Question:
Anyone else had the jutters about being put to sleep?

I am terrified first off of needles. Secondly i am scared of being put to sleep. My surgery is 03/27/2007. I was all excited at first but now since the date is final i've been having these horrible thoughts about something going wrong while i'm under. I just turned 27 years old 03/20, i'm 5'6 and I'm the heaviest (290 lbs) that i'v eever been my whole life. I have alot of health issues and is afraid that all my issues will take a toll. Is there anyone out there with some encouraging words that could help me thru this ? ? ? ? [url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wLXRbi2/] [img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wLXRbi2/weight.png[/img] [/url]    — JakeshiaL (posted on March 22, 2007)


March 22, 2007
I haven't had weight loss surgery (yet), but I've had 6 other surgeries where I've had to be put under. I still get nervous every time, though. See if you can talk to your anesthesiologist ahead of time. That can be very reassuring. Also, I put a sticky note on my computer monitor to pray for you on the day of your surgery. And in the meantime, I will pray for you to have peace and guidance. Take care and God bless, Anna
   — Mechana7

March 22, 2007
Like Anna, I haven't had WLS yet, but have had many surgeries. As far as needles go, don't look and let the nurse or doc know how you feel right off the bat, then try to make light conversation. I try to ask the needle weilder questions about them like what made you decide on your career, have you ever had a surgery, are you married (if he's cute, LOL), make a joke, etc. That's what works for me. It requires thinking about someone else besides me during a time I am the focus of the attention. A good thing when trying to ignore needles. As for being put under...well of course it has it's risks. It's a serious surgery. I remind myself I won't be there or in pain if the worst happens. If something happens I will be asleep already and I have led a good life. REMEMBER bad things are rare. You are going to be a beautiful, energetic and healthy diva...and it all starts with a nice peaceful nap. I don't know if you have trouble sleeping like I do, but I always welcome the sleep. Hope something I have said helps! Let me know how it goes! hugs, Paige
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 22, 2007
I had surgery On Monday the 19th all went very well I don't even remember the going to sleep part they gave me a small but good happy shot in the pre op! so hopefully they will do the same for you. Maybe you can ask. YES I am through it and beleive me I was about ready to run for the doorsthe morning of I had to be there at 6:30 I was so scared not just to go to sleep but everything, I thought I'll be one that has leaks I'll be one that they have to do an open and nope not me all is good, and all is really good I am doing well everything is going better then I acually expected. You'll do fine and the jitters are all normal where I stand. I had lap RYN what are you doing?bye for now Shirley
   — Shirley H.

March 22, 2007
Hey Jekesha, Every one gets a little nervous when surgery is involved. If you've neven been under before, you will have the opportunity to speak with the doctor that is the anethesiologist (sp). I suggest making a list of questions you have for him/her and carry them with you the day of your surgery. The nurse will insert an IV and all meds will go through there. A practice I have before being stuck with a needle -- I say ouch -- and tell them I'm practicing. Also, just keep breathing -- take deep breaths and kind of go into a meditative state and that will help you through. If you have a special prayer -- just keep repeating that. No that God is in control of the situation and rest in that. This is a decision we have made with prayer and great medical guidance.
   — the7thdean

March 22, 2007
Jakeshia... congrats, first off on your upcoming surgery. I am an RN in the ER and was fine up until I was waiting outside the surgical suite. I was terrified, because all I kept thinking was that I am putting my life in these people's hands. But you know what calmed me down? One, I said a prayer asking for peace of mind. Two, I thought, you haven't been doing so hot for yourself in the health department.. that is why you went to a surgeon for a physical tool to help with the weight loss. The preop nurse couldn't start my IV prior to going in, even though I could have told her where 10 veins were. I was glad that she waited for the anesthesiologist vs having her try and miss. Once I was in there and on the table, my surgeon came over to me and asked how I was doing. I told him that I was terrified. He said don't worry, you are going to be fine... all of these people in this room are here just for you. The anesthesiologist started my IV in one of the 10 places I could have showed her LOL... A feeling of peace did come over me (power of prayer) as it was before the anethesiologist had put any drugs in the IV. Once he did that I relaxed and went to sleep and the next thing I knew I was being woke up in post op. You will do fine. It is natural to scared of the unknown and having to give up complete control to someone else. By you being scared, it just shows that you are aware of the potential risks of surgery and are smart enough to be uneasy. But, remember, you sought out his/her expertise in helping you. Just have faith that everything will be fine. Add me to your friend's list if you like, the request is on your profile and I will keep checking up on you... chin up, and God Bless, I will say a prayer for you for peace of mind for you from now to your surgery. :-)
   — Kari_K

