Question:
I really want the wls and I know it is the right decision

but I am very nervous about the actual procedure and afraid I will not wake up after surgery. Does anyone else worry this way? What advice can you give to ease my worries? Thanks all!    — SANDIE S. (posted on July 13, 2003)

July 12, 2003
I was so convinced I would die during sutgery I was honestly SHOCKED to wake up. Left final instructions and everything.... Everyone needs to know its really hard to get dead on the operating table. With all the lifesupport stuff they can handle nearly anything. Nearly everyone dies after the actual surgery from complications like blood clots. Its critical that if you dont feel well or have a concern after surgery to make your concern well known. A feeling of dread is our bodies way to alert us to problems. If your surgeon doesnt take itr seriously go to the ER anyway and be looked at. Read my profile it talks about this. I honestly thought I was better off dead than existing as I was. That made me pick surgery:(
   — bob-haller

July 12, 2003
You know its funny, I wasn't nervous at all (and I'm a big wimp) I felt like a kid going to Disney World I was so excited! But, anyway, the way I looked at it was this: If I kept on the way I was going I knew I wouldn't live to see retirement; and if I did live, It wouldn't be much of a life. My only regret is that I didn't do this sooner. I'm less than 2 months post op RNY, down 35 pounds, and I haven't felt this good in years. Good luck.
   — lorien

July 12, 2003
I was very nervous, too. I think it was even worse because I didn't have any comorbities--I had absolutely had no health problems. I was certainly morbidly obsese, but didn't weight as much as most of the candidates seeking surgery. I was afraid that if I did die from complications, that everyone (mainly my children and husband) would feel I was being selfish and vain. I got through it by praying ALOT! I knew without a doubt that I WAS making the right decision, and I would be fine if I just had faith. Once you make the decision, you have to make yourself stop second guessing, otherwise; you will only hurt yourself and your recovery. You will do great!!!
   — CindyOakes

July 13, 2003
I think most of us had that same fear. I could only think about my 3 babies not having a mommy and it scared the daylights out of me, but I knew being obese could take my life too. I had my surgery right after Brenda Lee Scott died after having WLS and it was all over the news and papers and of course my phone would not stop ringing with friends and family telling me not to do it and all the bad things about it. I just figured that life is one big game of roulette anyways and I know it is more successful than not. I went to BTC and WLS is all they do everyday and that just made me feel safer. I would do this over, it was the best thing I have ever done for myself and my family:o) Good luck to you!
   — Sandy M.

July 15, 2003
After such a struggle in finding the right surgeon, finding the money to pay for the surgery myself, and actually knowing that it was going to happen, by the time the surgery was imminent, I was so convinced that I had been led to this by God/Higher Power/The Universe, that I trusted that whatever was to be the outcome is what was supposed to happen. I truly believe that if it had been my end, then that's how my end was to happen. When I got to the hospital, I told them that I was a bit nervous, had never been in the hospital or had surgery before, and they gave me something in the I.V. that obviously knocked me out and next thing I knew, I was shivering as I was coming out of anesthesia. You will do great! Take the leap! It's the best thing you'll do for yourself this year!
   — [Deactivated Member]