What was your Surgery date like?

That is the only thing that is scaring me through this entire process. I have never been admitted into a Hospital and have severe panic attacks. My anxiety level can climb pretty quickly and this thought is the only thought that makes my heart race.

Did you have to wait a long time after you were admitted to have the surgery? How long was the surgery? How bad was the intubation? Do you really have to have a catheter? Will I have to have a drainage tube thingy? How bad was waking up after the surgery? What was the pain level? 

I know my surgeon will go over all of this stuff with me, probably, but I won't see him for 2 weeks and this is all I can think about. 

I know 99.9% of people say not to worry about it and that they would do it over in a heartbeat and I hope to be one of those people some day...but for right now, I AM FREAKING OUT! 

Thanks 

You aren't alone in your fears.  I think just about everyone has a lot of anxiety before surgery -- and arguably more for WLS, since it's "elective."  However, if you truly suffer from panic attacks, you may want to talk with your surgeon about this.  They can prescribe you something to take before hand -- and on the day of surgery to alleviate some of this for you.

I can share with you my experience -- but everyone's is slightly different.  

Did you have to wait a long time after you were admitted to have the surgery?  I was scheduled as the first surgery of the day.  However, an emergency came in at the same time (complication WLS from another hospital) and she ended up needing to go before me.  Therefore, I was delayed by 2 hours.  The prep for surgery took about an hour.  This included getting into a hospital gown, going over everything, signing forms, urine test (for pregnancy and nicotine), starting an IV, talking with the surgeon and anesthesiologist, etc.  

How long was the surgery?  My surgery was about 2.5 hours long, but it included an umbilical hernia repair, too.

How bad was the intubation?  You do not feel the intubation, as they do that after you are already knocked out and remove it before you "wake" up.

Do you really have to have a catheter?  I would say yes as most surgeons frown on urine spraying all over the operating room.  LOL.  Again, I've had catheters many times -- they really are no big deal.  However, for surgery, they almost always insert it after you are already under -- so it's REALLY NOT a big deal.  After surgery, they take it out as soon as you are able to get up to use the restroom.  That was the same night for me.  

Will I have to have a drainage tube thingy?  This varies so much by surgeon.  I did have one.  It was creepy and gross looking to me -- but it really didn't hurt.  It did feel very weird when it was removed -- again -- not pain, just creepy.  I was worried about this, too.  It was not a big deal.  

How bad was waking up after the surgery? What was the pain level?  This will also vary greatly.  I have a pretty high pain threshold -- and I had had a C-section before -- so I sort of expected it to feel similar.  In fact, since the c-section is obviously open -- I actually thought the lap RNY might hurt less.  I was wrong.  Truthfully, the pain when I first woke up was bad, but then they immediately gave me pain meds through my IV.  Cut the pain easily in half.  I used the pain pump for the first 24-30 hours after surgery.  It was painful but manageable.  I was up walking the same night.  I took a shower the next day -- it wasn't that bad.  It did hurt though.  That can't be avoided.  I used the pain pump whenever I knew I was going to be getting up and moving around.  I used the pain meds for 2 days after I got home.  I walked and walked -- followed the rules.  Looking back now -- it barely registers in the whole experience.  To give you some perspective: I was back to work teaching on my feet at a university within 2 weeks.

HTH.

This was also my first surgery and I felt the same!!

Did you have to wait a long time after you were admitted to have the surgery? I waited about 20 minutes to be called back into the preop area. I was however, the first patient of the morning for my surgeon, so I didn't have to wait on any delayed cases. From the time they brought me back it was constant something- getting changed, bathroom, starting IV, lots of questions, etc. I also have anxiety/panic attacks- ASK FOR SOMETHING TO RELAX YOU IMMEDIATELY! They want you to be calm too. 

How long was the surgery? I'm actually not sure- I think it was about 1.5 hours with everything going smoothly. 

How bad was the intubation? Honestly, I didn't even know I was intubated. Had only a dry throat/mouth but absolutely nothing else. Once they wheel you to the OR you'll be out quick (for me they have me an oxygen mask and I took about 3-5 deep breaths and I don't remember anything!

