how scared were you before surgery?

I watched a live WLS-RNY on the web, that actually helped me, to see what they do.
Then I heard the statistic that u have less than 1% chance of dying from this or any surgery but almost 50% chance of dying from morbid obesity related complications.

that was a eye-opener to me.  I have had Lupus and Fibromyalgia for many years, then high blood pressure this past year, and some other things too, I knew it was my time to take care of me and with my personal health I dont see this as drastic, I see it as saving my life, so I can live healthfully for a long time.

I was so scared I cried - and I am not the type of person who cries in public.  No one can tell you what's right for you - do your research, ask you doctor, your nutritionist, and everyone else you can think of any questions that come to mind, pray (if you do that) and then make the best decision for you. 
Lou

I didn't think I was nervous or scared - just ready to start my new life, but on the way to Barix that morning I was pretty quiet (I get that way when really nervous) and then my husband missed a turn and I snapped at him - that's when I knew I was nervous and a little scared, but I was also absolutely certain that I was ready for the surgery and the good changes that were going to come along with it.

Every surgery is scary - I've had both knees replaced - had to have one operated on twice - all major surgeries and long hospital stays, but in the end I felt so much better having new knees and being able to do things. Same with WLS - its a give and take.

I look at plastic surgery like that as well - I know there is some I will have to have eventually - my upper thighs are being weighed down with excess skin, and while I know plastics aren't pleasant to go through, in the end it will result in a better life for me.

So don't worry - you are very normal - but it also sounds like you're very ready to have the surgery and get on with your life - listen to the doctors, come here for support, information and encouragement - and you're going to do just fine.

Kathy

I was scared.  The list helped me too.  I made up a list (health, sleeping in the middle of the bed, etc) of everything I would be able to do and feel because of this life change.  Long list.  Typed it up, printed it.  Hung it on the fridge and stopped and read it every single time I opened the fridge.  Printed a copy for work and every time I ate I read through the list.  Pre-op 1 month until now.  Still read it. 

I was pretty calm the weeks leading up to the surgery...in pre-op I lost it...I was crying telling my husband I wanted to go home....I had to have him leave my side or else I would have left and never had the surgery....although I am having problems eating solid foods, I am glad I did it, it will get easier....I have lost 50 lbs in two months, that wouldnt have been possible without the surgery...I no longer have to take blood pressure medicine and am way more comfortable.

 You will be scared but as long as you know in your heart that this is whats best for you and know that very few people have serious complecations and that you will do great, everything will work out.

I was scared a little bit as soon as I got my approval and surgery date scheduled, but not too scared.  It became very real at that point.

I was completely terrified once they put my hospital registration band on my wrist on the day of surgery.  When I was speaking with the anesthesiologist, just before surgery, I was almost in tears and wanted to go home.  But...I just did my best to control my emotions, focused on what the doctor was telling me, and just surrendered to the moment.  It was difficult, but I knew there was no turning back as I had made this decision for the right reasons -- to vastly improve my health.  

Now, 4 months after surgery, I can say it is one of the best health decisions I have made during my lifetime.  So -- hang in there -- it's so normal to be scared.  You are human after all and it's a gigantic decision.  I think that if you remind yourself (1) why you are pursuing the surgery and (2) the ramifications of failing to make radical health changes to improve your health, you will find a lot of courage to press forward.

And as my wife always says, "Be sure to be kind to yourself."  You are trying to find a healthy path to a better life -- give yourself credit for the responsibility that you are taking for your health.

I'm pulling for you!

-r

anybody who tells you that they weren't scared is full of poo poo but I was more exicited about starting my new life.  You'll be fine.

I was nervous but never became terrified. Actually the moring of surgery I was eerily calm. I'm a bit of a drama queen to begin with and thought for sure I would at some point FREAK out but I never did. RNY was even the first surgigal procedure I had ever had done. I even recall one of the nurses in pre-op commenting on how "low" my heart rate was (54) I guess I just refused to sabotage myself and just put my life in the hands of the man upstairs and Dr. Marymor.

I'm having plastic surgery in 2 weeks and I'm going through the same thing....waiting to get nervous and so far so good.