Surgery in 1 week...

I'm beyond scared, almost to the point of canceling it.  Other than being overweight I don't have any health issues so I'm praying I'm doing the right thing.  I'm so scared of not waking up... I've never had surgery or been put under so that's just making me sick to think about.  My husband and I have many many years of fun ahead of us and I don't want Tuesday to be the last day I see him... I'm so excited to move forward with this but I'm just a bundle of nerves... Everytime I think of how close I am it makes me nauseous...

Justine, having a major case of nerves before surgery is completely normal.  You have done the research, the pre op work.  Today I want you to sit quietly, take 10 deep breaths, exhale the stress and tension.  Take inventory of your body, what can you do right now, what do you want to be able to do when the pounds drop off.  Hang in there my friend, you will do what is best for your health.  Hugs

Justine, your fears are understandable. We all had them right before surgery. Whether you listen to your fears or to your desires is completely up to you. On the other hand, think of this: you are now young, healthy, strong, want to have a family... there will NEVER be a better time to make such a life-changing decision. I'm not pro-WLS. If it wasn't for the VSG I would never have dared do it. If you need the time to think about it some more, don't let anyone push you into making a rash decision. If you HAVE thought about it, however, just relax and jump in!

Justine, your fears are completely normal. I was nervous and scared up til about a week before mine and then had a feeling of peace about it that I was doing the right thing and everything would be okay, but even then I wondered if I was doing the right thing as far as my family was concerned. Like you, I was healthy other than moderately high blood pressure. What if I died and left my family? Wasn't I being selfish to take that risk? But after seriously considering those questions, I knew that my chances of dying or becoming seriously incapacitated were much greater if I chose NOT to have surgery than were the chances of a bad outcome from the surgery. I knew that I had done tons of research, had found the doctor that I felt was most experienced and qualified to do the surgery, the best hospital for the surgery, etc. Knowing all that helped me to feel comfortable with my decision.

Now having said all that, this is your life and your choice. You can choose to cancel all the way up to the last minute if you decide that surgery is not right for you. Think long and hard about your reasons for choosing surgery in the first place. Has anything changed? Do you feel comfortable with your choice of surgeon? Is your husband supportive of the surgery? What are your options if you cancel surgery? Only you can make that ultimate decision. Just examine your heart and mind and consider all your options. Whatever your decision, we are here to support you in it! wishing you all the best -

Rhonda

Hi Justine,
You are doing a very good thing by sharing how you feel. You are not alone.
I was very afraid and thought I might die too. My surgery was 12-21-09. I
wrote my husband and 3 sons Christmas cards telling them how much I love
them. Even up to the moment of surgery I even thought it's not too late to
cancel. I am glad I did the surgery. It has not always been easy but so far
very worth it.
Surround yourself with calm people you love and trust. If meditation or prayer
is something you do, it helps also.
Blessings and prayers for you~

You have gotten many wise words from the gals above. There is little I can add to it. One thing I can say is that I dragged my feet on having this surgery for several years. If i had done it when I initially thought of doing it, I'd have had 40 less pounds to lose, and 10 more healthy years of life to live as a non obese person. I also would not have had so much excess skin, as I was so much younger and as I said 40 lbs lighter. I wish I had done it then, but am grateful i did it when I did.

If it helps you at all, the rate of complication during the surgery is less than 1%. It has no different complications during the surgery than any other.

You have to do what you feel is best. Maybe it is not time for this yet? There is no reason you cannot postpone it for a few months as you further consider it. Yo don't have to do it now.. or ever. You can do it anytime. The important thing is that you feel comfortable with your surgeon. If not, get a different one. Then hand it over to the powers that be and trust you will come through this with flying colors.

Thanks for everyone's kind words and advice!  I told my husband and he said (jokingly) that he'll drag me there Tuesday kicking and screaming but I'm getting it done...

I want this and am SO excited, I'm just a worrier by nature and find the bad in things or prepare for the worst.  I'm Def ready, just scared as I think most people are.  My surgeon is excellent and I've heard and read so many great things about her and her Father who used to do the RNY surgeries.  

Breath in - out - I'm ready!