Scared

I guess I'm a wuss when it comes to this.  I have always come out of general anesthesia having an anxiety attack (we don't know why) and I have always had post-op infections.  My tonsillectomy caused a nasty fever and bad discharge from both ears (sorry if TMI) and my c-section resulted in my incision reopening partly, a weird cold-sore type infection AND e-coli both along the incision line.  I addressed my concerns at my consult with my surgeon and felt a little better when he told me that everyone gets IV antibiotics before and after the surgery.  I have been with a therapist for the past few weeks and dealing with general anxiety issues and changes that will come from having this surgery.  

I'm excited about these changes, I know this is one of the best things that will happen in my life.  I know my surgeon has had a ZERO death rate and a 1% complication rate...and that I'm not a complex or really high risk case.  

So why the hell is this keeping me up at night when I start to think about going under anesthesia.  One of my 4 year olds had an endoscopy last Monday and they had me stay in the procedure room until she was fully anesthetized.  Watching her get put under was very emotional for me.  I'm sure that's not helpful.

You are a strong, beautiful woman and mom!!!  we all got scared and nervous!  you are not alone in this.  Just tell your dr to give you something to relax the second you get there for the surgery and it will be over before you know it!!!  IT'S ALL GOOD.........INFACT GREAT!!  XOXOXO

I know it's tough to turn off the sweat pumps. But, I still think you're on the right track.

Very glad you're talking to the docs about your concerns. It should be reassuring that they know your history and are taking appropriate steps this time.

You're not a wuss - I think you're normal and taking the steps to address your concerns.

I am also pre-op and have been having similar fears and anxiety about my surgery. I have never been put under anesthesia or had any kind of surgery, so I really have no idea what to expect.

Hey Leza,

Keep breathing.  Everyone is right... you're not alone.  Surgery and anesthesia is totally foreign and it sounds like you had some unpleasant experiences with it in the past.  So it's completely understandable that you're pretty nervous about it.  I'm not going to lie... I did not like the feeling of coming out of the anesthesia that first day at all.  The good part about it was that I had the "magic button" to press and automatically get more pain meds immediately.  You might ask your surgeon if he's open to also providing you with Xanax or some other type of anti-anxiety meds post op.

Biggest thing though, is for you to focus on your health & vibrancy - the big reasons why you are having WLS in the first place.  The procedure just lasts a few hours, the hospital stay will just last a couple of days, the anesthesia will just last a few hours.  The benefits of having WLS will last a lifetime.  Stay focused on that.  In fact, you might want to prepare yourself with some positive affirmations or write notes to yourself that you can read during your surgery recovery to remind yourself about the big picture.  Seriously... write notes by hand (not on the puter) and ask your wife to post them up in your room when they bring you back to your room.  That way when you wake up, you'll see these notes from you to you reminding you about the big picture.

Ping me on fb or email me anytime (email addy is on my fb profile.)  You are not alone, my friend! You'll get through this and will be living the life that you've always dreamed of in no time!