Anesthesia anxiety. Anyone else?

I'm a few months from bariatric surgery, because I'm doing all the pre-op requirements, but Dr. Averbach wanted to repair my hernia now, and not at the same time as WLS months from now, because it's large and causing discomfort.
I have surgery for the hernia repair in a couple of weeks, and I'M SO SCARED of going under general anesthesia at my weight (380 lbs).

Talk me out of my fear, please. It's literally freaking me out when I think about it.

:(

Hello, I know what you mean. I have not had the wls yet but I have had many other operations and I worry all the time. I am 300 lbs and I get so panicked that it makes me sick. I have now tried to learn to trust the docs and try to relax prior to the surgery. I also take deep breaths to help me relax while waiting for them to take me to surgery. I also have a hernia and have had it 9 years with no trouble. I have had 4 other hernia repairs and frankly I am tired of it. I will wait for this one. I want to do lap band and I am concerned that it might have an effect on that. I also pray alot  and ask god to send angels to be with me. My Grandmom always did the same and I guess its a habit now... I wish you luck and if I can help just let me know....

                                                                         Julie

Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
I just get totally freaked thinking about it and get panic attacks. :(
I hope I can just relax before they take me into the OR.
How did the other hernia repairs go? I have a friend who said she was way more sore than she thought, because it's suppose to be a routine surgery.

Hi, All went well and soreness was not bad. They gave me pain pills but I just took tylenol extra strength. The pain was only bad if I tried to do to much or sleep on my stomach. My doc found a second hernia when  he went in so he did both at one time. He also used mesh to  renforce the holes. Knock on wood no problems from the old repairs. I just hate the thought of surgery and get tired of going to the doctors and all they can say its your weight. Like going for a ingrown toenail oh if you lost weight it wouldnt be like that... I hate surgery because I feel like they are looking at my weight not me or my problem.. I guess thats just me....              

                                                                Julie

Oh I understand, and I guess I'm fortunate to have a surgeon who has experience with obese patients, because he does a lot of WLS procedures.
He's a little more understanding than a  doctor who has mostly average to slightly overweight patients.
I had this hernia when I was thin...YEARS ago, and the bigger I got the bigger the hernia got too.

It is always scary to have surgery for everyone.  it is normal to get really scared. but remember that you are going to be in great hands and he has a lot experience with many overweight patients.  Please call dr. Averbach and ask all the questions and tell him all the concerns you are feeling.  Maybe he can give you a little peace of mind by answering your questions and concerns.

I am sure that everything is going to go great for you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Wishing you a quick recovery.

Thank you, Cira.
I appreciate all the kind words and advice.
I cannot believe I started the panic attacks over this, but here I am....freaked out.

Hi Heather -

Everyone has already given you comforting words of advice, so I'll just echo them.  When I had my wls surgery, I weighed 388 lbs.  Yes, I was a little scared, BUT I just put my faith and trust in the doctors and the staff.  As you can see, it all turned out okay. 

Anesthesiologists make BIG bucks, and for good reason - they know their stuff!!!  Don't freak out - just look at the hernia repair as one stop along the highway of healthy living!!

We'll be here for you, don't worry!

Hugs,

Tia

Hugs to you too. I feel better after reading all the encouraging words.

I can totally understand your fears but you will do fine. If you are still feeling very anxious right before surgery ask your surgeon if there is a little 'something' they can give you to help you relax some before going in. They did that for me before my RNY and yes, it did really help. I was 311 at the time of surgery and like everyone else has stated, they do know their stuff! You'll be in good hands. Thinking good thoughts for you! :-) 

~Heather