Ball is rolling ...

Morning everyone ,

So I got my first appointment with my surgeon yesterday , its for May 1st at Finch site . And I have to say it's threw me in to a bit of a tailspin ! I was first referred in Oct , and since then I've had some doubts and thoughts about wether im doing the right thing but pretty much stayed true to my overall decision for a better , healthier life . But now , again last night Iwas up , couldnt sleep , wondering if im taking a major risk and having doubts again !!! :( ....is this a normal thought process ?? I can handle all the run up to it , Opti and appointments and etc , and I think I can handle the aftermath of lifestyle change , eating pattern ....but its that day ...the surgery day ...that scares the life out of me !!! I keep telling myself just roll with it and when that day comes , chin up and get it done ! So I hope I can last the course . I dont want to talk to anyone else about this in case I scare them into talking me out of it !! Lol ...so any thoughts from you guys are much appreciated . 

Also ...anyone have any first hand info on what happens at this first appointment ? I have my paperwork but I like to hear firsthand also . 

Thanks guys x 

The surgery day of any surgery is scary to many. I myself was fine until I got into the operating room as it was a little overwhelming, and I started to cry. But there was a nurse there who calmed me down and held my hand until I went to sleep. So look at it this way, you will be put out very quickly and the next thing you know you are waking up. 

Just keep looking ahead and why you are doing this. I would do it again in a heart beat if I had to. It has changed my life for the best.If you ever need encouragement message me and I will be there for you. YOU CAN DO THIS!!!! ((((((HUGS)))))))

I know exactly how you feel. I go for surgery tomorrow. I have second thoughts every minute. I know this is in my best interest but i sometimes wonder if I should try and do it again on my own. I mean 3 weeks of opti and being so restricted with what I can eat, why couldnt I do it before? I will go trough with the surgery because I have waited so long. I am looking forward to my new life.

The surgeon appointment is a lot of Q&A, medical history, what to expect and details of surgery and optifast. I did all my work up in Kingston and then had my appointment with the surgeon once I did all I was supposed to do. Social work, dietician, surgery classes, sleep study, u/s, Colonoscopy and endoscopy. Some people need more one depending on any comorbidities.

Good Luck, the process can be long but will surgery will get here faster than you realize

Just wanted to send some good wishes and big hugs your way today !! Look forward to hearing from you when you are feeling up to things xxx Excited for you :) 

All I can say is that the surgery is the best decision of my life.  I wish I had done it years ago.  In fact, I had been referred years ago, and didn't proceed with the process, thinking that I would try just one more time to do it "on my own".  And yes, I did...for a bit.  I lost some weight and then I promptly regained that weight and more.  So my one regret is that I didn't move forward with the surgery and regain control of my life years ago.

One of the factors that was part of that decision was my fear of surgery.  I had never had surgery before and was very scared of it.  But in the intervening years, I had my gallbladder removed, and the surgical experience wasn't that bad.  So that did have an impact on my decision to proceed with surgery -- a lot of my fear had been taken care of with that relatively positive experience.

Today, I am the fittest I have ever been.  i run.  I kickbox.  I do weight training.  I've lost over 240 lbs.  I have my life back and am living it.

The decision to have the surgery is a personal one.  The risks are also fairly clear, but so are the rewards!  You just have to weigh those two against each other and decision for yourself.

Good luck!

DD

Thank you so much ladies ! I know that I will go through with this , but I guess im nervous which is natural im sure . I have read a lot of stories on here , almost all very positive , but of course its always the 'complications ' and stories of struggle that come forefront to the mind !! I am so happy to hear from people who are fighting the same fight as I am , its such a great support system and I feel so much better knowing that any question I have will bring an honest and experienced reply . 

Again thank you for the feedback , and the support .xxx 

I am a person who can experience high anxiety. I was certain and even excited about having surgery, but was concerned my anxiety with all of the medical 'stuff'...tubes, wires, beeping sounds...lol..might make me seem uncertain. When I met with the anesthesiologist, I asked him for Ativan (lorazepam) for when I was being prepped for surgery. I am so glad I did! It took the edge off, I will still nervous, but never felt the urge to actually get up and run...lol. This type of medication needs to be written on your order at your pre-op when you meet the anesthesiologist, you cannot ask for it on the day of your surgery.

I think it is normal to feel afraid of surgery day, we are human being with feelings and it is a weird situation.  Maybe you could make a list of your specific concerns and ask the surgeon about them when you meet?  I did this and found it really helpful and comforting.  As for doubts I think this is normal too, just ignore people who are not supportive and stick to those who are respectful of your decisions.  Come here for support, this is a great resource.  good luck!

I had my first appt with my surgeon yesterday and was so nervous, but the day before I came on here and asked what are good questions to ask the doc besides the obvious and the responses I got were amazing! I came out of my docs office feeling more confident thanever. Make sure that your doc takes the time to answer all your questions, no matter what it is. I walked in the office yesterday with a binder full of questions and she did not hesitate not one bit. I also had many thoughts about going thru this surgery but now I'm crystal clear that this is not what I want but what I NEED to live a healthy life. And there will always be the people that will try to talk you out of doing anything, but when their negativity doesn't phase is when you know you are 100% committed to this forever lifestyle change. Next step for me is to see a cardiologist, pulmonary specialist, nutritionist, and a psychologist. I also have to see my surgeon 2 more times before surgery so she estimated my surgery to be done somewhere between middle of July or early August. For some this is a lifetime but for me it's just perfect. It gives me time to prepare for this journey, to gather more support, to make plans and goals, and most importantly to not feel rushed into probably the biggest decision of my life. Good luck to you!

Hi Jaxie77

I am just in the beginning stages of my journey. Went to the orientation in Guelph yesterday and set appointments to see the nurse, Social worker and Dietician in June. Like you the actual surgery day frightens me to no end! I think part of that is normal and if we didn't have some anxiety or fear that may not be normal. I have had 2 major surgeries before, gallbladder and hysterectomy so I kind of know how my body reacts to going under...I know it is very quick....time just stops and before you know it you are awake...the one thing I really like about the programs in Ontario is how careful they are and how stringent they are with screening patients. They require us to have all the medical work up to make sure we are good candidates.  You will do great!

I will be watching for your post op comments :)  You will have lots to share with me as I wait for my surgery date.