Question:
surgery coming up fast

How do I deal with the fear?    — kelly M. (posted on September 29, 2002)

September 29, 2002
Everyone is afraid going into any type of surgery. Just keep in mind your goal. That is what got me through it.
   — Darlene P.

September 29, 2002
If you werent afraid something would be wrong. Fear helps protect us but in this case its normal. Take a post op to dinner, attend a support group meeting and hang out here looking at before and after photos and such. I was scared to death pre op. The surgery and 130 pounds I lost was the BEST THING I ever did... POST OP IS THE PLACE TO BE!!!!!
   — bob-haller

September 29, 2002
Kelly...Get out a piece of paper. Write the word "WHY??" on top. Now start listing all the reasons you want to have this surgery. Think of everything you possibly can, no matter how trivial it may seem. Cover appearance, health, social, and self-worth related reasons. Carry this list w/ you and try to add at least 1 new reason each day. Read your list over and over when you are most frightened. I bet it will calm you. The list of "Why Nots" just doesn't compare (: Best wishes to you always!
   — Charree K.

September 29, 2002
It is completely normal to be scared. I felt like a walking zombie for about 3 days prior to surgery, because that's when it really hit me that I was having this done. But trust me, very soon after your surgery you'll be glad you did it. LAP RNY 5/20/02 -60lbs and feeling GREAT! Hang in there - the best part of your life is on the way ! Good luck and God bless !
   — April B.

September 29, 2002
I was really nervous before surgery. What helped me were 2 lists I made for myself - 1 was a list of all of the horrible things about being overwieght that I would never have to deal with again. The second was a list of all the things I would look forward to after a successful surgery. Good luck!
   — Shannon H.

September 29, 2002
I was very nervous leading up to and especially the day of my surgery. I cried like crazy when I dropped my 3 year old daughter off at preschool that morning. I made sure she new mommy loves her very much and I let my parents and siblings know I love them. I was very nervous. I spoke with the anesthesialogist(sp?) for a good 15 minutes in the Day Surgery room. He looked me over and told me, even with my weight (then 404, now 336)and my health problems (smoking and asthma -I since quit smoking) that he could almost guarentee me I would be fine. I told him he's the man in charge of me seeing my baby girl again. He was the best! He even checked in on me everyday during my hospital stay.
   — Courtney S.

September 29, 2002
I just had surgery on 9/20 and the fear is still realy fresh in my mind. In fact I lost 10lbs the week before surgery. Just keep thinking about when you started this journey and how scared you were that you were MO and what it was doing to every aspect of your life. Keep that in mind honey this is GOING to change your life. The mental aspect of it all will probably not totally hit you until you leave the hospital and you drive down "eat street" and see all your old favorites. again remember why you did this. You will be fine but think of this as a goal that you are achieving. Good luck to you.
   — Peggy A.

September 30, 2002
Gosh, do I remember the fear! I had an open RNY on July 15 and the weeks and days getting up to it were scary. I started to cry as they wheeled me down to the OR. The only thing I can say is if you feel confident in the Dr. you have you will be fine! I admit that it is painful, but if you can make it through the first 2 weeks, you can make it through anything! I had never had surgery before so I had no idea what to expect! The closest thing I got to that was giving birth. Focus on all of the good things that will come, weightloss, being healthier, smaller clothes...you can do this! The surgery and the first couple of weeks are the hardest, but you have the rest of your life to enjoy the rewards of the pain and all of the hard work! You will do this and be better for it!!!! You aren't alone! I am down 60lbs in 10 weeks!!!
   — Trish R.