 Do you really have to have a catheter? Yes- again, this is done once you're out. I couldn't have said whether I had one or not, I just know that it's standard practice. Both the catheter and the tube were out by the time I woke up. I would also add that I had trouble urinating after surgery- I could feel the pressure/urge, but my body wouldn't cooperate. My nurses were amazing and tried a dozen non-medical things to make it happen, but by the middle of the first night they did a quick "straight cath" in my room just to relieve the bladder. It was completely not bothersome at all for me.

Will I have to have a drainage tube thingy? I've heard it depends. I didn't have one.

How bad was waking up after the surgery? Everyone comes out of anesthesia differently. I had zero problems- just sort of slowly came too. There was a very nice nurse sitting with me who was talking to me and feeding me ice chips and comforting me- he held my hand and it was actually very soothing! My 5 year old son had his tonsils out last year and he didn't do well- he had multiple doses of something to calm him down and it took 4 nurses to hold him down. That is much more rare and more common in children.

What was the pain level? Using the standard pain scale I was never over a 6-7, more commonly 3-5 the first 24 hours. I had a morphine pump which was obviously keeping the pain low. Once they removed that on the second day, I was more uncomfortable but it was not excruciating. I used a heating pad to help with some lower back pain (likely from how I was laying during surgery) and an ice pack up at my sternum where I was feeling discomfort. I never filled my Tylenol with codien prescription and was mostly fine using plain old OTC Tylenol. (The narcosis can cause constipation and I wanted to keep things moving as best as I could since I could tolerate the pain without it.

If you're freaking out, tell them about it, they might give you something or talk with you awhile to alleviate any fears you have about the surgery, & a little fear is totally normal. So don't be afraid to speak up.

My surgery went like this, for 1 I was told to check in I think either an hour or 2 hours b4 my scheduled surgery time. During that time it was confirm my paperwork, pay the deductible & confirm my surgery.

I was then taken to another room that was sectioned off into smaller booths of other people waiting for surgery. The booth was kinda nice, they had a tv & a big recliner chair. This was where I'd change my clothes into my stylish gown with matching cap & booties. My clothing was put in 1 bag, & there was a smaller bag to put in any valuables like my money & cell phone which they put into a safe. The rest went into a closet across from my booth in which I got a key that wrapped around my wrist.

This is also where I met the anesthesiologist, & another nurse, again confirm my surgery, name etc, about 10-20 minutes later they came with the wheelchair to wheel me into the operating room & as I was going under, again asked to confirm my name & I was out. Surgery about 2 hours, woke up in the operating room & they wheeled me to my room in my bed. I felt like I did a thousand sit ups. Felt like throwing up & they put an alcohol swab under my nose & it did stop the dry heaves, the meds stopped the nausea, meds eased up on the pain. No catheter, they probably put it in & took it out while I was under.

Yes I did have a drain, but it didn't hurt, it just felt/looked weird, just shows how much crap needed to come out rather than marinate in my newly sleeved stomach. I checked in on Friday & was out by Sunday. Pain was ok, again it felt like the kind of pain from too many sit ups. I was walking around the day after surgery, slowly of course, but manageable.

Fear of the unknown is normal. I think our imagination is worse than reality. You'll be ok. Good Luck on your upcoming surgery.

Oh I wanted to add that while in the hospital & I first had to pee I had green pee! That freaked me out a little & the nurse said it was totally normal, it's whatever they gave me during surgery, they measured the pee too, after the first couple of times it finally went back to its normal color. So don't freak out ok? :)

I know I was nervous before surgery and I had had 2 surgeries before. Everyones experience will be different but here is mine. I signed in and waited about 15 minutes before I was taken into the preoperative area,which one of many little private rooms. Once I had my gown on my husband and pastor were allowed to come back and sit with me. I would make sure to tell your doctor about your anxiety issues and perhaps they can give you something to help before you even get there. Then the nurse came and asked me lots of questions about medications and allergies. An IV was started and they gave me something to help me relax. The anesthesiologist and operating room nurse also came and asked me if I had any questions. After about 30 minutes I was told it was time and pushed out in the hall where another drug was given in my IV. I don't even remember going in the operating room! Surgery took about 21/2 hours because he also repaired a hiatal hernia. I woke gradually in the recovery room with very little pain. My throat was a bit sore from the tube. The tube and the catheter were both gone when I woke up. I did not have a drain as my surgeon rarely uses the. Pain was perhaps a level 2 and though I was offered stronger pain meds I did not need them. I was moved to a room about 45 minutes after I woke up and was walking in the hall about 11/2 hours later. I only spent one night in the hospital. I am so happy that I had surgery even though I was afraid. 41 months later I no longer weigh 272 pounds. For the first time in my whole life I am a normal size person who can do anything she wants instead of sitting on the sidelines! I love to shop now and wear a size 1 pants. I sure don't miss the meds I used to take for diabetes or high cholesterol either! Trust your surgeon and focus on all the amazing things you will be able to do and what your new healthy life might be like. And keep coming here for support too!

