Very scared

Surgery is June 4th, Dr Byrne, went for pre-op today, very very very scared!!  I know this is the right thing to do, but how do I overcome these feelings.  I need some real encourgement.  I am scared about going under, waking up, not waking up, the drain, going home, making sure I take enough protein.  WOW !!! No offense but the little dietician was not much help.  I have a hard time talking with someone who has not had the surgery.  Any advice??

First off take a deep breath and breathe.  You are completely normal!  I went through the entire range,  excited, scared, numb...  You name it.  You are in the best hands possible.  You were placed on this road for a reason and you just have to trust that, I guess I am saying have some faith.  Faith in your surgeon.  You have one of the best in the country, you are having it done in one of the top facilities in the country.  The drain is a pain in the side, but for me that was the worst part and it only lasted about 5 days, 3 of those I was in the hospital.  Dr Byrne told me when I was in the hospital to not worry about getting in all those protein grams, what you have to worry about it not getting dehydrated.  So you must sip, sip, sip your water.  Dehydration will put you back in the hospital faster than anything.  Also be the biggest hyperchondric you can be for those 30 days. Congrats on your date and you will be a loser sooner than you think, Julie

I am glad to hear that everyone was scared and should be.  Thanks for the kind words. 

I am sure you will be fine. I will keep you in my prayers. I have not had WLS yet but I had the consult with Dr Strickland in Columbia so I'm on my way.  Good luck, Rita

What you are feeling in entirely normal. All of us experienced the same emotions. I remember when I was on the stretcher on the way to the OR being scared to death. Then I said a prayer and felt at peace. Good luck to you.

Breath deep and then run around the house a couple of times and then burst out crying. (that is what I did the night before my surgery). Being scared is normal. Know that you are doing this to improve your health and lengthen your life and then scream into the pillow and give yourself a stern talking to...I can do this (Repeat it about a million times and then you will start to believe it).
Now that that is out of your system, you can begin the rest of the process. Even if you dont feel the dietician is helpful right now, they will become a great resource for after surgery. Even though they have not had the surgery they do have your best interest in mind. Also, this site is a good resouce, but be careful. There is dieticians here that you can ask help. There is a form for food and nutrition support that I still check even though I am over a year out.
It will be one of the hardest but most rewarding things you do for yourself. Stick in there and when you come here, we will give you as much encouragement as we can. Find people in your area and talk with them, it is very helpful to know you are not alone.

Hi, I had all those scared feelings too. I think most people do but Dr. Byrne is really one of the great WLS docs so you are in good hands. The support people at MUSC are great too and they will always get back to you with answers to any questions you have. Tonight (Tuesday 5/20) at 5:30 pm there is a WLS support group meeting at MUSC at the new Ashley River Tower hospital building. The first 30 mins are "meet and greet" time so you could chat with people who have had their surgery and perhaps they could answer some of your questions about life after surgery. Also, make sure you go to one of the Transition Nutrition meetings after your surgery as this is a really good discussion about how to eat once you are past the pureed stage.

Everyone is scared but it will be OK. I was worried about the same things. It took me over a week to start getting in all the protein and I'm fine. The drains and stuff were a little sore and when it came out it hurt for like 15 seconds and it was over. I know initally you won't feel this way but this is a small price to pay to be healthy. P&PT's.

Being scared is the most normal thing in the world.  You will do fine.  Think about the end result.  Yes, it is hard to listen to someone who hasn't had surgery, but hang in with it.  Listen to the people on this Board, look for support in other areas.  We have a local group, LCBB (Low Country Bypass Buddies).  We haven't met as much in the past few months as we should, but we are planning to get back to it.  We hope you will join us. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  Soon I will be saying welcome to the losing side.  It is scarey, but the best ride you will ever take! BTW we all think Dr. B is the best.  He and MUSC will take good care of you, so trust in him and you will be fine!!!

Thanks for the kind words.  My husband is really worried.  Let me know when you start meeting again, I went last year but quit going after I was turned down by my insurance company.