Question:
How do you keep your anxiety level down with surgery 13 days away?

   — Pam F. (posted on October 6, 2003)

October 6, 2003
I cleaned my house, shopped and did things so I wouldn't have anything to do when I got home. It isn't going to take all the anxiety away, but you will be fine. Telling people how I felt helped ALOT! Take Care!
   — Saxbyd

October 6, 2003
I don't have any tricks to keep your anxiety level down. When I told my doctor and the nurses that I was "way stressed out" about the surgery, I got the same reply from all of them. They all told me that stress was good and would help me in the healing process after surgery. I don't know if its true or not, but I wanted to believe it.
   — barbara A.

October 6, 2003
PRAY! PRAY! PRAY! I thought I would go nuts but I was on this web site night and day. Look at all the wonderful before and after pics. It will help pass the time. Read about everything about WLS. You will be fine! God Bless You!
   — Tammy E.

October 7, 2003
In addition to praying, which is the most important I think, my pysch gave me a great tip. Starting at zero, start counting by 13's and when that gets too easy start at 1000 and subtract by 13's. It may seem silly, but it keeps your mind busy and calms you down.
   — Jami B.

October 11, 2003
PRAYER IS A GOOD BEGINNING,, WHAT I DID IS I TOOK A TABLET,, DREW A LINE DOWN IT,, WROTE DOWN WHAT MY LIFE WAS THEN,, IN OBESITY.. SHORT OF BREATH, COULDN'T KEEP UP WITH ANYONE,, SAT IN THE CAR WHILE MY FAMILY DID THINGS,, STRUGGLED TO BEATHE AT NIGHT.. AND MANY MANY MORE,, THEN I WROTE ALL THE THINGS I WANTED TO DO,, AND WOULD BE ABLE TO DO SOON.. THE BIGGEST IS NOT TO EAT MYSELF INTO AN EARLY GRAVE,, TO LIVE!! TO BE HERE FOR GRAND KIDS,, MAYBE GREAT GRAND KIDS, TAKE VACATIONS AND ENJOY MYSELF.. NOT HAVE EVERYONE STARING AT ME WHEN I WALKED IN A PLACE TO EAT.. AND TO SEE THE RELIEF ON MY LOVING WIFE'S FACE,, THAT SHE DIDN'T FIND ME DEAD SOME MORNING.. HANG IN THERE IS WONDERFUL, LIFE CHANGING,, YOU HAVE A GREAT FUTURE AHEAD,, AND IT'S WORTH EVERY MINUTE AND 240 POUNDS LESS I SPEAK FROM EXPIERENCE.. GOOD LUCK..
   — bruce M.