I was the first surgery if the day so from arrival to surgery was about 45 minutes. The nurse that prepped me kept telling me how she went through the surgery and I'd be fine. I think she thought she was calming me but I wasn't nervous. To be totally honest all I could think was I hope I didn't look like her when all was said and done. 

Didn't feel intubation or the catheter. When I woke I felt more like I had a tummy tuck, my abdomen welt so tight. Pain is subjective, what I felt will be different than what you feel.

Catheter coming out was an odd sensation, not painful at all. 

I was taken into a room with a recliner where I changed into my gown, had to put my clothes and stuff in a bag with my name on it. My girlfriend who came with me was able to sit with me while I waited.

I have all my medical history and medications written in my phone, as each person who came in asked me about it. Easier to read so I didn't miss anything. Met the anesthesiologist, Doc came in. Nurse started IV. The hospital I was in actually has you walk to the OR and get yourself on the table.

Woke up, no sore throat from being incubated (but I have had that in the past), no drains, no catheter... woke up slowly. Pain minimal at that point. When I got to the room they wanted me to stand and walk a little but I was nauseous and dizzy, so they shot something into my iV thing for that. Started walking little bits right away...

When I wasn't walking I had those cuffs on my legs that blow up and then deflate to help prevent blood clots.

Thank you so much for your Stories. I have felt really nervous about the Surgery but now I feel a lot better.   

As long as I let the Doctor know about my nerves and he gives me something, I should be fine.  I'm really relieved about the intubation and catheter too. A lot of my nerves were wrapped around those being painful. This is going to be good. All of your stories sound completely do-able. I can manage some stomach pain. Absolutely.  

I do think I need to stop watching "My 600 lb Life" for a while tho. Watching the surgeries and how they wiggle those tubes around to get them in the right spot, seems too near in my future to be comfortable to watch. 

Thanks again for your stories..seriously...being able to ask people questions about this entire experience and their personal experiences is so educational and appreciated. I don't know what I would have done over the last 7 Months without this site and the people here.

Thank you.  

Yes, do yourself a favor and stop watching those videos. Unless you're going to perform the surgery, you don't need to see how it's done.

There are a bunch of little things that are uncomfortable, but after a couple of months, you won't even remember them. Obesity was a lot more uncomfortable, and painful, than the surgery itself.

You'll do great. Do your part, follow the plan, work hard, and you will be absolutely, positively, elated.

There are so many great and thorough responses here.  I just want to add a huge, wholehearted recommendation for a CD I listened to of meditations specifically for preparing for surgery. This wonderful CD has guided imagery and affirmations on it.  It was carefully researched by the woman who does the talking on the CD.  She has a whole series of meditations.

I bought this CD when I was preparing for a hysterectomy a couple of years ago.  I was SOOOOOO nervous and anxious about that surgery.  I had been so worried for several months.  Just beside myself in ways that seemed so irrational to me. 

But then I listened to this CD, and it was a great comfort for me.  It honestly changed me from feeling crazy-nervous to actually looking forward to surgery.  Just the first time I listened to it, it made such a difference. I was weeping because the imagery got at something deep.  And then I listened to it several more times.  Even now, I listen to it before various medical procedures.  I cannot say enough good about it:

"Meditations to Promote Successful Surgery"  by Belleruth Naparstek, by the label Health Journeys.

Here is the Amazon link.  You can also download it from iTunes.

http://www.amazon.com/Meditation-Promote-Successful-Surgery/dp/1881405346/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1454296670&sr=8-1&keywords=naparstek+surgery

My 13-yr-old son apparently listens to it also--it downloaded to his iPod from the cloud.  He loves it because it helps him relax and feel good about things.  Isn't that sweet?  I have also purchased a few others of her CDs because I feel they make a genuine difference for certain concerns I have.  She even has one related to weight loss!

Best to you.  It is so worth it.