Question:
10 Days Pre-op: Should I know if I am ready?

Only ten days to go - this surgery has been 9 months in the making. I've bought all of my supplements, pureed and prepared and frozen post-op foods, packed my hospital bag and am about to go out and get all of my last minute things. I've read and read and read everything here. Profiles,advice, and experiences. I've talked through my feelings at length with good friends and family. I've considered all the things that'll make my new life a little tough at first. I've tried to convince myself that getting through the pain, possibly being tired and sick feeling at times, not eating my favorite foods...will be okay. I say to myself "If all of these other folks can do, so can I!". But somehow, I still find myself really scared. And although there is no chance that I am going to back out now, I am worried that my life will change so drastically, that I may regret this. Am I driving myself crazy? Is this normal pre-op jitters? Or something else? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 3, 2002)

February 3, 2002
I SHARE IN YOUR WORRIES. I AM HAVING SURGERY ON THE 11TH AND I HAVE ASKED MYSELF ALL THE SAME QUESTIONS THAT YOU HAVE. I KNOW I DO NOT WANT TO REMAIN THE SIZE I AM - OR BIGGER. FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. I WILL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU. YOU WILL BE FINE.... ME TOO. ITS ONLY GOING TO GET BETTER FOR US...... KEEP US INFORMED. LOL, PATTY
   — patty C.

February 3, 2002
Surgery is scary. It would be abnormal for you to not have fears. My surgery was in October, 2001, and I was convinced I would die before I woke up. But I didn't, and although the recovery can be a challenge, I haven't been sorry for a minute that I did the surgery. Your life will change in ways you probably can't even imagine. Hang in there, and God speed.
   — Spunkwoman S.

February 3, 2002
My surgey is 23 days away and I also have my bag packed, and food in the freezer and everything I need bought, and I think daily I ask my self the question am I ready to do this. Read My Story on my profile. You will see I come up with the same answer each time I ask it. Its like pre wedding jitters, this is definately something that is a life altering committment
   — Diane Rhoads

February 3, 2002
i am two days from surgery and all of a sudden the other day i caught a bad cold. up unitl that time i had my reservatioins. once i realized that they may postpone my surgery due to having a cold......... i realized how bad i want this. don't let anything get in the way of your dreams
   — Tica G.

February 3, 2002
My surgery is on 2-14-02. I have up and downs about the surgery. I will do it. I will keep u in my prayers. We will make it and our lives will be better because we did it.
   — Lois Tabitha F.

February 4, 2002
I am 5 months post-op dpwn 150 lbs. I felt the same way, in fact 1 week before at a support meeting I met a guy who had a very bad experience, his stories terrified me and I became hysterical and almost quit. My husband was very wonderful and calmed me down. I went through with it and let me tell you it wasn't as bad as I imagined. Sure it hurt, after all it is surgery, but only for a day or so. I have had no complications and only thrown up twice. Beleive me after doing that once or twice you quickly learn the signals. It's normal to feel the way you do, but please don't lose hope. As the kids say: It's all good. Good Luck to you.
   — Danielle M.

May 8, 2006
It is so nice to hear others are going through the same emotional roller coaster as I am about my surgery date getting close. I thought I was going crazy. Somedays I am so brave and others I am an anxious wreck. Thank you for sharing.
   — tolivebyfaith

February 17, 2010
Hello, I am 11 days from my surgery date and I am a nervous wreck, I was originally going to have the lap-band done and since have switched to the sleeve. I am having second thoughts Iam really scared. Is this a normal? I go from being ready in the day and having my husband support me, to being up all night doubting my choice. Is there someone that has had the sleeve done that can tell me what to expect?
   — jomel98