So scared now that I got my date...will it pass?

Hi i am new at this, I am usually the silent person observing and learning.  Now that I was given the date April fools Day, of all days, I'll never for get the date...I am having it at Cleveland Clinic Dr schauer is my Surgeon.  Any imput will be greatly appreciated... I am terrified!

I've been there!  I cried for days I was so scared.  But know that you are in the most skilled hands you could have found.  Dr. Schauer is the best!  He may not be "Mr. Personality" but I really trust him as a surgeon.  He did my RNY in '06 and also my gall bladder.  This process is very difficult and there may be times you second guess yourself, but never have doubt in your surgeon.  Hope all goes well for you.  Good luck with the liquid diet.  It's hard, but important.

Cindy

Hey...CONGRATS!! You will have days when you are excited and can't wait to get to surgery, and other days when your scared to death!!  When your scared come here for support, and keep your eyes on the prize...BEST OF LUCK!!

THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING.  I WILL KEEP IN MIND ALL POINTS.  JUST I HAVE TO LEARN TO BREATHE, INHALE-EXHALE...
SINCERELY,
ROBIN

I was the opposite... I was nothing but EXCITED ... UNTIL the morning of surgery, that is.  THEN I was TERRIFIED.  Unfortunately, the nurse who was prepping me didn;t even have the IV in by the time the surgeon poked her head into the room and as soon as I saw the surgeon all the tears that I had been fighting back came bursting out!  I told her that they had not given me the "courage medicine" she promised they would (I just knew I would be scared right before surgery).  She left the room and (literally, 30 seconds later) the nurse came back in, put the IV in, and then the surgeon re-appeared to make sure that I still wanted to go ahead with the surgery (before they gave me any meds!).  I reassured her that I absoultely did, but that I was just really scared.  She hugged me and then gave me something in the IV and I was fine.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and the people I actually worry about are those who are NOT scraed at some point before the surgery.  In many cases (nbut not all, of course) it indicates that they don;t have a good grasp of the seriousness of the surgery and the necessary life changes that need to be made after surgery (or that may come as a result of surgery).

One of the things some people find helpful is to focus on imagining yourself as thin and healthy rather than focusing on the surgery itself.  Imagine yourself with high energy, doing something you are really looking forward to doing once you lose the weight... something the weight has kept you from doing... running, riding rollercoasters, climbing a mountain, or just playing tag with kids... whatever it is that you are looking forward to doing.

You'll be fine.

Lora

I am so glad that I have the same surgeon. What you have written makes me feel that I have made the right choice.

Diana (34 days and counting)

Hi Robin,

I was so excited before I got my date.  When I got the date I was afraid too. My mind went through a lot of things.  Remember you are moving in the right direction for a goal you have wanted for a long time.  It is natural to be scared.  Talk to your doctor, he/she will give you some sound advice.


Peace

THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT.  IT IS WELL NEEDED FOR ME.  I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU, YOU HAVE MANAGED TO LOSE A LOT OF WEIGHT.  THE PRE-OP LIQUID DIET I START IT ON THE 18TH IS IT REALLY THAT HARD?
ANY ADVICE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED...
ROBIN

THANKS MARY, AT LEAST I AM NOT THE ONLY PERSON THAT IS SCARED AT TIMES AND OTHER TIMES I AM SO HAPPY, MY HEART FILLS WITH SO MUCH HAPPINESS.  KNOWING I WILL GET BETTER, HEALTHIER AND I WILL BE ABLE TO WALK AGAIN INSTEAD OF LEANING ON A CART OR RUSHING TO SIT DOWN CAUSE MY LEGS DO NOT WANT TO HOLD MY ENORMOUS BODY UP...MY LEGS ARE REALLY GOING TO GET BABIED CAUSE THEY WELL DESERVE IT-LOL!
ROBIN

Hi!
I am feeling the same things you are, I have also been assured that this is completely normal.
My mantra is relax, relax, relax.  The decision I have made has not been done lightly, or am I uninformed about the "post surgery" lifestyle.

One thing I have found that helps me a lot is making a list of all the "What I hate about being Fat" items that I live with everyday, or "embarassing moments caused by my weight".

For instance, I went for a ride in a friends jeep with some other friends, and sat in the back.
HUGE mistake for a fat chick.  I got in ok, but getting out a real problem.. got stuck getting out of the door while my friends had to watch me struggle to get out.  (OUCH!)

I did my usual laugh it off that I normally do, but then it hit me... That would be the last time something like that is going to happen to me.  Why? WLS.. Finally a tool that will work with my body instead of fighting my body.

Well... Good luck with your surgery, and honestly, the liquid diet has not been that bad. I have one week out of two down and am living on sf pudding, protein drinks and sf popsicles. It's all about keeping your eyes on the goal.

LeDaizey