Pre-op jitters

I'm 3 days away from surgery. The anesthesiologist asked if I wanted an epidural. He must not have explained it very well. When our friends were over last night we discussed this and they said I was nuts not to have one. They claimed that the epidural does not hurt, and you need less anesthesia so your chances of coming out of surgery very nauseous are diminished. On another note, I'm pretty apprehensive. Not so much with the actual procedure and not so much if I will be successful and lose the pounds. It's the long term; after all I'm rearranging the plumbing that was intended. How will I be 5 or 10 years down the road? I guess I have the pre-op jitters. I was on a business trip yesterday, returning from Louisville, and thought I was having a panic attack. Not from the flight, just the thought of the impending procedure.

Hi Paula, I just want to wish you the very best of luck with your upcoming surgery. I think being nervous is pretty much normal. As far as the epidural goes I would seriously consider having it as it makes it much easier for walking after, and easier with meds. It is a personal decision so I would ask the Anesthetist about all the pros and cons. I will be sending prayers your way for a speedy recovery. Sandy

Hi Paula! I know how you feel - my surgery is on Tuesday. I go from being very nervous to so darn excited I can't sit STILL!!! I had epidurals when I went thru childbirth. I tell ya, it helped SO much with the pain, but I still had my wits about me, and I wasn't sick from it. Good luck with everything!!!! Love, Tammy

Thanks to all *****sponded. Tammy, I wish you the best.

Read your profile and wish you well...I am preop and can relate to all of your jitters! I empathize with the panic attack feeling as well! I have Anthem Blue Cross and you know what? Next time you can change insurance...I WOULD! Let them cover your hard won WLS and then tell them to stuff it! So many choices with Anthem and more freedom! The 5 to 10 years down the road thing has scared me as well...but I am diabetic with hypertension as well...so who knows what the effects of THOSE would be in that time frame? All we have is NOW...we make the best educated decision we can and put our lives in the hands of our Higher Power and go for it!!! Best Wishes to you! Sher'

Thank you for the response, and for putting the diabetes in perspective for me. You're right; I don't know how that would progress. The doctor told me to leave my diabetes medication at home; he said I would go off them the day of surgery. Amazing!

Hi again! That truly IS amazing about the diabetic meds and inspiring for me!! I am now up to three pills a day! That's what I call a quick fringe benefit! Hang in there! Sher'

Paula, I wanted to wish you good luck on the impending proceedure. I had mine 2 weeks ago and although I was not nervous I can understand how you might be feeling. Having had multiple surgeries during my life I was familiar with the process but those who have not had surgery before I am sure are always wondering about the proceedure..going to sleep and then waking up a different person in a way. You are in my prayers and good thoughts..Please let us know how things go .. Hugs Pattie

Hi Paula, Best of luck with your surgery, PLEASE make sure you report back to us so we know you're doing great! As far as the epi, I had one when I had my baby and I swear it saved my DH's life. Yes, you read that right. I was in so much pain if anyone even looked at me funny I was ready to pounce, and poor Gary was the victim a few times until they hooked me up. Just ask the anestheologist how long after surgery the effects will wear off, you need to be up and walking soon after surgery. Also remember this...do what you need to do NOT to be in pain. You dont get sugar/fat-free brownie points for being strong and dealing with the pain. If that means an epi, go for it. I am a fan od Dilauded and that got me through the first week or so. Good luck, and I'll see you on the loosing side! Peace, -Deb

Hi Deb, I suspect I'm much older than you, when I had my son 22 yrs. ago, women had few epi's. Do they hurt? What is the advantage with this in lieu of just anesthesia? I guess iwth an epi you have less anesthesia and don't wake up sick, which I tend to do after surgery. With an epi for WLS, is there a down side??