Question:
4 Days Pre-op with horrible nightmares about the surgery. Is this normal?

   — Amy S. (posted on March 8, 2003)

March 8, 2003
Your fears are just manifesting themselves in your dreams. It is a way of you mind dealing with your stress. You will do great. Try instead focusing on all the positive things that are about to happen. Everyone worries some about going into any kind of surery. I went in with the idea that it was no different than any other surgery, and that is exactly how it turned out. If you haven't had surgery before, guess what?--You won't remember or feel a thing during surgery and you'll wake up with a present: A new You.
   — Darlene P.

March 8, 2003
I have a month until my WLS. The other night I dreamed that I went to the local hospital because I was sick, I passed out and when I woke up they had done a lap RNY on me and I'm suppose to have an open. I started freaking out because my surgeon (at a hospital out of town) hadn't done it and I was screaming that they OPEN ME UP and make sure everything was done right!
   — Sarahlicious

March 8, 2003
You are experiencing a completely normal response to something not only scary, but so life altering! I was very scared prior to surgery, but after attending a support group meeting, felt much much better. You'll do fine. If you weren't afraid I'd think something was wrong. Good luck!!
   — [Deactivated Member]

March 8, 2003
I KNOW HOW YOU FEEL MY SURGERY IS IN 3 WEEKS!! I HAVE AN ARRAY OF EMOTIONS, LOTS OF ANXIETY AND I WANT TO CRY! BUT BE POSITIVE! THINK HAPPINESS AND PEACEFULL THOUGHTS AND GET ENVOLLED WITH YOUR SUPPORT GROUP, IF YOU HAVE ONE......LOVE AND PRAYERS...
   — christina L.

March 8, 2003
2 days till surgery and I am with you. Last night I cried myself to sleep. I would have rather had a nightmare.(LOL)You'll be fine and it is normal-Tonya
   — Tonya M.

March 8, 2003
My surgery is on March 26th - I am not scared but I don't look forward to the first few days due to the pain. I must have some anxiety that I'm not expressing - yesterday I was weepy thinking of writing letters to my family - decided I'm not - they know I love them and besides-- I'm not going anywhere!! I do fear something will come up-- a cold or something to postpone it. God Bless ya- Sally, Harrison, MI
   — Sally P.

March 8, 2003
I had nightmares too before surgery and was very anxious about it all until the morning we had to go to the hospital. Then, I had a calmness and resolve that I was going to go through it and do well! You are normal and what's happening is normal. The nightmares come from your anxiety and worry about the surgery. There are some risks, but you have to look at the benefits and the probability that you are going to do fine and have no problems. I am so happy that I had my surgery and now have control over food for a change. Melisa RNY 08/15/02 -82lbs
   — mbradley35

March 9, 2003
YES! I, too, had horrible nightmares the week before surgery. I thought I was so prepared and calm..... but it all came out in my dreams! In one of my dreams, my surgeon stuck a big straw in me and sucked out all the fat and IT HURT!!! In another, my children were crying because I died! Needless to say, it's all very normal. My dreams are happy ones now.... 13 months, -120 pounds, at goal.
   — Kathy J.