Question:
I'm getting closer to having my surgery and starting to get scared!

I have been approved for surgery and am going to the doctors today to set my surgery date. I have been waiting for this and really want to get healthy, but now that it is becoming more real and getting closer I am becoming more afraid of what might happen. I visit this site frequently and see some really aweful stories of what people are going through. I am doing this for the right reason like many others, but I don't want to live my life in pain either. Can someone please give me their thoughts or has anyone gone through this before there surgery?    — [Anonymous] (posted on November 16, 2001)

November 16, 2001
I was the same way. Scared, anxious, couldnt sleep, excited, knew I would die in surgery.... Well that was nearly 4 months and 90 pounds ago. Its normal to be this way. But it will be worth it. Post op is THE place to be. See my profile for details.
   — bob-haller

November 16, 2001
I have 19 days to go and its like a roller coster!!! I know im going thu...yes LORD i'm goin thu!!! But i made my husband promise if i ckn out at the last minute to hog tie me and drag me in!!!! :)
   — Jackiis

November 16, 2001
Your feelings are so natural. I had 8 months to wait for my surgery, and then the week before I was an emotional WRECK. I remember it so well as I am finally on the other side, 7 days post-op and 14 lbs down. I feel super and it wasn't as bad as I had imagined it to be. Try to breathe deep and relax. Good Luck, God Bless.
   — Cheri M.

November 16, 2001
Hello, I know exactly how you feel. I am scared also, my is Nov. 23rd. But, you know that you answered your own question when you wrote, "I know that I am doing this for the right reason like many others, but I don't want to live my life any PAIN, either. That is exactly how I feel and think. I am so tried of the rollercaoster rides, and just want to LIVE LIFE, without pain and illness. Just remember that you are not alone and I know that we won't regret it. Keep your chin up and reach for the stars. I know we can. God Bless and Take Care. GOOD LUCK
   — Nora R.

November 16, 2001
ps : i thought to myself, i wish i could draw, i'd draw a cartoon of my husband with a hugh bag over his shoulder like Santa with me inside the bag all tied up..him standing in front of the Surgical untit sayint to the Dr.."quick...my wife wants to have WLS surgery!!!"
   — Jackiis

November 18, 2001
Your feelings are natural ! I felt the same way before my open RNY in April this year. The best thing you can do before surgery is to practice deep breathing and coughing (you'll need to do this frequently after your surgery to prevent pneumonia.) Also remember the quickest way to heal is to get up and walk ! You will be so surprised how great you feel in just a few weeks ! Good luck with your surgery ; you will be fine ! Listen to what your Dr. says! God Bless you ! Connie PS : 7 months later I have lost 114 # !! I eat small amounts of just about anything I want ! I would do it all over again !! I have more energy now than I did @ age 35 ! I am 52. You will soon be saying the same thing to others!
   — kountry