5 DAYS 23 HOURS 47 MINUTES 17 SECONDS AWAY! HELP!

Ok, so my  surgery day is coming very soon and I have to tell you that for the past 3 days I have made myself sick with all kinds of thoughts, worries, you name it.  I knew that the closer it got this was going to happen, I've been having some anxiety/panic attacks, and I just don't know what to do to calm my nerves. This surgery is on my mind 24/7 and  I'm sure that I'm not alone here, , I'm going to make myself crazy if I don't calm down!   And not only that but it's Thanksgiving and the holidays stressful enough!  YIKES !

OK Donna, First of all, what you are feeling is normal and part of the process.  This is, after all, major surgery, and nothing to be taken lightly. Second, take a DEEP breath.  Hold it for a few seconds, and then let it out.  Now repeat two times. Now, take out some paper, draw a vertical line down the middle, and at the top of one side, write "Hopes" and at the top of the other side, write "Fears."  Fill in each column.  Not only will this exercise help you to sort out your feelings and to get a grip on them, but it will also eat up some time between now and surgery day!  I think that by the time you are done with the list, you will find yourself a lot calmer.  And know that you can always change your mind should you decide that this is not the option for you! Wishing you all the best!  You will do GREAT!

Thanks Shazanne, I think I will try that! If there is one thing I do know for sure that is This surgery IS without a doubt the BEST option for me, That I do know! Thanks Again for the advice, it is surely welcome!

You are most welcome, Sweetie!  Feel free to reach out to me any time!

Wow, Suzanne, that was great advice!  I'm sure I'll be so nervous in a few weeks when it is time for my surgery that I'll forget it so I hope you'll repeat it for me!   Donna, I hope you have a Great Thanksgiving with your Family!  I understand how you feel since my surgery is coming up Dec. 28.  I will be telling my parents over Thanksgiving about my decision and asking them to help me with my children during my surgery.  I'm not looking forward to this because my mother has always expressed her opinion about gastric bypass surgery and I know it is not favorable.  I am just going to have to stay strong and explain to her why I have chosen this path for myself and what my hopes and dreams are.   Donna, I will keep you and your family in my prayers and I wish you a speedy recovery! Hugs, Bobbie

Hey there Bobbie, I can imagine that telling your family will be difficult for you and they maybe upset about your decision, but that is only because they love you and they will be worried about you.  You know what choice you have made, and obviously for you it was a good choice.  When I first told my family it was my Mom that was not happy about it, but now I have her support and the support of my whole family, which makes this all that much better.   I wish you luck and thank you so much for the well wishes!

Donna Donna Donna...  since i have officially "unofficially" met you in the hall at NE Medical center for both of our Pre-Ops....I can tell you we will both need each other woman.  Dr. Roc will just not know what to do with the both of us if we form this alliance now.  ha!   I love Suzannes Idea about Hopes and Fears.  (Suzanne you are awesome!).  So I plan to do that today myself.  I'm not really scared.  I think I'm more anxious.  but in a good way.  I just know how much more benefitial this will help me and you in the long run.  Rmember...our health is our life.   One reason I think I'm not scared to death is because I am going through so many other things in conjunction with this surgery.  The Hubby's Back, Thanksgiving, and...I have been displaced from my job and will be no longer be  employeed "once" I come back from Short Term Disability.  So...yeah..I have panic attacks....about ALL OF IT.  Surgery...I'm looking forward to the seclusion from the world and getting some much needed rest.  People can't pull me in  different directions if I am flat on my back recovering from surgery.  So think of it as a chance to really enjoy your Holidays.   For the first time in YEARS I am actually looking forward to doing nothing for a while.  Its just not in my nature to not do for someone else.  So, I have been praying for guidance from God, and he has given me a great peace.  But I know me...  I will be wanting to plan a party or something because I'll be bored to death probably!!  Actually I gotta get busy on making my Christmas Cards.  (has everyone signed up for the card exchange???)  <---subliminal message from Connie.  So.. I plan to talk to you up until the day of....  just PM me and I am here for you.  I will be there the day after your surgery....  I will "walk" and see ya.   Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Connie

Hey girl.. it is normal to be nervous!!  Just take it easy and chill out!  :)  You are in our prayers and you will be FINE!! Just think.. this time next week you will be on the losing side!!

Hi Donna -

I did something very similar to what Suzanne has suggested, but weighed the risk and benefits of doing the surgery vs not doing it. When I did that, the risks of not doing it, far outweighed the risks of doing it.

Whatever you put on your list, I found that writing it down helped me to focus on the positives instead of the negatives.

I wish you peace with your decision and a lovely holiday as you approach one of the biggest, and I'll bet best decisions you've ever made.

Warm regards,

Barb

You will do fine.  I know you can get a lot of answers here and maybe some can calm your nerves.  Don't worry yourself so much.  Good luck!