Question:
ANYONE ELSE GET SERIOUSLY TERRIFIED PRE-OP?
GOT MY DATE TODAY..OCT 15 AND AM SCARED AND PANICKING. Seriously... I am so scared of dying and so scared that if I live I will have complications, or just be nauseated and sick forever. Not really sure what my question is, but wondering if anyone can offer me any advice on how to calm myself down. I am trying to pray about it but feel like I am too freaked to leave it with God. Also, my emotions are always evident in my gut on a daily basis and I am wondering if that will have a negative effect on my recovery, will it make me more prone to feel sick. Anyone else out there with an emotional stomach? How did the surgery effect this? Sorry this is so long... Pam in GA — Pam B. (posted on October 3, 2003)
October 2, 2003
Hi Pam!
I understand where you are coming from. I think it is perfectly normal to
be nervous and freaked out. Just go to God and he will be there for you. I
am looking at surgery on the 20th and I am praying 10 or 15 times a day.
When I start getting that funny feeling in the pit of my stomach i stop for
a moment and say a little prayer. And just remember that the odds are in
your favor, the majority of the people who have this procedure do just
fine. My friend had it done on a Monday and was shopping on Friday! I will
add you to my prayer list and God Bless!
— Judith D.
October 2, 2003
Oh, Pam.. I totally relate. I'm up at bat on 10/13, and I feel the same
thing! Everyone is kinda laughing at me, because I'm literally making up
things to be worried about! I finally get over one thing, and something
else pops in my head and sends me into worry! And speaking of emotions,
hubby hasn't really spoken to me in a few days, because every darn thing he
says ticks me off! haha! But Pam.. it's going to be ok! I just keep
saying to myself I'm so nervous now, but when all is said and done it will
be something that I can laugh about later, because I'm going to be just
fine!
— Michelle J.
October 2, 2003
Boy that was me a month ago now 3 days away from my surgery and I am
Calm!!! I am not an overly religous person but I do beleive and have
decided that we are all here for a reason and if I was not meant to have
this surgery he wouldn't have led me to this decision. My biggest fear was
leaving my 3 kids. I have always felt that I was brought to this earth to
be there mother. I live for my children. I know that he will not let
anything happen to me because GOD knows my husband certainly couldn't take
care of those kids!!! I haven't told anyone but my husband about this WLS.
evryone thinks I am having my gallbladder out.So I don't have alot of
support but I know this is what I want. I will let you know how I do after
surgery.Eileen
— Beth B.
October 2, 2003
I also can relate to the fears. My surgery is scheduled for Oct. 24th and
the past few nights have been pretty restless...I should be in great shape
by the 24th...LOL I did talk with a friend last night who had her surgery
this past Monday, was home on Wed. and out shopping on Thurs. She said the
shopping was pushing it a bit but, she said she feels great, had little
pain afterwards ( she had an open) and is looking forward to a healthy,
meaningful new life. I know her reassurance helped me alot; we even have
the same surgeon!
— Deb S.
October 2, 2003
This is a normal reaction. After all this is a major decision. Calm down
and think hard about it. There is a lifestyle change involved and on the
surface people seem to push that back. I would get out and walk, take a
trip help other people by posting about your experiences. Talk about it
with friends and learn all you can. Make yourself informed. Come and ask
questions at www.wlsbutterflynetwork.org. We have lots of people whoi have
been through this and they can help.
— snicklefritz
October 2, 2003
I sure did. But that terrifying time was over 2 years and over 100 pounds
ago. Read my profile I felt like the prisoner going to the electric
chair.<P> BEST DECISION I EVER MADE!
— bob-haller
October 2, 2003
Hi. I was nervous to have my surgery however I was much more nervous about
not having it! Remember the song...Don't Worry, Be Happy....Everything will
be alright. Well... go in thinking this and come out thinking this too. It
will be the greatest decision you'll ever make. Mary Elgin
— Mary E.
October 2, 2003
Hey Pam - I was incredibly nervous right before I had it done. I went and
updated my will and made last instructions for my funeral, etc and there's
probably nothing you can do to make yourself feel totally at ease but I
would do what I did which was to look at the numbers of people who've had
it done versus the number who pass away and I liked my chances. Also, I
had complete faith in my surgeon, who was very reassuring to me. I would
suggest that you ask for something to relax you when you get into the
hospital. As far as recovery, you'll feel so much better when you come
through the surgery and your surgeon comes to see you and tells you that
you're fine. Bedside manner goes a long way when you're in recovery. Good
luck to you and have faith not just in God but in your surgeon and the team
he or she has assembled. While you're at it, have a little faith in
yourself as well! - Mike
— Michael N.
October 2, 2003
Pam, congratulations on your upcoming surgery date. It is perferctly
normal feeling the emotions and fears that you are. We can't ignore the
risks and potentional complications that can occur afterwards and
definitely need to be aware of them. We can prevent or eliminate these by
making sure that we get a good pre-op exam, have a good follow-up care
program and by becoming very educated on all aspects (vitamins, do's and
don'ts, etc) of being a post-op. I feel that my risks were greater if I
didn't have the surgery and knowing this helped me become more at ease with
the process. I think that it is also common that immediately after surgery
you might regret your decision. Remember though the first couple of days
you will not be feeling your best and it is easier for those thoughts to
enter into your mind when you don't feel top of the world. By day 3, I was
feeling much better and haven't had any regrets since - only that I hadn't
had the surgery mucy sooner. Good luck!
— Judy R.
October 2, 2003
yEAH, ME TOO. I FEEL THE EXACT SAME WAY. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT
THOUGH EITHER. MINE IS ON OCTOBER 14TH. I AM GLAD AND ALSO SCARED. REAL
SCARED GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE OF YOU BEFORE, DURING AND
AFTER THE BIG DAY
— M C.
