Don't think I can

YOU'VE GOT THIS!!  We are all scared I know that I have flipped and flopped back and forth since I first was referred 6 YEARS AGO, (yes here in the Maritimes that is how long you wait).  Don't let fear guide you into regret, try to keep your eye on the prize of the new life (and longer life) you will have.  I am still waiting for surgery and it scares the heck out of me but the thought of dying young (I'm 52) scares me more.  I will be here for you if you need to talk/vent and remember to be easy on yourself and give yourself time to heal after your procedure.  Say a little prayer and everything will be ok.

Talk soon,

Ellie

I understand your trepidation, as this is definitely a life-changer!!  You said that you are scared that something will happen to you on the operating table??  Have you had issues during past surgeries??  Have you spoken with your doctor about your fears??  I would suggest contacting your doctor's office and request to speak with him/her.  Maybe if you can talk to your doc about what you are afraid of, he/she will be able to explain the procedure and perhaps the way that he would deal with an unexpected complication.  It is completely your decision, but you have to not only trust your instincts but trust your doctor!!  I will be honest, when I went for my initial info session, I asked the doctor straight up how many people have you lost in the 1100 surgeries that you have done??  His answer was "2," to which I replied, "And were those due to pre-existing conditions that the patients had??" and he said yes.  If you aren't ready, you aren't ready - just be sure that don't let your fear get the best of you!!!  Good luck!! :)

I will share some advice a dear friend gave me the night before my surgery when I was terrified, freaking out and almost hyperventilating: she said "I know this is a major moment in your life and its scary and overwhelming and you are scared of the unknown but remember that this is routine for your surgeon, just another day at work for him and he does many, many of these procedures. He knows what he is doing. Its not his first time".

Those words helped me put my fears in perspective and my health in his hands. I was the rookie, not my surgeon.

Good luck with your decision.

Well, you have to make the decision, it's up to you.  I can only add that I had the biggest thought of giving up right before surgery.  I thought to myself, I could just throw in the towel and go to KFC to celebrate (seriously).  I'm glad for me, that I made this decision.  I was having trouble getting around--completely drenched in sweat when I'd go shopping, always scoping out the next bench to sit on.  I was up past 4X clothes, getting into 5X and they were hard to find.  I am now a gym member, enjoy kayaking, hiking and don't sweat at all shopping.  I'm not one of the skinny's that you'll find on here, but I am at a place where I can easily maintain and my life is completely changed.  

It was a piece of cake, I'm only six days post op and I feel like a million bucks. I know its sounds scary, but think about all the benefits after surgery!! You have to do what you 're feeling, but put yourself first and do this for you,

Definetely call and talk to your coordinator! I am sure that for any surgery people get worried about complications. I've had 4 surgeries and have always been worried, I say a prayer for my surgeon and his team to be guided by God. Maybe your office can write a script for something to take the edge off or tell you what you can take so you can rest and relax tonight!!!

I thought about climbing off the table even while they were wheeling me into surgery.

When it was all over I wondered what all the fuss was about.  It was easy and no problems since.

If you decided to go through with the surgery, I hope all works well for you!  Let us know what you decided!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Thank you all so much.  I just couldn't shake the feeling I had.  I should be in surgery right now.  But I am not.  I may regret it, but I made the decision I felt I needed to make.  Thank you all agian.

so sorry. Personally,I couldn't wait to get on the table. I was more afraid of losing my legs an inch at a time and having the retinas in my eyes burn out,not to mention te dialysis I would have to have,all from the. Effects of Type II diabetes. It is not if it happens,it is WHEN it happens,cause it will happen,it is the nature of the. Disease. 

I am so so so glad I got on that table and lost and maintained 108# gone. My diabetes is in remission and I am thankful. 

We will be here next year if you change your mind again.