Is it normal?

  I was freaking out just prior to surgery too.  I didn't want to be one of those "statistics" that the Dr's have to tell you about.  So I just had a conversation with myself.........I know this might sound a little blunt, but  I just said to myself, you know what?     There is a reason we  don't see very many 300 pound people walking around after  they reach retirement age.   The reason is that they are either in a wheelchair, can't walk and get out of the house because of health related issues or they are DEAD.  

The risk statistics didn't seem so bad to me then. 

I am 57 years old.  I  was on an insulin pump, had had a heart stint because of a blockage in my heart from years of bad food choices and yo yo dieting.   I couldn't even walk up my own stairs at my house because I would get short of breath. 

Yesterday, I walked two miles on the treadmill, worked out at the gym,  cleaned out the garage and went shopping,  No shortness of breath,  I have not taken a shot of insulin since my surgery date and I am not on blood pressure medicine.  There is no doubt that I have increased my statistics for a longer and happier life by many years.    

Just put it in prospective.   Is there risk?  Yes.   Is there risk if you don't do something?  Absolutely YES!  Which is worse?......you have to be the one to decide. 

It's going to be great!!!!! Cathy thank you, when you
look at it that way it helps.

Rhonda:  It sounds like you've just plunged down the first steep hill of what I compare to Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.  And WLS surgery is a wild ride!  I really like what Cathy had to say about the risks of continuing to live with obesity compared to the risks of surgery.  It does come down to choice.  You've done your research and picked a great surgeon, two great choices already. 

At group, I was quite frank about being the poster child for a rough recovery.  I truly hope you don't mimic that part of my surgery.  Now that I'm 7 months out today, I can say that I have absolutely no regrets.  Not even do I wish I had done this earlier.  Everything has been just perfect for me.  Even the rough recovery because I believe it has given me more empathy for what others go through.  A lesson for my ****y pre-op attitude perhaps?  Yes, I was ****y as well as scared.  I know that sounds like a contradiction, yet we humans are complex creatures.

Accept your emotions as tools to let you know that you are indeed, a complex creature.  Then choose how much time you will give to the feelings.  Acknowledge the fear but don't let it overwhelm you.  Dwell on the facts that you have gathered.  They support your confidence in your decision.  I believe in you and so do many others.

Oh K9 I love you!!! I can do this, but save the crown
just incase I need it.

Yes, it's normal. You wouldn't be normal if you didn't get nervous and anxious about this surgery (or any other surgery for that matter). Anyone who says they didn't have some apprehension is either stupid or lying. After all, it is a MAJOR surgery. As with any surgery, there's the potential for physical complications. And, because of the lifelong changes it will demand and require for success, the mental and psychological aspects need to be given just as much serious consideration prior to surgery. 

I try to be as honest and straightforward as I can, even if it may not  always be what someone WANTS to hear.  I honestly believe it's more important to tell folks what they NEED to hear.  It's been said hundreds of times - WLS is NOT a "magic cure" and life after WLS is NOT "easy". The surgery is just the beginning of a LIFE LONG  journey that really does require a lot of work, dedication and determination to be successful. It requires a total committment part to follow the surgeon's and nutritionist's plans to the letter. To exercise and move every day. To change our mentality towards food, and to learn that food is fuel for the body and not to be used as a comfort or a reward for things. To learn from our mistakes along the way rather than try to rationalize them or use them for sympathy and attention. 

I've read comments where some people complain about the psych evaluation. They seem to want to minimize and downplay it's importance. I honestly believe that is possibly the one area of the pre-op routine that needs to be taken even more seriously. After all, the majority of people seeking WLS obviously have some psychological issues when it comes to food.  The phrase that is often said, "They re-route our innards, but not our heads" is actually very true.

Before I made my final decision to have WLS, I tried to thoroughly research the surgeries, results, complications, etc.  I talked to my cardiologist and family doctor.  I lurked here on OH every night. I also sought out 9 local post-ops to talk to about their personal experiences with the surgery and what to expect afterwards.  All but one said they would do it again.  That one said she really wasn't prepared for the mental aspects she faced after her surgery.

WLS is a wonderful tool for the majority of people who have it.  I'm one of those who would do it again tomorrow.  It has changed my life and health for the better. However, it is not something that should be taken lightly or rushed into. It is a major surgery.

If you have done your research, talked with your Doctors, and are willing and determined to do what it takes to succeed after surgery, you'll probably do fine.

Just my opinion.

bamabob, you bring up some great points...  sometimes when I speak to folks prior to surgery, you can tell out of the group who WILL succeed.  their head is in the game, they are ready, they can really spit out the data because of the research they have done...  you can just see their readiness.  Unfortunately, there are times when you can also see those who don't have one iota... not a single clue, as to what they are about to do.  It makes me afraid for them because if they are wanting the magic pill, they are about to make the worst decision ever, UNLESS something drastic changes prior to their surgery!  

That had nothing really to do with the original post! I just wanted to concur with the points you touched on as it sparked a thought! If I don't say it when I think it, I'll forget!! LOL

 Mel, it kinda scares me when I see people at support group meetings who don't get it.  Who perceive WLS as a cure, not as something you have to work at.  I just wanna reach over the table and shake them, but manage to contain myself.

My mother is considering the surgery and I know she'd be an abysmal failure because she's more about talking the talk than walking the walk.  I think she's just past the upper limit for age for most surgeries--whew.  Not that I don't want her healthier, but I know she doesn't have the commitment level to stick to the rules.  Admittedly, I'm not perfect 100% of the time.  I'm probably about 90%-ish patient compliant.   But I know you have to really be committed for this to work.

It's not easy, in spite of what most people think.  You really have to work at it.  Like I've said a few times, with the band, until you get good restriction, it is all about will power and self control.  With weight loss surgery, you get out of it what you put into it.

I feel sad for those who are going into this with stars in their eyes, hoping for a cure.  It's a tool, not a cure or quick fix.

There is much to be learned here by all of us from those with experience like you, Scott, the Bobs and so many more.

Thanks for the great side-track!

I have read every thread on the ds boards for 5mths.
I am 100% that I can do this. I am just overthinking
things. I wish I could just have it tomorrow and not
have these last 2 weeks to think of everything stupid.
Thanks as always.

You can do this and we will all be here to see you through the bumps in the road.  (If you have any bumps.)

 Yes, the WLS roller coaster is a wild ride, Ronda!  You'll bounce around a lot, probably, between elation and excitement, plus anxiety and fear.  

For me, once I got to a few days out, I just had this sense of calm settle over me.  The plan was in motion, and I was ready for whatever consequences were headed my way because of my choice.

It's a HUGE life change you are embarking on, so expect a broad variety of emotions as you move forward.  Joy, frustration, even mourning food.  Do what you can to release your anxiety here and not let it overwhelm you.  Things happen, but you have a great surgeon at a great center.  Odds are in your favor that things will be okay.  No one can guarantee that, but the odds are what, 99% that you'll wake up in the recovery room!

Life will be challenging, but be confident in your decision.  You are making a choice that will benefit your quality of life AND your son's.  Keep that in mind when the anxiety hits!

HUGS!!!
Denise