Scard of being put to sleep

Hey everyone. I am new to this... My doctor said I need Gastric Bypass sugery. I am 24 years old and weigh 443 pounds and I am a single mother of a 2 year old baby boy. I have been approved though Medicade. I was hoping Dr. Bauman could do my sugery but he wont accept my Medicade. The Duke Hospital will accept it.... Does anyone know anything about the doctor that preforms the sugery at the Duke Hospital in Raleigh NC?? Also, I am terribley scard of being put to sleep. I'm not really concerned about the sugery b/c I have had a C section. I am sure it wont hurt as bad as a C section. lol. Does anyone know the odds of dieing from being put to sleep? That really really worries me. Thanks so much!!

Hi Nicole, I have the same fear as you do. I have had some surgery in the past few years and everything went very well. I am trying to stay positive as much as I can before my surgery day. I am having my RNY at UNC where I do know they accept medicaid if the surgery is medically nessesary. I was told this by my friend who works at UNC as a finacial counselor. Also when I met with one of the bariatric doctors I told him about my fear and he said not to worry you have a bigger chance of dying from a car crash or plane crash. So hang in there and keep positive.                                                                  Annie also having co morbiditys of being obese are life threatning so we are both looking into having a surgery that will give us a healthier future.

Thank you so much Annie.  I am very close to the UNC hospital. Can you give me the name of your doctor?? Thanks hon!

Goodmorning Nicole, My surgeons name is Tim Farrel his nurses name is Karen Coltan. If you need the number just let me know they are very good about returning calls and emails.                                           Annie

Hi Nicole, Congratulations on having a surgery that will so greatly change and improve your life! I was a PA for 18yrs and used to work for anesth. in pre-op clearance. Statistically it is less than .05% chance of any major problem from anesthia- so the above post is absolutely right- we all assume a much higher risk everyday, doing everyday stuff- driving our cars, crossing the street, etc... I used to be afraid of general anest., but I have come to view it as a REALLY, REALLY GOOD NAP!!!! By the time your surgery arrives, you are tired from running around, doing pre-op stuff, arranging child care, doing the shopping and the cleaning and.....etc, etc, etc.... So- when the time comes- have faith and enjoy your nap! Good luck, Sheila

thank you so much! that really does make me feel better esp. coming from someone that knows what they are talking about!! lol. does anyone know anything about the Duke Hospital team of doctors??

Nichole, Please talk to BarbaraC about Duke.  I would not recommend it at all!  Please, if you can, go to UNC Chapel Hill. Best wishes, Diane

HI, I LIVE IN HICKORY,NC. I KNOW WHEN I WENT THROUGH EVERYTHING FOR MY SURGERY... I WAS FINE TILL THE DAY OF  MY SURGERY. I HAD A FEAR THAT I WAS NOT GOING TO MAKE IT. LIKE YOU,  I WAS A SINGLE PARENT. I HAS MY SURGERY JULY,12TH 2005 AT PARK RIDGE HOSPITAL IN HENDERSONVILLE,NC, BY DR.ALLEN HUFFMAN.  THE SURGERY WAS AT 6:00 AM AND I NEVER HAD ANY SLEEP THAT NIGHT CAUSE I WAS SOOOO SCARED. THEY CAME IN AND GOT ME AT 5:30 AM FOR POST. NEXT THING I REMEMBER.... IT WAS DONE. I HAD ALOT OF PAIN FOR THE FIRST 2 DAYS,BUT AFTER THAT,IT WAS OK.2 YEARS LATER I AM DOWN 212LB (FROM 417LB )AND I FEEL GREAT AND WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SEC. IT NOT ONLY SAVED MY LIFE..IT GAVE ME A NEW LIFE.I CAN NOW PLAY WITH MY KIDS AND RUN THEM TIRED,LOL. I AM OFF ALL MEDS AND ALL MY FAT CLOTHES, I GAVE TO GOODWILL. I AM NOT SAYING THE SURGERY IS FOR EVERYONE....CAUSE IT IS NOT! BUT,SITTING ON THE COUCH AND NOT LIVING WILL BE HARDER ON YOU ALSO. ENJOY  LIFE AND EVERY SEC. OF IT. IT DOES GO BY FAST. IF YOU EVER NEED TO ASK ANYTHING OR NEED TO KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE SURGERY... PLEASE ASK.DO MY BEST TO HELP. BEST WISHIES TO YOU AND WILL PRAY FOR THE BEST FOR YOU.

Hello Nicole, I just had my RNY done 6 days ago and I think most people think and worry about the same issues you are concerned about just b/c it is a slim risk of not waking up from the surg. You will be in my thoughts and prayers that God give you the peace you need so you don't worry. When I worry I try to remember fear does not come from God and that gives me a sense of peace and I had my surg. done by Dr. Paul Enochs I know he take medicade his number is 919-459-0091 give them  a call. Take care and God bless. Vickie

Congrats you are taking a huge step towards changing your life. Check dr volienger in Charlotte he may take your insurance. Being put to sleep was the easy part.  I remember everything being uneventful.  Tell them at your preop that your scared and they will give you something to forget who you are and it won't mind. Really, there's nothing to be afraid of.  I think that the IV's are the worse part.   Having the RNY is kinda like having a C-section, except you don't get a baby.  YOu go in healthy and you get surgery and it makes you healthier.  You are not going in sick, like appendix or gallbladder, and you are going to get healthier afterwards.  I had my surgery and when I woke afterwards I was amazed that I didn't have a nausea or anything, just a very dry mouth. I have had 3 surgeries since the RNY and had to be put under and had no complaints.  I trust in my surgeon and I know I will wake up afterwards.  I am a parent also.  It never crossed my mind that I wouldn't wake up.  I was scared and anxious and guessed if it was the right decision up until I rolled over on to the cold operating room table. Afterwards, it was uneventful. Just speak up at your appointments, if your scared say so.  They cannot read your minds.  Please send me a message so I can cheer you on!!!