Only 3 days to go and I am scared....

Well, I have been here every day for months and have even occasionaly posted. You all are so fantastic with your responses.........and I could use a bombardment of support. My surgery (Open RNY) is this Friday, May 2nd, and I am terrified! And not because of the lifestyle I have chosen to live after surgery, but I am terrified that I won't wake up. Now how stupid is THAT???? I have had back surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, caesarean surgery and eye lid surgery.............I always wake up (duh!) and there is no reason to think I won't this time. But with each surgery I have been afraid of this same thing.   I go to work every day and work like a fiend trying to get everything in perfect order for while I am out, yet in the back of my mind I am constantly thinking about Friday. I have come close to having an anxiety attack!! There is no logical reason that I should feel this way. And I was wondering if I am the ONLY one here who felt this way before surgery? I just got thru reading the post about fears (Margo's post I believe) , and now this is my big fear of the moment.  Thanks for listening................

Fran.......as you know this fear is perfectly normal. We have all felt that way. You will be just fine. Don't get yourself so stressed out about it. You have done your homework and have made a decision according to what you feel is best for you.You have had various testing to be sure you are ready for this and have passed all of them. Call your surgeons office and speak to someone there if you really get overwhelmed. They hear this all the time. Or just keep posting on here!! We all understand and will support you in anyway we can. Is there a reason they are doing open verses lap rny??? Not too many surgeons do open anymore. Just wondering?? I will send up prayers for you that all goes well and your surgery is a success. See you on the Losers Bench!!! Hugs, connie d

My surgeon prefers the Open procedure. He said he would do it whichever way I wanted, but his preference is open. He said it is because he has found there to be fewer problems with twisted intestines. He also removes the gall bladder and appendix at the same time, to prevent future problems and surgeries. He is a skilled surgeon at a Army teaching hospital........where he has done a lot of the teaching of residents. I am very comfortable with this decision to have it open. I, personally, like the idea that he can see and touch everything in a 3-dimensional view. Thanks for your prayers,

Fran, we all feel some sort of anxiety prior to a big surgery like this.  Just relax and know that your world is about to change for the better.  I love post-op life and so will you!  Keep us posted! Wanda

OK FRAN....TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND HOLD IT...SLOWLY EXHALE.....YOU WILL BE FINE!!!! THINK POSITIVE THOUGHTS....THE MORE POSITIVE YOU ARE ABOUT THIS THE BETTER YOU WILL BE AFTER SURGERY!!!!! WE ARE HERE FOR YOU SO BE CALM OK??

NOW REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR CHAP STICK WITH YOU TO HOSPITAL!! YOU WILL BE GLAD THAT YOU DID!! REMEMBER TO SIP SIP SIP AND WALK WALK WALK.....YOU WILL BE FINE.....

HUGS

I have a small pile of things that will go to the hospital with me. They include: chap stick, a fan with misting water attachment, warm socks, a sleep mask, tic-tac's (for a quick sucking if I am expecting visitors...not for swallowing) and a nice robe for walking the halls. I will be fine.....I will be fine.....I will be fine......that's my new mantra as of tonight!! Thanks,

fran..i had open by choice- my doc said i would be under anesthesia a shorter time for open and i wanted him to be able to touchy feely all of the important parts -gall bladder etc) i must agree that your fear is normal -not to dimini****however--i really have to think that you are buying troubles and hope that you can find peace with this fear before friday rolls around! normally i suggest the Serenity prayer to people or simply a very long heartfelt talk with their God... sending you hugs and prayers and telling you that i am here for whatever good that does-pm me if you wish...do you have an angel to report to us your progress??? (sorry- i didn't go to your profile) thank you for posting!!!!!

Thanks Margo.........I know in my heart that this fear is un-founded and I have little glimmers of being at peace with the surgery. So the Serenity prayer is a good suggestion, and I will definetly be talking to God just before I go in. I have always talked to him when I had a tough decision.........and wait for the peace to come with knowing the right decision has been made. My decision to have the surgery and live the life I need to afterwards is very peaceful, and exciting, to me. Now if  this stupid, irrational fear of not waking up would leave my thoughts!! Thanks for your kind words!

Fran, Feeling apprehensive is completely NORMAL and logical. You are making a life style change and a commitment. Think back to when you first approached your surgeon about WLS. Did he just schedule your surgery? Good grief NO WAY. You had to go through all sorts of testing and classes to ensure you were a good surgical candidate.  With all the people clamoring for surgery, the surgeons pick only the BEST patients. They don't want any complications to show on their records. So, although overweight, YOU must be in pretty good health or you would not be on his schedule. We all had fears, you are not alone in this. Remember that we are here to listen and try to make this easier for you. I have had numerous abdominal surgeries over the years - scared each time too. RNY was by far the best thing I have done to improve my life. The easiest one also. We will keep the bench warm and shiney for you. Annette

Thank you so much Annette.............................Scoot over on that bench, I am almost there! Wow, I feel so much better after talking (reading) with all of you. Thanks again and Hugs!