I was sure I was not going to do this, but.......

I always knew I was weird....I love medicine, used to work in the industry, and maybe because I'm rather intriuged by it, and had had 3 elective surgeries (but necessary) prior, I was COMPLETELY on board from day one and really would have LOVED to have a video of my own surgery!!

So I guess I'm the odd ball out, not being nervous.

You get your IV in and before you know it, you're waking up in recovery or your private room and it's D-O-N-E!! I'm sure for people never being anesthetized before, it's a big deal. I personally think being in a forced coma for a couple hours is delightful!! OK, so I'm really weird. ;-)

Most people feel/felt just like you--as you can see by the replies here. I think bigger than the fear of dying though, is that for some insane reason we think that it simply won't work for us and then why did we go through all this? Unless you are the unfortunate minority in the less than 5% that have any complications, you will sail through it.

The bottom line is, and I'm not trying to be morbid, but people DO die on gurneys! They die when there were not any preop signs or conditions, they die have a simple elective surgery! Young and old, morbidly obese and thin. It happens. So we can't ignore that, but know that THIS SURGERY is VERY low on the morbidity rate. It's a fairly short surgery, very precise and done laparoscopically so it's a really great surgery to have done considering.

I was totally willing to place my life in the hands of my surgeon at age 53 and he changed my life. I DO believe that having the utmost confidence and expectations and making your personality work with it to give you a very good experience, is KEY to having a great surgery. I really believe in beng positive. I know that's hard for some people, but the results are SO worth it. I simply cannot imagine my life now had I opted out.

I know you don't get from anxious to confident overnight, but I do believe it sure helps in the long run if you can put that anxiety to bed.

Best of luck! Can't wait to hear how it all turns out!!

Thanks Lisa, Im so glad for all the responses, in particular the ones who have been through it before us.
Im sure Ill be fine. but all the support is greatly appreciated. Glad to see your success and after a few years your still going strong! how great, thanks again see you on the bench!

Thank You for your post!!
I'm so glad I read your post. I thought I was probably the only person who would be at this point and have second thoughts..
I also have reservations about getting the surgery. I was very gung ho about it when I was first reading everything and sending in all the paper work, but now that the date is starting to come closer I find that I am more nervous then I could have imagined... I find myself thinking maybe I actually haven't tried hard enough, Maybe I should just go to the gym for that extra hour, What if I was to pass away...
When it comes to support my family is very divided... the majority of my family think I am completely crazy (however they have never been overweight) My fiance and mother both support my decision after many lenghty talks. 
As a nursing student working towards my degree I feel that I am hyper-aware of the complications and issues that could occur during and after surgery. I realize that the life I am living as an obese woman is just as risky as the surgery, and that being heavy will only hurt me more in the long run as I run the risk of developing HP, Diabetes, and other complications.

 

Congrats both on your career choice and on your surgery choice, I'm sure, like me it has not been a fast process, you've had time every step of the way to cut and run and you stuck it out. you had your reasons, you have to trust your instincts. your young don't do what I have done and battled this most of my life, give yourself the gift of a Healthy lifestyle, Its your decision to make, everyone will come along in time , or they wont, but its your life, you've got to decide if taking the chance on yourself is worth it, life is full of "what ifs" do you want to look back and say what if Id had surgery when I had the chance. (these are all things Ive told myself so maybe it will help you) hang in there things may look better tomorrow......hugs and good luck!!!

It might help you to know that this particular surgery has been done for decades on stomach cancer patients--only recently (last 5 or so years) really advertised as WLS. Very successful with cancer patients, they lived and got to be skinny too. It's so mainstream right now that obviously more and more people are finding out about how awesome it is.

Any surgery should be researched, but seriously, how many people even research carpal tunnel release or meniscus repair? I know I didn't and I've had both wrists and left knee done. I could have died on any of the tables. Never thought about THAT once. Not for a minute.

I don't think I was 'the lucky one' that didn't have any complications or setbacks. I think that the people that do are just the '1 in million' that stuff happens to. I also think there are things that surgeons discover that they hadn't planned on and have to make snap decisions which may complicate things.

I also believe that having a very positive energy and disposition is the BEST thing you can do for yourself!

Ive had minor surgeries before and had a similar reaction to them as well guess I over think things when the surgeon read the complications, even though I knew most of them I couldn't stop the panic, but thanks to OH I'm feeling much better. thanks for your help and congrats on your success!!

I've never worried in the least about having anesthesia, pain, being cut or anything else, but I DID start flipping a few days before this surgery! Wondered if I would hurt myself still trying to eat huge amounts with my teeny stomach--wondered if I would be able to stay away from foods that would keep me fat anyway, plus there was some undefined  weird feelings also.
You will do fine!

Thanks for the vote of confidence!! I really needed that. Im doing better but still have this pain in the pit of my stomach, but Ill be ok. thanks again.

We're having surgery on the same day. I had SUCH an emotional day today. I cried. I've never done an elective surgery - the others I had, HAD to be done, there was really no other choice. This one I am changing my anatomy. I think it's normal to have second and third and fourth thoughts. I was comforted that the anesthesiologist said I could take some Xanax in the morning before I go to the hospital - otherwise I would be a wreck. I just feel the minutes ticking down. I am determined though - I am not changing my mind. These are my emotions talking, not my brain. My brain is going to get me into the OR.

Its comforting to know Im not the only going into the OR kicking, so sorry I know how you feel, but it will be worth it and we can do this, one day and well be on our way, cant wait to see your progress! hang in there we can do anything we want to!.......hugs.... see you on the loosers bench.