feeling too scared.......

I've been investigating WLS for over 5 years, experienced more diets than I want to admit, been a guinea pig for many "magic pills" and have more exercise equipment in my home than I have pieces of comfortable furniture! Now that my surgery date is within 5 days, I am so scared that I am ready to bail. I am scheduled to visit Shands Hospital next Monday to pre-register. I know nothing about the hospital and do not know anyone on staff. I trust my doctor and he has been honest with me from the get-go. I will not know if he was able to do the surgery until I (hopefully) wake up in the Recovery Room. Because I have had abdominal surgeries in the past, Dr. Shariatt does not know if he will be able to get to my stomach for all of the scar tissue. I guess I'm feeling so scared because I feel so alone. I cannot talk to my husband because he is more of a nervous wreck than I am. My friends at work know nothing because I am currently on a LOA following arthritis surgery on my knee. I've talked to my God but haven't heard an answer yet.

Hi Janet, being scared is definitely a side effect everyone seems to experience before during and after the surgery...Shands hospital is a very well known and good hospital...since you have spoke to your god your prayers will be answered as you know he is always with you....I will send my thoughts and prayers your way for a successful surgery with a quick recovery...good luck and keep us updated on how you are doing....god bless April OH "Where the seeds of friendship blossom!!"

I don't know much about the doctor. Actually I know nothing about him but Shands is a great pioneering hospital and I think they will make sure everything goes well. I have a long time friend who's daughter had the first Florida heart and double lung transplant. She had it done in Shand's 5 years ago and she is still doing well with it. I haven't had the surgery yet but I question it sometimes. I guess I always come down to one answer though. I want to live a great life and enjoy many years of good health. Just like you or you wouldn't have set this up. I think the nerves must be a part of the rollercoaster ride we get with our emotions for this procedure but just remember WOW!!! WHAT A RIDE WE ARE GOING TO HAVE WHEN WE GET TO THE LOSING SIDE. We will all be pulling for you with lots of prayers and good thoughts. Keep us informed and let us know how you are doing. Good luck. Carol

Shands is a teaching hospital and is nationally known for superior care. It's actually the second largest building in the U.S. (#1 is the Pentagon) and while I also have no idea about your surgeon, I can say that lots of people are very scared prior to surgery. What if you told yourself that you were going to cancel the surgery first thing Monday morning? Would you feel relieved or not? For me, I feel like this surgery is my last possible resort. There are diets out there that I could lose weight on, but none in my 46 years that I can stick with for a lifetime. If you're really that scared, you have some soul searching to do. If you want to come back and post questions that you still need answers to, then do that!!

Hi Janet, I am also from St. Augustine. There is a support group here is St. Augustine. It meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 7:00 pm. Where the Health Department is. On the right hand side of the front door. (Old general hospital) Call me. 669-5513. I'm off weekends and afternoons. You are in the right direction with this web site. Your WLS friends can always help. tina

Hi...thanks so much for the info, I was not awarre that there was a support group for WLS in this town. It helps to know that I don't have to go through this alone. I am still experiencing my emotional roller coaster; scared about the upcoming surgery, yet terrified of going on like I am. I know that this is the RIGHT thing to do. thanks again, I'll be in touch

Hi Janet. I completely understand. I was so busy investigating WLS surgery and working on all my goals my surgeon had set up for me, that I really had not dealt with the emotions of the surgery itself. Finally, after everything I had done... seeing a therapist, getting insurance approved, etc. the time had come. My surgeon's office called me on a Tuesday to schedule my date for that Friday. When I hung up the phone, I started crying and kept crying for almost an hour. Suddenly, I was scared to death. I didn't want to die just because I couldn't stay on a diet. I was so freaked out that I think I alarmed my surgeon. He told me I could cancel anytime up til 7:00am on the morning of my surgery. And the first thing he said to me on Friday was "have you changed your mind?" I know you are scared! I am glad that you have prayed about it. I spent a lot of time in prayer myself. I am not sure I every got a clear cut answer on this one. But, the fact that everything came together so quickly at the end was my answer. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. One thing my surgeon told me was that if you weren't scared, then you probably haven't spent enough time thinking about what you are doing. Good luck to you, Paige

It sounds like you were exactly where I am--it's nice to know that I do not suffer from terminal uniqueness. I have been shut out by my OA friends which has left me feeling alone and allowed the self pity to arise. It makes me happy to know that this message board and new friends are just a click away

Dear Janet, My surgery date is the 11th and so far the only thing I'm scared of is that I'll get a call saying it was a big mistake and they can't do it. No, seriously, I am afraid to go on without this surgery. I don't want to contemplate a life of continuing pain and misery. I know the risks of this surgery, I did my research. I also know that I want a better quality of life and this surgery is probably my only chance of having that. Having said that, everyone is different and you know deep down what is best for you. You have to do what YOU have to do. Best of luck whatever your decision is. Joy P.S. Shands is great!