October 3, 2003
Personally I did not freak out until the day of surgery. I just cried and
cried and I have no idea why. I wasn't scared of dying and I had had such
a long time to prepare myself mentally for it all, but when it comes to the
day or even close to the day, you start to realize that life is going to
change forever. Even though I knew it was for the better, I was still
petrified of the change. Anything you may feel is normal is basically what
I have learned. We all react in a different way and after it is done you
will have a new feeling of shock that its over. Good luck, it will be a
long couple of weeks, but you will get through it.
— Ellen K.
October 3, 2003
Funny thing is I wasn't at all worried/scared/concerned about my RNY
surgery 2 years ago. However, I was petrified and scared to death of my
plastic surgery 6 weeks ago. Obviously I came out of both experiences just
fine, but everybody handles different circumstances differently, and I
would say you are normal and have every right to feel the way you are
feeling. But, please know that hundreds of people have this procedure
everyday and are fine.
Just surround yourslef with people who love and care about you, talk a lot
oabout what you are feeling, and just have confidence that you are doing
what is right for you.
— Danielle M.
October 3, 2003
Pam,
I felt extremely scared as well, I just kept re-assuring myself that
everything would be ok. Just lean on a friend or loved one for some support
and let them know how you feel, that definatly helped me! Just to let you
know I am only 1 week & 1 day post op and I feel TERRIFIC!!!!
Good Luck To You!
— Saxbyd
October 3, 2003
I had several moments of doubt. I didn't actually panic until the day of
the surgery. I just bawled my eyes out in the pre-op room. I was so
scared. Yes, complications could happen to anyone, and there's no way to
tell who. I just had to keep asking myself: What are my alternatives? Live
with diabetes? Heart problems? Constant pain? (the list could go on and
on) When I weighed it like that, it made things clearer to me and I felt
better about the surgery. I'm three months out and SO glad I went through
with it. Good luck!
— Jennifer H.
October 3, 2003
I was so scared! All those "what ifs"!!!!!! It has worked and I
came through it all very well. Best of luck to you!
— debmi
October 3, 2003
LOL! We were all terrified! You are quite normal. :)
Funny I was more scared at night (while waking up) than during the day
time. Weird.
— Danmark
October 3, 2003
Daniel,
I was the same way, I think during the day it is easier to keep your mind
from wandering, there were a few times I cried at night laying in bed
before surgery, so I don't think it is odd at all....lol
— Saxbyd
October 4, 2003
Pam - it's normal to experience some fear when you finally get the date for
surgery. I found, for me, that accepting the fact that I was afraid was a
big help. This is a life changing event you are entering into. My surgery
was September 23rd, and for about 48 hours before I was a mess. Maybe
that's why typically we don't get surgery dates "way out there" -
I don't know. But it is normal. If you let it grow, there is no doubt it
could make things more difficult for you - but I believe that if you accept
your fear and allow yourself to feel it, it will have much less power over
you and you will find yourself feeling better and better. And just before
surgery, if you get the jitters again, it's okay. Just remember you're
doing this for you and there are many of us out here who will be praying
for you - and then you'll join us on the losing side. Take care! Diana :)
— Diana D.
October 4, 2003
Pam, I am right there with you. My open RNY is on 10.20. When I get scared,
I just think about how much better I will be feeling a month later, 2
months later. Just think, by Christmas time, we will be feeling light and
have a lot more energy! I am scared of the pain too, but there's morphine
for that! God Bless! Maria
— Maria M.
October 4, 2003
My surgery was Sept.25th & I feel terrific! ALOT OF ENERGY ALREADY! I
will be wishing all of you the best!
— Saxbyd
October 4, 2003
I had a stomach before surgery that the minute I would get seriously upset
or nervous, you never knew what end I would expell from... And I was
terrified... The morning of the surgery I woke up sobbing and didn't stop
till they put me to sleep... lots of emotions and fear, but when I woke up
oddly enough no gaging, no nasuea.. and I still dont have issue a month
out... granted I am being good for fear. Pam I have to tell you... It is
normal to be scared... Change is scary and change like this is even more
scary... but the good news is the waiting is the worse part... once it is
done you have an average of 2 weeks of the yucks, and it all gets better
every day. GOOD LUCK... and ya know God is listening...
— colette73
October 4, 2003
I HAVE POSTED THIS ANSWER 3 TIMES TODAY ON THIS SITE(JUST WORDED
DIFFERENTLY)...I WAS SCARED OUT OF MY WITS BEFORE SURGERY...SCARED TO LIVE
A LIFE IN THE BODY I HAD CREATED FOR MYSELF...I'M A 55 YR OLD WOMAN WHO
WEIGHED 445 LBS & CAME OUT OF SURGERY WITHOUT A HITCH...I FEEL
FANTASTIC & HAVE SO MUCH ENERGY I HARDLY KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH IT...I
JUST PSYCHED MYSELF OUT TO NOT BE FRIGHTENED & THAT IS THE WAY IT
WAS!..I HAVE LOST 102 LBS SINCE 03/26/03...*GOOD LUCK TO YOU*...
— BLSLIM77
October 4, 2003
Pam,
Its perfectly normal to feel nervous about such a big event! I've been
preparing for whatever might happen in advance because I too need that
settled feeling. I've written notes to loved ones that will comfort them
if needed. Not like I'm counting on a bad outcome or anything, just doing
it as something to calm down the jitters. I don't want to leave things
undone. I've been praying and reading Scripture which has been like
nutritious food for me. Perhaps you could possibly change your date a bit
to give you more time for preparedness. Why is everyone in such a hurry?
Surely a calm, healthy tummy would be preferable to a "ball of
turmoil" going into this surgery.
— Soosan
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