Pre-Op tomorrow (500 mile round trip)

Well, tomorrow is the day for the pre-op in Dallas, Texas.   So far I am still scheduled for Surgery on July 17th.   Has anyone had the 6" cut open surgery?  That is all my doctor at the VA Hospital does. I know I'll be in the Hospital for 4 days if no complications.    Guess I am experiencing a little fear. . . One minute fear the next minute looking forward to the weight loss.    I have one major problem.  I started experiencing claustrophobia about 3 years ago from an experience in a tunnel that collapsed.  I was in it for about 8 hours before I was found and dug out.  This was back during the Viet Nam Conflict.  Hasn't bothered me in years.  Now it's back and the thought of surgery with mask and tubes over my mouth and face is becomming freightful.  Oh well, guess I'll get over it. I'm gonna talk to the doctors tomorrow about giving me a setative before surgery. . .  Did I mention that surgery is on the 4th floor of the hospital and I can't get in elevators also. . . Mike

Mike, Glad to hear your date is getting near.  I had an Open RNY done at an Air Force base.  At first, I hated the thought of such a large scar, but it's actually not that bad.  Most of it has almost disappeared.  Besides, once your belly shrinks, so does the scar.  I was in hospital 4 days and didn't have any complications.  I didn't have any masks or tubes (that I knew about anyways).  I think you'll do fine.  Since you don't do elevators, just take your time on those steps.  Good luck and keep us informed on your progress.

Floyd

Thanks Floyd.  I appreciate the words of encouragement and also to learn that I wasn't the only one with open surgery.  . .  Thanks again. Mike

Hey Mike, hang in there. Everyone has those moments before surgery. I did as well, but I asked myself if I didn't have the surgery where would I be in a year. Would I be able to loose the weight and keep it off on my own? Based on my past the answer was no. I chose to have something drastic done, rearrange my insides, because I was to the point that I needed, or had to take some drastic measures.  Hopefully you have done the research, and know the risks and what will have to change after surgery and you are happy with your surgeon. At some point you have made the decision that this is right for you.  This is what I did and had to trust the decision I made. After that I was fine.  Good Luck pan head

I appreciate your words of wisdom and encouragement.   I know I'm ready, just apprehensive. . . But, I'll do it.   Mike

500 mile round trip!  Thank goodness gas prices are low!  Mike - wise move to explain your anxiety ahead of time is highly encouraged so they know to give you a sedative prior to any pre-surgical jitters.  I had some pre-surgical jitters myself...ok, ok they were more than jitters, I was rather stressed...ok, ok I totally freaked on the ride to the OR.  Luckily,  the anesthesiologist had the happy shot and gas ready as soon as I was on the table. That was then, this is now.  Now, I'd gladly walk myself to the OR and take the doctors and nurses a Venti Starbucks Latte, an assortment of periodicals and some comfy slippers so they could be comfortable while I did my own anesthesia, catheter, shave down, etc!!!!  Life as a post-op is that good...no it's that GREAT! Just take it easy and plan ahead....you're gonna do fantastic and will be on the Bench very soon! Best wishes! Cards Fan

Good luck with your surgery!   Be sure to tell them to give you some Versed.  They gave me some in the holding area before they wheeled me into the OR.  I remember them starting to move the gurney and then nothing else until I woke up in the recovery room.  Versed is good stuff!  It's an anxiolytic but one of the side effects is that it makes you not remember, which in this case is a good thing in my book.

Good Idea, Hope I get the name right. . .   No telling what I might ask for. . . Mike

Hey Mike, This probably doesn't help much, but just think: With all the frustrations, hassles, complications, etc. you're having, your new post-op will seem all the finer, lighter and freer. As far as anxiety about the masks, etc. and claustrophobia, keep in mind that the docs will most likely give you some sort of sedative early on and that surgery itself is nada--you'll be awake one minute, drowzy, and them--bam!--awake again in the recovery room. Hang in there, friend, you'll be on the loser's side in no time.

I appreciate the Pep talk.  thanks Mike