anxiety

Ah, I knew that my feeling good was too good to be true. It seems every day I am struck with this horrible fear that I'm going to die in surgery. Maybe it's because I've never had surgery before in my life, maybe it's because I'm a mom now, but whatever the reason, it causes me to break down and cry like a baby at least once a day. My poor hubby thinks I'm going crazy....all I've ever wanted id this surgery, and now that it's so close, I'm freaking out. I've actually thought about writing letters to my family and friends in case I don't nake it. Maybe it's because I'm a control freak, and having surgery I won't be in charge. I know that there's always a risk with any surgery, but is the risk any greater with bypass? I don't have high blood pressure, or breathing problems, or diabetes, so does that make my risk any less? ok gang - help me, I'm starting to freak out!!!! Thanks!! Marcie

Hello Marcie, It's perfectly normal to have those feelings and with that being said, do you want to live the rest of your life as an obese person? Are you happy in the body that you currently have weight wise? These are questions that you have to ask yourself. It doesn't sound like you are or you wouldn't be considering the surgery. While you don't have any of the co-morbities that many obese people have, you can get those issues in the future. In regards to the mortality rate, there are a lot of factors to consider. For example, someone who is extremely obese will have a greater risk of problems as opposed to someone who is on the lighter side. Being that you don't have any of the co-morbities associated with being overweight, your chances for recovery are good. I don't think there's anything wrong with writing letters to your family and friends, but I also believe that you need to have a positive frame of mind to have a positive outcome. Best of luck, Carla

In the absence of any co-morbidity, intra-operative mortality for bypass is less than 1 in 200 (0.5%) - that's as safe as surgery ever gets. Odds are, you'll be FINE.

Marcie, Breathe! I think you should seriously tell your concerns to your surgeon as you sound scared as hell and if your seriously that terrified then perhaps you need more time to decide if your doing the right thing for yourself! Talk to more people and educate yourself more, go to support groups and put your mind at ease or postpone your date for awhile but please dont go into it thinking your going to die! Good Luck Sweetie, I hope all goes well for you. Maria