Question:
Is it normal to get more nervous the closer you get to your surgery date?
I am finding the closer I get to my surgery date that I am getting more nervous. I am thrilled and excited one moment and terrified the next. Is this normal??? — Lynn D. (posted on May 17, 1999)
May 16, 1999
Yes, absolutely. It's normal. I don't know a pre-op who didn't get
nervous, myself included. That's exactly how I felt, so excited one minute
and the next minute asking myself "What the heck am I doing? Am I
crazy?" Major surgery is nothing to sneeze out, and, of course it is
a bit scary. Best wishes to you for a safe surgery and a speedy recovery.
— Jennifer L.
May 17, 1999
It is absolutely normal!!! I was really confident and then a
week or so before the surgery or even 2 I began to think the
worst. It is our minds way of preparing. Kind of like if we
think the worst no matter what happens we will be ready.
Hang in there, it may increase. Just know you will be fine.
Allison
— Allison Mupas
May 17, 1999
Hmm. Let's see. You're giong to be in the hosptial for several days away
from everything you love. They're going to put you to sleep. You're
having a hole put into your tender skin. Your inetstines and everything
that is familiar (but not working) is being rearranged and rerouted. You
will be tender for a few weeks. You will look and feel differntly than you
do now about food, friends, family, self. I don't know. I certainly was
scared senselss!!! Our doctor says if you're NOT scared, you're nuts! I
don't know if it makes any difference, but if I was in a car accident or
something and had to be repaired? I'd do it again tomorrow. This afternoon!
Again and again and again. Life IS different. For the better.
— vitalady
May 17, 1999
I had wls 4/23 and I can tell you that the fears and
nervousness really build up the closer you get to surgery.
On the actual day of surgery I was surprisingly calm.
I knew deep inside that I was doing the right thing
for my future for health and joy in living. Best of luck,
I'll keep you in my prayers.
— Lisa B.
May 17, 1999
Yes normal,normal, normal.I got to the point I just wanted it over, I
did'nt even care if it worked.......
— JAN C.
May 17, 1999
Yes it is very normal to be nervous and excited at the same time. I was
excited the last few days, but guess what? They could not intubate me
(could not get the tube down my throat) and they cut the back of my throat
and had to cancel the surgery til Monday. (the original day was Friday)
Talk about a downer.
Enjoy, close you eyes and go for it. I had mine on April 26, th and 3
weeks later I am 30 lbs thinner!
Proasto
4/26 288
RNY
5/17 258
— Veronica M. B.
May 17, 1999
Very normal. I was the same way. My daughter, who also had the
surgery was terrified but got through it very well. Neither
of us regrets our decision. Best of luck to you.
— Peggy W.
May 17, 1999
YES!!!! I got very nervous the week before and my disapproving husband
didn't help. The usual thoughts invaded my head...will I be the one with
the complications or will I be the one that dies? I finally decided that I
was slowly dying anyway so I'd better go for it. Best single decision of
my entire life!
Good Luck!
Diane
Lap RNY 4-9-99
Dr. Champion
Pre-op 263
5 weeks later 239 and falling!
— Diane N.
May 17, 1999
Nervousness is very common. This is major surgery and it's serious but it's
also one of the most positive actions you can take to recover your life. My
feelings were that the results of the operation could be no worse than the
miserable life I was living.. cut off, removed from so much of living.. it
was uncomfortable but frankly, I've had dental surgery that was worse.
Courage... it's so great on this side. I hope you have an angel and some
family support. You certainly have all us online folks rooting for you.
Holler if we can help
Susan
[email protected]
— Susan C.
May 17, 1999
ABsolutely! At least in my opinion! From my experience,
in the coming days, weeks, months you'll go thru the full
range of emotions. Especially AFTERWARD when, if you're
like me, and you used to use food to squelch your
feelings and emotions, you no longer have that capability.
You'll have feelings and emotions sprout at the most inopportune
times and you'll have to find a different method in dealing
with them. That's where the support of group and/or individual
counselling is VERY valuable, and hopefully your surgeon offers
that. Coming from South FL myself, and dealing with the Dr. in
Orlando that my surgeon referred me to, I know that the one
Dr. that I was aware of in Orlando, did offer a wonderful
follow-up program.
Good Luck and ... speaking only for myself, drop me a line if
you need to talk!
Sherrie
— Sherrie G.
May 17, 1999
Yes,I think it is totally normal to experience feelings of
excitement and nerves all at the same time. I am sched. for
surgery on July 20th and I have been so emotional lately.
I am eager, but scared. I am happy, but worried. You name
it and I am feeling it. I know it must be normal.
GOOD LUCK. By the way, this support group really helps.
— Annette G.
May 17, 1999
I went through times where I was terrified, then times where
I was very excited. But I really got scared when they took
me away to prep me for surgery. Lieing there thinking "oh
my God, what if this is the biggest mistake ever". Of course
I know now it was the best decision I ever made.
— dboat
May 17, 1999
As far as I'm concerned it's normal. I was fine until about
two days before surgery (three weeks ago). By the time I was
getting prepped for surgery the only thing going through my
mind was "Just get off the table, say 'I"M SORRY' and
leave".
It was like a mantra. Fortunately, I didn't do it. I feel almost
like my old self now, only 23 lbs lighter. I have to admit, it
is taking a lot of getting used to, though. Good luck, chin up
and don't worry.
— patti S.
May 18, 1999
I would say anyone would get nervous before any surgery, but if you have a
good staff like I did behind you, it will make it so much easier. I
myself was not nervous because of the support of the doctors office and my
family and friends. Just think about how good you will feel in a few
months after the surgery. I cannot believe how much better I feel about
myself. Good luck and keep a postive attitude!!!!
— Rhonda B.
May 18, 1999
I think it's totally normal to be nervous before this surgery. After all,
this is a big decision. When I was nervous before surgery, I tried to fill
my mind with all the wonderful things that would happen to me after surgery
and that really seemed to help me.
— Debbie D.
May 21, 1999
Yes!!! I had surgery in February, and was quite nervous beforehand. I am
from Virginia, but had the surgery in California. The only family memeber
who could be with me was my Dad. I love him, but he does not deal well
with emotion, so I had to hide my nervousness. Have people around you that
can comfort you, understand you. Don't think about it, just think of the
results (and they are so worth it!). If you would like to contact me
directly to work through anything, please feel free. Good luck!
— Elizabeth W.
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