March 22, 2007
Hey Jekesha, Every one gets a little nervous when surgery is involved. If you've neven been under before, you will have the opportunity to speak with the doctor that is the anethesiologist (sp). I suggest making a list of questions you have for him/her and carry them with you the day of your surgery. The nurse will insert an IV and all meds will go through there. A practice I have before being stuck with a needle -- I say ouch -- and tell them I'm practicing. Also, just keep breathing -- take deep breaths and kind of go into a meditative state and that will help you through. If you have a special prayer -- just keep repeating that. No that God is in control of the situation and rest in that. This is a decision we have made with prayer and great medical guidance.
   — the7thdean

March 22, 2007
You will be fine Jakeskia. I understand your anxieties. Let your anesthesiologist know during your consult with him/her. They are trained well to handle situations such as this. You will learn post op that you feared fear itself. It is very imperative to let this person know so dont be embarrassed by it. They will give you calming medicine in enough time prior to your surgery and you will notice yourself "I AM CALM!"
   — NEETAJEAN

March 22, 2007
I don't think we'd be normal if we didn't all go through a case of jitters before having surgery. Trust in your physician and surgeon that they have done enough of this type of surgery without anyone dying. And keep telling yourself that this type of surgery is going on all the time and you are just a number and everything will be OK. It's like having your first baby, you don't know what to expect but women go through it every minute and survive. The Lord brought you to it and he will bring you through it! God Bless.
   — Virginia M.

March 22, 2007
Hi Jakeshia, thanks for your question. I did have a little anxiety about being put to sleep, I think when you weigh the possibility of complications, including the anesthesia that you go under, it can be a burden. I did what I always do. I faced it in truth. I understood the risk, that is was real, and then I did what I know is right to do about it. I went to the obesityhelp website to the memorials and respected those who lost their battle with wls surgery and died. I opened my heart to the compassion that I needed to respect the severity of the surgery that I was about to face. Then I kept my prayer life in tact about the surgery and made sure my life was right with God. If I had to lose my battle with wls, I knew that I would be facing him for eternity and I wanted to be sure that I had no lack of forgiveness in my own heart towards anyone. I needed to clean my own heart of things that would rob me of peace. That meant talking to some, forgiving my children or spouse or both. It meant having a clean slate biblically so that if I did die, it was in peace. The day I had surgery, my husband and I prayed together while waiting for the surgeon and I went under in complete peace. It was in God's hand. I am a born again Christian Jackshia, and this is how I handle anxiety. If you are a Christian, these things will benefit you as well. Reading Psalms 4 and Psalms 139 from the Bible are precious jewels from God to me. His Word is a loveletter to me, and precious. A very help in a time of need and daily walk with Him. If you would like to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and do not, please ask, I would be glad to share Him with you. I respect your anxiety and don't like needles, but God has a plan for peace, and I am living proof that it works when you trust fully in Him and His Word. Take care and I hope this helped. Sincerely, Patricia P
   — Patricia P

March 23, 2007
Ask for some meds to calm you before you even show up for your surgery day. Then when you get there they can ease you under before they do all the major stuff to your body so you are unaware. Piece of cake. I just had my surgery on the 9th of January. Went great. Once the IV is in you don't even feel it so if you have some happy meds ahead of time you will be just fine. Just make sure someone else drives you. No regrets for me. This was my first big surgery too. I am also 5"6 but I am 55 years old and started out at 344. Please don't go there. It isn't a happy place. I am now at 280 and feeling so much better and have gotten off of several of my meds already. My experience has been so very positive. My daughter was so inspired that her mother would take on this surgery that she went to see about it herself and we had surgery a day apart. She is in Alaska and I am in NC so we talk on the phone about every other day to compare notes. I am so happy she is not going to be uhappy and sickly as long as I have been. You have made this decision at a younger age as well. Congratulations. Good Luck and God Bless, Norma
   — njkbutton

March 23, 2007

   — S. Carroll

March 23, 2007
Jakesia, My name is Andrea and I applaud you for taking this step. I am 6 months post op and have absolutely no regrets, but I did have the anesthesia jitters just like you are. I have a history of problems when I am put to sleep. I was very upfront with my surgeon and the anesthesiologist prior to my surgery. They had to intubate through my nose as my jaw locks up when I am put under, so it was much more time-consuming for them, but they knew going in what could happen. I think you should relax and trust your doctors. They know what the risks are and will take good care of you! I am down 80 pounds in 6 months and have never felt better!!! Good luck and keep me posted... Andrea LeJeune [email protected] 608-385-3540
   — andrealej

