Question:
Did anyone have dreams about not making it through the surgery?

I keep having bad dreams that I'm not going to make it through the surgery, I am 2 wks away from my surgery 4-14-06 is my date. Is this normal?    — sjwilson (posted on March 30, 2006)

March 30, 2006
Hi Stephanie! Are we cousins? I'm another Wilson :) Yes, you're normal. Either that or we're both completely bonkers. I was practically hysterical before my surgery, so afraid that I would die on the table. I made out a will, went to confession and communion, and generally prepared to die. I was actually crying as I went into the operating room -- bless the nurse who held my hand and soothed me until I went under. It was sort of a pleasant surprise to wake up in the recovery room. So, please note that for all my hysteria, I'm still here to answer your question, and hopefully put your mind at ease. You will be fine! In a way, you are preparing for death -- the death of the old way of life, of not being able to get around, of having to settle for clothes instead of choosing. You're about to celebrate the death of millions of fat cells, you mass murderer you! You are going to be reborn as someone who can walk without getting out of breath, someone who can sit in a chair without worrying if it will hold you, someone who won't collect pitying looks from total strangers (my least favorite parts of being overweight!). I know it's useless to tell you to relax, but try! Everything is going to work out well, and faster than you know, you'll look back and marvel that you could have been afraid of the best decision of your life. I'll keep you in my prayers, be sure to post after your "rebirth" and let us know how you're doing!
   — mwilson523

March 30, 2006
Normal, heck I left final instructions and made my surgeon promise to tell my wife since I honestly never expected to wake up..... Hopefully it will help a little to know that very few die on the table. Its actually hard to get dead in the OR. Nearly all die from post op complications the leader being blood clots. Pretty much preventible by getting up walking right after surgery and keep it up once your home! WLS was the best decision I EVER made, and I will be 5 years out this july
   — bob-haller

March 30, 2006
Hi Stephanie. First, let me say congratulations on making this life changing decision! I too had thoughts of not making it through surgery. In fact, as my surgery date got closer and closer my days seemed to be consumed with thoughts of mortality and not seeing my husband or 18 month old daughter again! For me the last two days before surgery were the worst. What got me through was a lot of prayer and knowing that I was putting my life in the hands of an amazing surgeon. I had done a lot of research not only on the procedure itself, but in choosing a surgeon. I was confident that I made the right choices. On the day of surgery, at the hospital, in the surgery holding area, I actually contemplated, for a split second not having the surgery, but I took a deep breath asked for a valium and let the fear go. The next thing I knew I was in recovery and on the losing side. All will go well, have faith. Good Luck!
   — pumpkelina

March 30, 2006
Congratulations, we have the same surgery date!! I haven't been having any dreams about surgery but wanted to wish you well on your upcoming surgery.
   — classite

March 30, 2006
Personally I was cool as a cucumber until about two days before the surgery and then went into a full-blown panic attack. I honestly thought I was having a heart attack or something. I went to my local support page, talked to some others in my area that had had the surgery, and they "talked me down". It isn't uncommon to be really nervous before surgery and your first thought after you wake up is usually, "Omigod, I'm waking up on the operating table - something's gone terribly wrong because it only feels like I closed my eyes five seconds ago!!" or "Why in the HECK did I DO this to myself??" because you're achy and feeling like poop. This too shall pass, and you will see yourself emerging from your cocoon gradually but surely into the beautiful butterfly that has always been waiting. I had such great support that my inner peace was so strong before surgery that I FELL ASLEEP in the pre-surgical suite. LOL! My parents absolutely could not believe that I was napping for an hour before my surgery. Try not to worry, get support from others who have been there, and if it makes you feel more at peace with yourself you're more than welcome to make your wishes known to your family JUST IN CASE something happens, but that's really only to put your own mind at ease to know that you can go into surgery with things taken care of. It certainly won't be needed. Good luck!! Jennifer
   — j_coulter

March 31, 2006
Stephanie, I think that you are just releasing stress with the dreams. Please, please, dont let it bother you. We all have that fear of the unknown. WLS saved my life. Just keep your chin up. You'll soon be on the losing side. Besides, my mama says when you dream of death it means someone is "knocked up"!!!!! So, pass out those ept's and smile! Reg
   — reginagoiburn