ANXIOUS!!!

My surgery is on the 26th of this month and I have been saying to myself should I do this go through with it, will be I be successful like so many others etc... My mind is freaking out will I fail? I just want to feel no more pain in  my feet in my back, you know all those ache and pains of being obese. I just want to succeed in my journey to weight loss and feel great about myself, looking in the mirror and saying who's that skinny girl in mirror looking back at me going out with friends and family and standing out in a good way instead of trying to hide in the shadows. I'm just very anxious as the date of surgery gets closer just looking for words of encouragement from fellow lap banders.

We (or most of us) all got nervous and scared.  Being 60, I was afraid of dying on the table, but told everyone else that it was more like a procedure than a surgery.  Well, for me, it was more like a procedure.  I did well (minus the 3 days of surgical gas) because I did as my surgeon suggested with the walking, walking, walking. And I tend to heal well. I wish the same for you...Your journey begins on that table!

What you are feeling is normal for most!  In the past I could always lose the weight, just never keep it off.  All I knew was failure with staying at a healthy weight before the band.

Before I had my surgery, I decided I had to tell myself positives everyday.  I tell myself that I am worth the effort.   I deserve to be healthy.

Take it one day at at time and believe!  Best wishes to you on your journey to better health!
Kristi

Let's see... Prior to surgery?  My knee pain was horrible every time I tried to go up or down stairs.  Embarrasing cuz to walk up a curb in public, I kind of had to do it sideways.  My neck pain?  I was taking about 3 advil every 4 to 6 hours, and then occasional a narcotic on top of that - and that was to keep it under control.  It didn't seem to ever really go away.  Low back pain wa**** or miss.  Aching feet - ugh.  Forgot all about that till I read your post.  Now they only ache if I'm running around barefoot on a hard floor all day or wearing crappy shoes. 

As far as looking in the mirror & seeing that skinny girl?  It took one of my coworkers who's never had a weight problem to point this out to me today.  I'm having a REALLY HARD time recognizing my weight loss from the neck down.  I see it in my face.  When I think of my body?  It is still huge.  Earlier today my coworker pointed out we only have one mirror in my house.  I'm not looking at my new body enough to get it to sink in.  So I'm hitting Home Depot on the way home for a full length door mirror.  I've been avoiding full length mirrors for at least 15 years!!!

People notice me now.  And quite frankly?  I find that creepy.  My eating counselor gently worked me through realizing I've been hiding behind a lot of fat for almost two decades.  I don't want to hide anymore. 

See what you have to look forward too?  I went to Cancun in January with my husband.  The smile on his face when he saw my new swimsuits said more than words.  I snorkeled for the first time, finally achieved a goal of kayaking cuz I'd previously been afraid I wouldn't fit in a kayak, and was able to walk around Mayan ruins in extreme heat for over 4 hours!  Exhausted?  yes.  But it was great exhaustion!  I never would have done that before!!!  It just would not have been possible.

We'd all be worried about you if there was no anxiety.  Anxiety means you know this is a commitment.  This will be a change in your life.  You'll need to make some adjustments to become a healthy person.  That's what this is all about.  It's a tool to help you do this.  Nothing more.  Nothing left. 

But this is the best tool I have ever invested my time, money, thoughts, & prayers into.  And it's given me the best return I could have ever hoped for.

Hang in there, and enjoy the ride!
Amy

Hi!!!
Im 3days post-op and I was a lil scared. It is very normal for you to feel this way. My hubby did, when he had his surgery on April 27th. He is now down to 2 HBP meds from 4 meds. Its is was more like a procedure than an surgery, to me. I was asleep for bout 1.5 hours. I was awake cracking jokes in the recovery room. But I was in and out. I was up walking after 2 hours in my room. (I had to goto the bathroom) they give u some much in that dang IV. I was really up walking at 10p.m. that night. (surgery was at 12.00 pm).

My gas is not bad at all. I was lucky not to have the shoulder pain, back pain, etc. Mine is in my stomache. I can just hear my stomache making all kind of noise. lol. Its been pretty good so far. Im not hungry yet, but I know its coming soon. After being on liquids for 14days and now another 14days. Can't wait for mushy food.

You will alright. But it is normal to feel that way. I know you will do great. Im going to really go by what my DR. said do. So, if you go by the book it should be alright.

CONGRATS ON YOUR DATE!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!

LYNN

What nice post ladies!!! These are the posts I like to read, the nice and supportive ones!! 

Rissa: I hear ya, I'm not even close to a surgery date and I'm anxious!!  Just take it a day at a time until your surgery :)  We are all here for you.  I'll need you when I get to a surgery date!  Hang in there. 

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words. I look forward to getting this wls and a healthier life.

 Hi Rissa and everyone!  I'm feeling a bit anxious as well....my surgery is scheduled for the 27th.  I know it's normal but it's just as scary too!   Having this forum has helped me through my 6 months of getting ready for this big step.  Each and everyone of us are here for each other and it's just awesome!   So Rissa....don't ever feel like your alone out there.....and I can't wait for us all to fit on that "Loser's Bench" together.    Have a great Friday Evening....  Barb  

I am a week and a half post-op, and I rolled into the OR with tears streaming down my face.  Next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery feeling fine.  The day and a half in the hospital was a piece of cake.  Just do as much walking as you can tolerate and make sure you get enough fluids.  After I went home, I did have quite a bit of left shoulder pain from the trapped gas but that was gone in 3-4 days.  That's what they give you the lovely pain meds for.  Now is the hard part for me, as the swelling has gone down and now my hunger is back.  I'm not having any pain except the grumblings in my tummy for real food.  I am not loving the liquid thing, but I'm trying to comply since I know it will help me maintain my weight loss until my 1st fill.  Best of luck on your surgery and your weight loss journey.  Congrats!

Rissa,  feeling the same way!  I'm scheduled for next thursday!  Yikes!!!!  I know it's normal for us to feel this way but it doesn't change the fact that any change can be scary!  Hang in there. Can't wait to hear how you do!