these nerves are just CRAZY

ok, surgery is thursday. i'm crying already. not b/c of the changes, i welcome those. i welcome the eating changes whole heartedly.

i'm worried about complications still. pneumonia, leaks, strictures, dilations, etc.

I keep reading so many people on here w/ numerous things that happened to them, even the ones who are doing great NOW but went through a few scary patches... those scare me, like I read about a pneumonia case that frightened me. Many have had some semi major things come up after surgery... Where are the "I did great, had no problems" people?

I have been trying to find stories to motivate me and help relieve my fears, but I'm finding the more I read, the more I get scared from the tons of things out there that can happen, to even relatively healthy people... like me, I've got 200 lbs to lose. BUT I don't have diabetes, etc. Yes, it's true I have a pretty **** poor quality of life, in my opinion. I have 3 kids that need me either way... I just don't want to be punished b/c I'm not like others as far as really bad health problems. Should I be able to try and lose this weight just using the weight loss surgery diet? I mean, so many others lose 30 lbs just from the pre op diet alone. 

I just don't want to die. I want to be healthy and not be in the hospital. 
I so need a hug. 

No one in my family understands the risks, they all just say "you want to lose weight, right?"... so when I question things, I get the "STOP reading obesityhelp's website!" from my friends and family. I wanted to read to make sure I was fully informed of EVERYTHING--- good AND bad.

My mind is racing. I wish I had a crystal ball. I don't want to be the 1% of ANY risks. 





 

Nerves are normal. I think if you weren't worried...they I would worry that your were not informed. Just remember...all surgeries have their risks! There are alot of people on this site that had No complications following surgery. I am one of them. I had no major problems following my surgery...granted, I didn't just jump right up and go back to work but, it wasn't long. It took a few days. I don't knwo who your doctor is and that may have more to do with how you do. I know with Dr. Hornbostel's patients, there is very few complications. Alot of what you are worried about is not the fault of the surgery but, the fault of the patient not being in compliance.

Hang in there and keep in touch....your best support is on the OH board!  We all understand and we are here for you...

Hugs
Barbara
7 years out!

You ask where are all the people who didn't have problems......
They are out living their new life to the max, thanks to their WLS surgery. It is not important to them to pay it forward. To spend time here encouraging or even helping those that come behind them down this wonderful path. Think about it most people find time to complain than give praise on anything in life. It's a shame but it is human nature it seems.

Also remember there are no guarantees in life. But as long as you have a good surgeon and follow the rules the rest is out of your hands. We all had worries and anxiety but knew the path we were taking beforehand was going to kill us eventually and so we trusted our decision to have the surgery. Have faith in yourself and your surgeon.

Let us hear from you as soon as possible post-op.
Wishing you all the best and please FOLLOW THE RULES,
Connie

Hey im one of those that had surgery and had no and i mean NO complications and there are a lot more out there of us that have had NO complications than there are those that did have.  Some people like to play up every little ache and pain as a complication of surgery when it isnt at all. And some that did have complications didnt follow the rules about drinking water and getting in their liquid protein drinks...and or taking their vits....i know several that had complications but it was because they were saying i cant drink that protein stuff. i cant do this or that...well phooy maybe it doesnt taste the best in the world to most people , i happen to love it....but darn it , it is a small price to pay for good health...i still drink one protein drink a day and most of the time 2 especially in the summer....

Quit reading all the complications boards ....please....they are the exception rather than the rule. and since you have Dr. H...you are in great hands he will take care of you ...call and talk to him or Margie they can maybe give you some assurance. 

we all love and care for you a lot , even tho we have never met you are a new little sister to us...so keep coming on here and talking to us ....oh by the way what is a name we can call you ? hard to talk to someone with no name lol   

the best person i know of to put all your cares at the feet of is JESUS....he will wrap his arms around you and all the cares are gone....love you sweet little sister

When I first joined OH before surgery, I read some of the bad news messages, and they were very discouraging.  Ignore them.  Yes, some people do have problems, but you don't need to hear about them. 

My WLS was the best thing I ever did.  I was a "lightweight" and had about 90 lbs. to lose but carrying around all that weight was so bad for me.  In addition to the weight, I was on several meds.  Within a month I was off all meds.  My BP is normal, there's no acid reflux or sleep apnea. 

The first few days I did have nausua but that was the only problem I had.  I'm so much happier with my new life.

Think positive and look forward to a great future!!

I had RNY 12/26/06 and have had NO complications. I am much older than you and therefore in a higher risk category but I did great. I believed that quality of life and improved health was worth any risk out there. I think it's natural for you to be worried but don't let it get you down. You'll do fine, just do what the doctor tells you and walk, walk, walk, sip, sip, sip, get in your vitamins and protein and you'll be a loser very soon.
Hugs,
Lana

Hi, I understand your worries. Had my RNY on May 3 or this year and I also thought about all of the risks and could bes. Had a good doctor and a very good outcome on my surgery. I needed to lose 215 pounds when I started my journey, was on oxygen and diabetic meds and just plain miserable. Only had minor pain after surgery went home on the second day and after a couple days of recooperating I had so much energy I couldn't sit still. This is the best choice I ever made and would do it all over again. My friend had hers a couple months before me and she is also doing great. There are so many more people that have successful surgeries out there than the ones that don't.

I almost forgot, I am already close to losing "ONE HUNDRED" of that 215 pounds.

Good luck and do what your heart tells you, this isn't anyone elses choice it's yours.

 I am one of the ones who had a so called complication. I had pneumonia after surgery. I am older than most who have the surgery and I will tell you  all I needed was a few breathing treatments and some antibiotics. I do not consider it more than a bump in the road. In two days I was back to normal. Do not let other peoples stories scare you.There will always be some horror story from someone. A positive attitude will take you a long way. I do not think I had a hard time at all. With everything I went thru it still was not worse than when I had my gall bladder removed. It took me two weeks to get over that.
Nerves are normal but plan on everything going great and it most likely will. Do not let other people scare you. There are always people who will try to discourage you. I feel as though I had no problems and would do it again in a heart beat even if I knew ahead of time I was going to have multiple problems. Its worth it. I know its hard not knowing what will happen but it won't be as bad as you think and you will be happy you had the surgery.

Follow the rules and things will go smooth.

I am 67 and had my RNY last year 9/11/09. Had all the co-morbidities you can think of and more. No problems. Dr Hornbostel and Hospital Staff are the best you could possible.
Everything went smoothly they prepared me and were prepared themselves. I had an attack of NERVES day before and didn't even
go to sleep night before surgery. Have now lost 119# and still have around 90#'s to go. No complication and can tell you, have
been relieved of most meds and medical problems. This is the best thing I've ever done for me and my family. Be positive and
do as everyone else has suggested. Sip, Sip Sip, Walk, walk, walk, and follow directions of Dr Hornbostel and Staff. You will
be OK. I feel like I'm in my 40's again. Love my life. would do it again in a heartbeat. Nancy

PS Have no idea why I waited so long to do this. Studied it for
about 5years. I was asked why I would do something with so many
risks at my age. I was very hurt, It was a relative who was well
aware of my med problems. I did it cause I wanted to live and I certainly am doing that. Good luck to you and keep positive.