Question:
I'm having surgery this week and i am so scared...

I was so excited until tonight. i started to cry and writing good-bye letters to my babies. Is this a sign i shouldn't go thru with this? Thanks!    — Maria G. (posted on October 5, 2003)

October 5, 2003
I have not gone thru surgery yet,my time is in December, but I can tell you that the fear of not knowing is the worse fear of all. I would say you will be fine as I will be. To say you should or should not do this is your choice,,,,,,,,,,I will do it though. I have to. For my self and family. Good luck! Dave
   — Dave H.

October 5, 2003
Hi, Maria: Let me say that pretty much all of us post-ops have gone through exactly the same thing that you are, the fear, the nervousness, the "what-if" syndrome, and it's completely normal. This is a serious surgery, and you would not be normal if you DIDN'T think about these things. I can't tell you whether or not to go through with it; but at almost 7 weeks post op, and with a loss of 35 pounds already, I am so glad that I didn't let my fear get in the way of surgery. My daughter is 15, and she is constantly telling me how proud of me she is. On Friday, I was able to walk around our local mall TWICE! And I wasn't in complete agony and in tears when I was done. I've still got a long way to go; I still want to lose 100 more pounds, but already I can tell you that I'm so glad that I took this chance for myself! Good luck, whatever your decision! By the way, I too wrote letters for my family, "just in case". Lots of us do. I didn't make them necessarily good-bye letters, but thanking them for their support in my decision and telling them how much I love them. When I woke up from surgery, I told them where to find the letters and let them read them.
   — Moysa B.

October 5, 2003
Hi Maria, As someone said before, this is certainly normal to have these feelings. The week-end before my surgery I was overcome by the "what if" scenario. As I reflected back on the days where I had done much prayer and research, I could see where everything had come into place to get this surgery done. I then began to think of how life would be after this surgery, and the wt. gone. Wow...that's a lot of positive thoughts there. God's Blessings on your journey Maria.
   — Myrna E.

October 5, 2003
Hi there. First, know that you are in my prayers. I completely understand your feelings and please know this is normal. I think it's very healthy to talk about your feelings. To be honest because I had talked about the surgery and my fears of what may happen during and afterwards I thought I was past those feelings. As luck would have it the morning of surgery I was still fine until they told me that my husband could not come back to the prep area. I was like OK at first I understand. Then the 2 nurses that would assist getting me ready came to talk with me and I then FREAKED out! I said a prayer and thanked the Lord for this opportunity and asked him to guide me through. He did. I was 8 months post-op on Sept. 29th and have lost an amazing (to me anyway) 134 pounds. I am weighing 173! Trust in the Lord and the love and support of our fellow members here at obesityhelp, family, and friends and you WILL be fine.
   — Kitty Kat

October 5, 2003
Maria... yes, surgery is very scary. But think of it as saving your life rather than ending it. My husband and I both had the surgery, and he also had a tummy tuck 2 weeks ago. So he's been under twice and came out OK! He was more scared that I was, he was a complete mess the morning of both surgeries. Just leave it in God's hands... I am not a religious person, but this was something we both had to do for ourselves and our children. Hubby was 480 and 18 months after surgery is now 280, I was 259 and 3 months after surgery I am 216. Please write to us post-ops if you need more encouragement... there are lots of us here to help. Know that you are not alone. Good luck & God bless.
   — ttilles

October 6, 2003
It's Ok to be scared. Having WLS is a huge decision and not one we come to easily. I wrote letters to my loved ones - just in case. As with any surgery there are risks. One just has to weigh them against the benefits. This surgery has given me a new life and with that a new attitude and appreciation for the little things. Keep your mind clear of the negative, focus on the positive. Tell yourself positive thoughts. It's best to be on the positive side even when fear is in your way. Remember all your reasons for having this surgery. Imagine your new life that is ahead of you. This path is not easy but it can lead to wonderful new things. You are not alone. I and others too, will be praying for you. Best of luck!
   — adeas

October 6, 2003
I used to work with open-heart surgery patients, back in the days when they came into the hospital the day before surgery. I had people tell me they were not scared to have surgery. I thought they were lying or nuts. It is perfectly normal to be scared before surgery! You are voluntarily putting your life in someone else's hands. The fact that you are scared says that you understand the seriousness of this surgery - you will be fine!
   — koogy