Surgery tomorrow - scared

I'm scheduled to have surgery tomorrow, and I'm feeling very afraid. I'm 64 years old and terrified about complications after the procedure, both short and long term. In addition, the post-surgery diet is overwhelming and confusing to me. Im nervous I will unknowingly make dietary mistakes and suffer either nutritional deficiencies or irreversible damage because of it. I'm feeling alone in trying to navigate through this. 

Thanks for listening.

It is normal to feel nervous and overwhelmed. I had the surgery 2 days before my 56th birthday and I know others on here were older. As they say take it one day at a time and follow what they tell you. Keep coming back here and reading and educating yourself. There is a lot to be learned here. Once you get a couple months out and get the hang of it, remembering to take your vitamins isn't so hard.

I know this is something I will always have to struggle with but better to struggle thinner than Morbidly Obese and all the problems that come along with that.

Good Luck!

I think it is normal to be nervous. Just try to concentrate on the many things that ARE going to go right. You are going do Amazing! Write a list of all the things you are going to do in the next few months because you are going to feel and look amazing! You will be full of energy and will not be dragging 100 lb weight behind you. You just have to go through this 1 hard time to get the thing you want the most. I am excited thinking about the fun posts you will be making.

      Do you have a nutritionist? If so that is what they are making the big bucks for. To help guide you on this journey.

It's normal to have fear of the unknown... but realistically the complication rates are very low and in line with other surgeries (c-sections, appendix removal, gallbladder) Your Dr will run tests to lower risks. Do your part and follow directions. Ask Q's. 

I am assuming you are having some health issues now due to obesity... I had a bunch... so those and the knowledge that obesity is a leading cause of preventable death were bigger fears for me than weight loss surgery... I looked at weight loss surgery as my life raft from a sinking ship ;)

Dietary mistakes... well... you will get a list of foods to avoid and when to phase foods in... follow that. It's usually about 8 weeks of slowly moving back to "regular" food so a little overwhelming/different in those first few weeks, it will get easier and less overwhelming with time. If you eat something you shouldn't or your not quite ready for... you'll find out... we all have and you live and learn. Ask your Dr for a referral to a dietitian if you don't already have one they can help you with food ideas and answer specific health concerns. You are welcome to check out my blog (link below) 9 years of eating, recipes, post-op blabbing ;) 

Keep up with your vitamins and labs faithfully... it's easier to address dips then to dig yourself out of a hole. 

Find some support... here on OH the forums are great, in person through your surgeon's office, Facebook groups, attend WLS events (OH has one, www.YWMConvention.com is another. 

Speedy healing wishes... having weight loss surgery was the BEST GIFT I EVER GAVE MYSELF... I hope you soon will be saying the same.

~Shelly

My fear level was so high, I spent the night before WLS vomiting. I was terrified of complications and a couple have happened but still have no regrets.  The post-surgery diet is overwhelming; it's somewhat like bringing home that first baby thinking, "how am I ever going to figure out what to do."  Things have a way of working out and life takes on a new normal. Both unknowingly mistakes and bad choices have happened never dreaming there would be poor choice days (my deficiencies and irreversible damage must be in brain functionality).  However, WLS has helped the poor choice days be far and few between. It also has bought me time and peace; what more could I ask for.

I was the same way, I almost canceled my surgery I was so nervous! But, I went ahead and had the surgery and did well. I too, am older and worried about complications, but I listened to all my directions and took all my supplements and I did very well. Just had some labs done and the results were all better than my pre-op labs.  Best wishes to a safe, speedy, and pain free recovery.

I understand completely. I am only 2 days behind you. Come back and let us know how it went. I, especially, will be interested to know as I am right behind you! Prayers and good, healing thoughts coming your way.