PRE OP PANIC

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 Mike, I understand some of those feelings. I go in for RNY Monday morning. I also live out in the sticks and away from real hospitals. It is easy to get caught up with internet postings of complications from any surgery, but the statistics just aren't high enough to make me worry. Also, I am just so excited for a life that I have never had, that I refuse to let anything freak me out about this surgery. Hang tough my friend-You will be just fine:).

Bill

Thanks, I am just not going to read any negative BS this week.  I wish the best of luck to you on Monday! This final week is sure enough stressful.  Trying to get everything done at work to be gone for the next 6 weeks.  Trying to get everything done around the house in case Im out of commission for a while.  I even have a stack of books to read in case Im in the mood for that during my recooperation. Cant think of what else to do. Maybe if I stay busy, I wont spaz about Thursday!

 I really can not relate because I was calm going for my  RNY.  This was strange because I am manic-depressive and I'm usually very anxious.  I had a BMI in the 80s and weighed over 570.  I was probably going to die just walking down the street if I didn't have the RNY.  By the way, I now weigh more than your starting weight, but I knew I was going to face that reality when I went for the surgery.

The only reason I was so calm is that I put my spiritual affairs in order.  I put myself in my God's hands and had friends and family praying for me.  My surgeon thought that was nonsense but I didn't care what he thought.  We normally don't bring up religion here but I'm not pushing any religion.  I'm just saying that I found solace and peace through prayer.

Good point, I guess this as well as everything that happens day to day is in God's hands....its just another day...thanks!

It is very common to have these concerns and second thoughts pre-surgery. There was a slight delay before my surgery and I was laying on a gurney outside the operating room and I had this frantic thought.. "should I be doing this... I could just get up and walk away"..I stayed... It was the best thing I've ever done for myself.. I can't believe how it has changed my life..

As for post surgery complications and residing in a remote area.. They will not let you leave the hospital until they are sure you are fine.. Most post surgical complications although potentially life threatening pose no imminent death risk.. Most bariatric centers will encourage you to return to their hospital for follow up care AND even emergency care if possible.  

Most post surgery "complications" will involve persistent discomfort that may or may not result in some treatment.  It is very unlikely that you will require any emergency life saving treatment resulting from your surgery.. Don't sweat it.  Get ready for the ride..  It's amazing!!
John

Good luck to both of you. And yes, the jitters are common. But I do agree with John that most complications are minor and not a cause for immediate action.

Remember also, that the hundreds of surgeries that have gone without issues are not posting for you to read. You should allow yourself to focus on the small percentage of problems.

You, like the vast majority of us, will do just fine...

I was where you are 2 1/2 months ago.  After being dead certain I was doing the right thing for nearly a year, I started having serious misgivings 3 days from surgery.

On the complications front

Serious complcations are rare
Serious complications that would come on so suddenly you couldn't get to your med center are really really rare
The most serious complications manifest in the first day or so after surgery, while you are in the hospital

The odds are with you my friend

And if that doesn't convince you do what I did two nights in a row before the surgery

I stood buck naked in front of the bathroom mirror (I know, not appetizing) and looked at myself from every angle, and I mean really look, and told myself the following
You are slowly killing yourself
You are a physical mess
Your weight is making you miserable 
You need to do this or you're going to die

I have a feeling that you hear a lot more bad things happening on the internet because no one really posts when everything worked out and all is normal.  Who want to read that and it is far easier to ***** and complain then it is to praise and compliment.

Mike,

Don't waste a good hissy fit over nothing.

Put your spurs on, rope in and hang on for the ride of a lifetime!