Scared...Monday is surgery day for me....

Hey everyone. I just had a question. I am really getting scared. Did you guys all feel this way? I am having Lapband. I had a really hard time with the pre-op diet 2nd week not to bad. But tomorrow is clear liquids for 2 days. This has really happened quick for me. My insurance was really good with the approval process. It only took me a month. So I'm not sure if it happened too quick.. I hate anesthesia though. It scares me. I'm afraid of the whole liver thing too. Any advice?

Hi April, Best thing to do is read up and ask questions . That should set your mind at ease. I had Gastric Bypass and have to tell you was quite comfortable the day of surgery. Knew I was making the right decision for not only me but for my family. Has changed both my life as well as my sons as I have hopefully saved him from folowing in my footsteps. We are now a family that eats right, excersizes and it a whole lot healthier. Know it's canbe a litle scary but read some of the profiles and sucess storys on here. I know Bette Blackwell had Lap and she Is Awsome! What an inspiration, Good Luck and Best wishes on your Surgery.

You are in good hands with Doc Floch. One of the best.. and a good guy. Which hospital will you be having your surgery in? One day at a time... you will adjust to your new life. Towanda

Hi April, First of all, take a long deep breath through your nose, hold it...hold it....now exhale through your mouth. Feel better? If not, do it about five more times. Being scared of surgery is totally normal. But, if you have confidence in your surgeon, and are at peace with the decision you've made to have this surgery, than you should be fine. I had jitters a few days before too. I had to distract myself from those thoughts, so I walked, a LOT! Even if it was 10 pm, I'd put on my shoes and go outside and walk really fast to get my mind out of myself. Anesthesia is the scariest part for most people. It's the unknown that we're afraid of, but, in reality, anesthesia is very safe. The doctor is right there monitoring you every second that you're asleep and wakes you up the second he can. I remember my anesthesiaologist waking me up in the OR saying to take deep breaths, that it was all over! Don't worry about the liver thing. If you lost your required amount of weight, did your pre op diet well, and realy stick to the liquid diet for these two days, your liver will be absolutely fine. DON'T WORRY! That's your surgeon's job! He knows what to do! Keep taking deep breaths, walk, and distract yourself. Think of the great benefits you'll have once it's all over with! Keep posting if you're still scared...I know you'll do fine... Paula

Thanx so much Paula for the advice....There wasn't a set amount of weight I had to loose. But I didn't do too good the first week. I really buckled down the 2nd week. I am going trough the clear liquids today and tomorrow. I only lost 4 lbs. I heard people loose about 12.... Thanx again April

Hi April, I had the bypass, so it's a bit different, but know that you're in excellent hands (As Towanda said!). I had Dr. Ehrlich, but both Drs. Floch are top notch too! I was very relaxed going into the surgery, I knew that I made a good decision and I had 100% support of my family, especially my husband. That made it such a comfort to know that they were all behind me. You'll do fine with it, the anestesia is different for every person but it's extremely safe compared to years ago. For me, the anestesia is definitely the worst part, but it's definitely doable. Keep your eye on the prize (your health!) and keep taking those deep breaths and you'll sail right on through. Lisa

Thank you so much....

I am about one year out and know that is was the best thing that I have ever done for myself. The days before are the most frightening of my life but I would go through again. You will do great. Best of luck Beth

Thank you so much...This site is really good....I am still scared but I feel a little better..

Hi April, I just had the Lap Band done last Tuesday by Dr. Erlich and let me tell you, you are in the best hands with the FCB group! I don't know if I have a high tolerance to pain or what but it really was fairly easy. I am sore where my incisions are but I have only taken tylenol (not since Thursday though), and I am just fine. I know you will do well, I was very nervous about many things myself, I really think it is normal. I met with the anestisiologist (sp) before I went into surgery as will you and they really put you at ease. I let him know I am extremely nauseous from it and you know, I was not the least bit sick to my stomach. He took care of everything. I woke up in recovery and dozed on and off (they kept me there for 4 hours do to me using a CPAP machine- otherwise it is less time). I even walked to the bathroom in the recovery room! I eventually got a room and just walked and sipped as I was told to do. Went home the next day. You will have some gas pain but really it passes and you get used to it. Please know everyone is different, every body heals differently, and everyone has some anxiety about having surgery. I described my experience so you would have some Idea but please don't compare yourself to me or anyone else. We are all different. Please feel free to email me at any time. I actually just got home from a 25th wedding anniversary and I was so proud of myself - they were all eating these wonderful beef and chicken dishes (not to mention the cake!) and I sat there with my broth and flavored water!! I am sure I will feel it tomorrow ( being tired). Take Care, Nancy K