dr. on the Ohio board. It's one of the last posts in the thread called "question to Dr. or anyone who knows...". Hope it helps - it made me calm down a bit. Regardless, if you know you have a good, experienced surgeon and have passed all the pre-op tests, you can feel good knowing that you are going into surgery the best you can. Good luck!

Hi Latricia, It's perfectly normal to have those feelings. I had them too. I think almost all of the post-ops here will admit to having been scared before surgery. It's only natural when you're undergoing such a major surgery. For myself, I just had to keep focusing on the things that could go right, rather than wrong. I saw that story last night, and I know it had people all over the boards her buzzing. I personally know a few people who've had rny more than a year ago and are doing fabulous. That was a big help to me in getting over some of my fears. Now if I could just learn to stomach these darn protein shakes. lol. Best of luck to you on your upcoming wls. You will be in my prayers. I wish you a successful surgery and a quick recovery. Have a great night. Carol

NOW YOU KNOW BETTER THAN TO "WALK BY SIGHT", MS LATRICIA. WHAT ARE WE TOLD TO DO, SWEETIE? "WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT"!!!!! TURN THE TV OFF ... LISTEN TO SOME UPLIFTING CHRISTIAN MUSIC ... FOCUS ON ALL THE WONDERFUL WAYS YOUR LIFE IS GOING TO IMPROVE & LOOK AT ALL THE PEOPLE GOD HAS BROUGHT TO YOU JUST TO ENCOURAGE YOU ... LISTEN TO THEIR ENCOURAGEMENT! GO TO YOUR SURGERY PAGE & JUST LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO DON'T REALLY EVEN KNOW YOU, SENDING THEIR LOVE & BLESSINGS & ENCOURAGEMENT! &, AS ALWAYS ... WE ARE HERE FOR YOU WALKING THE SAME JOURNEY! GOD BLESS YOU DAWN & NICK

CONGRATULATIONS on your upcoming surgery!!!!! The 25th is my date as well and I am so excited!!!! I wish you many Blessings on your journey and you will be in my thoughts and prayers. ~Tonya

Hi Latricia I just had lap band oct10 I am 67 yrs but i don't have any health problems I have done really good no pain been walking everyday I think they try to scare people I didn't read the articles and email with the bad news just pray and things will be ok hugs Betty