Question:
I'm very strongly considering surgery but I'm so scared...
I'm in the process of "getting the ball rolling" with wls but I'm so scared that something bad might happen during the surgery and I might die! Could someone please give me a pep talk? Thanks. — 1/2ofme (posted on April 12, 2005)
April 12, 2005
Rhonda,
As for the risk regarding surgery, they are the same no matter what type of
surgery you would have. Most of those risk are in your hands, whether or
not you do what's expected or whether you just lie there. Breathing is
important after surgery to prevent pneumonia and walking to prevent blood
clots. If this is your first surgery I can completely understand your
fears, but the best way to face them is head on. Find out the mortality
rate of your surgeon and discuss this with him. Discuss what kinds of
complications might arise. The more you know going into the decision, the
less afraid you will be. Know first hand why you would choose to have this
surgery and make sure it's the decision that you've made. The surgery is
not right for every person, it is only a tool that some are given to help
them along the way. There are also different surgeries to assist a patient
know all the risk. It's ok to be afraid of the unexpected but if you arm
yourself with information it could make your travel easier. Good luck
— dlryanoates
April 12, 2005
Baby Girl, Honestly... which is worse, living life as it is, slowly
deteriating and not being able, physically or mentally, to do the normal
day to day activities of life(one day as simple as cleaning yourself) or
taking a chance to improve your life and live it the way you always were
meant to. I was scared too, but I did a ton of research and prepared
myself for what was to come, I knew what to expect so when it got here it
all seemed like a peice of cake because I read the words of others and I
knew what to expect! But not only that, I did research on my surgeon. I
truely believe that I chose the most qualified surgeon and in turn I
received the best possible surgery. I am almost 6 months post op and have
lost 104 pounds. I have had absolutely no complications and can pretty
much tolerate anything! I am in no way bragging, I am just telling you
that it is important to choose a surgeon that you are confident in, I give
all of the credit for my success thus far to her. Do your research, you
will be fine. If you choose the right surgeon you will be in good hands,
if a complication should arise he/she is skilled and can spot it right away
and fix it. Like mine told me, if it doesn't feel right tell me
immediately... it is better to have a false alarm than to have a problem
ignored! Good luck baby!
— septembergirl73
April 12, 2005
I think your feelings are very normal. I was very scared before going into
surgery. There are several risks with any kind of surgery. My advice to you
is to find a very competent surgeon. Do your homework and choose your
surgeon wisely. Talk to the surgeon's patients by corresponding via
email---you can find them here at obesityhelp.com. A competent surgeon and
a compliant patient are a good combination for success. A competent surgeon
will order pre-op testing and decide whether or not you are a good
candidate for this type of surgery. He/She will also take every precaution
possible to prevent complications. Once you have done your part, leave it
in the hands of a higher power and just do it. Allow the real you to come
out and blossom into the beautiful butterfly you are. Good luck to you! I
wish you the best!
— csanchez1111
April 12, 2005
Hi! I'm 11 day away from my surgery and I am scared to death, however I
know that this is the right answer for me. As long as you know in your
heart that you are ready for this commitment than it is the right thing to
do. You need to do it for you and only you. Do your research, get all your
questions answered and make the best decision for YOU!
Good Luck to you. I know you'll make the right choice!
— tgostrowsky
April 13, 2005
I am also considering surgery, but I have heard and seen more good results
than bad. There are risks with any type of surgery, but the good outweighs
the bad. We take risks with our lives every time we get in our cars or walk
the street. We can't live in fear. Place all your fears in God's hands.
I've prayed about my decision for quite a long time and I know this is what
I need to do to make my life better. You CAN do it!!!!
— Virginia C.
April 13, 2005
Hello, I read your posting this morning and I want to say that I don't
think there is one person who didn't feel the anxiousness that you are
feeling. I just got all the info that I could and decided that I either do
this or stay the way I am. I decided that I would rather not be here the
way I was so I figured that God would help me out. If I did die, I looked
at it as it was just my time. He helped me through it and I am so glad I
did it. I wish you good luck and I am sure what ever decision you make will
be the right one. Sharon
— Sharon Wolf
April 13, 2005
Aah honey, congrats. You're normal. :) When I was freaking out at work
before surgery, my friend told me, "Look at it this way. If it's your
time to go, you will go, whether it is on the operating table or sitting
right there at that desk."
That was a real lightbulb moment for me. She's right. I won't say it was
the end of my fears, but whenever I would start to panic or doubt, I
remembered what she said. It really helped.
— Jeanie
April 13, 2005
Just go for it! I would do it a million times over because the feeling of
success far outweighs (no pun intended) the feeling of fear! I had surgery
4 months ago and I feel better everyday. Just be sure to get a good
competent surgeon and pray. Take the time you have now to understand
everything that goes with this surgery. It will change your life.
— jorene1675
April 13, 2005
Remember that we have all suffered from morbid obesity-- a disease which
was aptly named because the excess weight will cause premature death.
Consider the statistics: (1)People whose BMI was 40 or higher (which is
the classification for people whose body-mass-index puts them in the
"obese" range) suffered death rates from cancer that were 52
percent higher for men and 62 percent higher for women than rates for
normal-weight men and women; (2) In both men and women, higher BMI is
associated with higher death rates from cancers of the esophagus, colon and
rectum, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and kidney; (3) The same high death
rates for the obese apply to cancers of the stomach and prostate in men and
cancers of the breast, uterus, cervix, and ovaries in women; (4) Obese
individuals have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk of death from all
causes, compared with normal-weight individuals; (5) The life expectancy of
the typical morbidly obese woman is shortened by up to 8 years.
Is weight loss surgery risk-free? Absolutely not. But, by using a
qualified surgeon, maintaining follow-up after care and getting involved
with a support group you can minimize those risks. And, when you compare
the health risks from obesity with the risks associated with a small number
of bariatric procedures, you will find the weight loss surgery is simply
safer than staying obese. But, just remember, that only you can make the
decision that is best for your life. Good luck.
— SteveColarossi
April 15, 2005
Look at it this way if you do not have the surgery you will more than
likely die a premature death. I looked at this surgery as saving my life
and nothing but good could come out of it. But this is strictly a personal
decision and no one but you know what is the right thing for you. Only you
can make that decision....Make a list of all the pros and cons of being fat
and a list for having hte surgery...
— mystic0619
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