March 23, 2007
Im 26 years old 5'5 and I weighed 295 before my surgery on 1-16-07. I have now lost 53lbs in 2 months. I feel so much better. I can do things now and not get out of breath. My back does not hurt as bad as it did. I will be honest, the first month is the hardiest. I was sore the first month and I was so tired of protein shakes then soup. Once that first month is over, things gets alot better. The morning I had surgery, the nurse put norvacane in my hand then put the IV in. I never felt the IV the whole time I was there. There is always a chance something going wrong during any type of surgery. Just weigh your pros and cons and what you feel is right for you. Take care and good luck!
   — barfiep01

March 23, 2007
Well before my WLS I quit breathing in recovery after minor knee surgery. Hopefully your surgeon has checked you for sleep apnea? That caused my problem but since they knew about it I had NO troubles for WLS. Studies show its more dangerous to remain MO than have WLS. Life is full of risks but having surgery was the BEST decision I ever made!
   — bob-haller

March 23, 2007
I recently had a lap band done (3/12). No problem wiht the anesthsia. The med asst out in the iv. Usually it will only poke alittle and it should stop hurting as soonas they putr th needle in place. It continued to hurt and I told the guy there was something wrong and he agreed and re did the iv. After that it was smooth sailing. I just got up after the procedure. Do not worry. I have had anesthesia 6 or 7 times (other minor procedures, appendectomy etc.) All will be well. Good luck and God bless. SR
   — vasumathi

March 23, 2007
I am going to have surgery on 4-12-07. I understand exactly how you feel. I was all excited but as the day grows closer I think to myself "what in the world are you doing". But a friend of mine put things in perspective for me. She said when you are morbidly obese you take a chance every nite when you go to sleep. The chances of not waking up due to sleep apnea, heart attack, stroke, etc. are very real possibilities even though we don't often think abut it. While surgery is serious business the long term dangers of being over weight far out weight the risk of being put to sleep for a short time. Just pray and ask God to be the "physician in charge" and you will be fine. I will try to take my own advice. I have had anethesia many times and have never had a problem. I know that we have a wonderful, healthy life ahead of us. I'll be praying for you. Let us know how everything goes.
   — VWilkin122

March 23, 2007
Jackshia, This is an answer to your vitamin question. I hope you have a Walgreens. There is a bariatric vitamin sold there that is the most inexpensive I have found and it has everything you need including your calcium and B vitamins. So you only have to take this instead of three things. It suggests 1 tab 4 times a day but you can take 2 tabs 2 times daily after you are eating good. The tabs are chewable and don't taste bad at all. The brand is Optisource-specially formulated for use after bariatric surgery. Runs about 28 dollars a month. Much cheaper than buying everything separate. I got my first months supply at this site and it cost me 56 so there is a big difference and I did not have to take as many supplements. If you do not have a Walgreens pharmacy near you this is available on line at www.resource/walgreens.com or you can call 1-800-828-9194 to order. Comes in a citrus flavor. Tastes like orange to me. A little gritty but all of them are. I wash it down with a little orange crystal lite to get the last out of my mouth. Works for me. Norma
   — njkbutton

March 24, 2007
Hi, first off, congrats on your decision, you won't regret it! Secondly, It's normal to be afraid I think. I'll tell you something; the NIGHT before my surgery my 3 -year-old little girl fell at my Mom's house and had to have 5 staples in the back of her head. It was pretty traumatic-- blood everywhere, I was really upset. The next morning as I'm lying on the cot being prepped for surgery I turned to my anestheiologist (sp?) and told her what happened the night before, "do you think it's a sign I shouldn't have this surgery?" she patted my hand and said, "honey, I warmed up on a 500 lb man this morning, you'll be a piece of cake..." and the next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. I was really scared because I wonder where your mind is while you're unconscious... it sounds weird, but it's hard to explain. Just think of it this way; are you better off having the surgery or continuing down the path that you are already on? You will be fine.... :) best wishes! open RNY 12-27-06/100 lbs gone!!!
   — airbear762000

March 25, 2007
I had only one surgery before WLS it was gallbladder,,,, Never had a childbirth and never had to be in a hospital.... I was so afraid too. But i know that i had to do this and i trusted my surgeon. held it all in but the day of surgery i was ok until i was put in the OR ..... I just started crying BIG Tears AND told the anesited that i was afraid, He talk to be and told me that it is normal to be afaid, But he said that he was going to do his best to keep me safe. I trusted him from then on out ,,before i knew it i was awake and in my room feein like i had nothig done, It is the best choice that i have ever made. YOU WILL BE OK!!!! Trust in the lord he wants you to take care of his temple as well(your body) ,,, Good luck and we will see you on the losing side,,,,,,,,
   — mich_rny1-18-2007




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