Question:
HOW DO YOU STOP THE PRE-OP JITTERS?

Okay, my surgery is scheduled for the 5th of December and I am having major jitters. One minuter I am scared out of my mind (it doesn't help that I went on a website and read a story about a woman dying of malnutrition from this surgery) I keep thinking I am having this surgery to live, not to die, so then I start thinking maybe I should just stay the way that I am, because I really don't have any REAL problems (okay, so this is me bargaining with myself:)). But then I think what if I make it through alright and it is everything that I dreamed of. Please help me put my mind to rest. Thanks.    — Tanya F. (posted on November 14, 2003)

November 13, 2003
Try to focus on other things. I know it is hard and very normal to have these jitters. Go to the profiles and the beofre and after pictures. That always helped me. Good luck on your surgery!!!!!!
   — Delores S.

November 13, 2003
Also if you are a christian or a spiritual person, place your faith in the Lord and ask that his will be done. I find comfort in prayer and I ask for his blessings for all of us that are wanting to improve our lives and health. Hope this is helpful. Ali
   — A A.

November 13, 2003
I cannot stress enough that it is NORMAL, NORMAL, NORMAL to feel this way. I had such ego problems that I "couldn't lose it myself" and problems cutting into a perfectly healthy body. I also was really afraid I couldn't live my life without the food. I'm four months out and I CAN live without food (I have to deal with the emotions), have accepted that I never would have done it myself (since I'd not really lost a significant amount of weight myself in 10 years) and the scar is no problem. I'd do it again TOMORROW, jitters and all.
   — Margaret G.

November 14, 2003
Tanya, I'd have to say that for me, researching everything made me feel better. That way I knew that I was making an educated decision. Something else that helped was the book and tape "Prepare for Surgery, Heal Faster". I bought it from www.barnesandnoble.com Good luck!!
   — Morna B.

November 14, 2003
Put it into perspective. Yes, there are a few people that die from the surgery or its after effects, but there are even more that die every time they get behind the wheel of a car. Do you not drive because theres a chance it could be you? Do what I did. I made a list of all the things I wanted to do when I lost weight, a very lengthy list, and I took it with me to the hospital. I read that thing many times before being wheeled into surgery. It helped enormously.
   — Cindy R.

November 14, 2003
I understand how you feel, I am having surgery on Dec 4. To avod the jitters I focus on the postives, I think about all the reasons I don't want to say fat, and what I really hate about being this way. I think about the things I will be able to do and am looking forward to once I lose the weight. <br><br>Another great motivator is looking at the before and after pictures on this site. Yes, there is some risk, but riding in a car is probably more dangerous, and I do that every day. Try to focus on the results you will have and not the surgery itself.
   — Patricia T.

November 19, 2003
Hi Tanya, Yes it is very normal to have jitters. We all did. I was so scared the morning I went in to have my surgery. But I am 3 1/2 months out and have not regretted my decision to have WLS. I would do it again in a minute. Please think of the positive and how much you will feel as you lose the weight. I have lost 80 pounds and have aways to go but am feeling so much better all ready. If it was to stop tomorrow (lord I hope not) I have gained so much to this point that it was definately worth it. Again you are feeling very normal feelings. My prayers are with you as you begin your journey Dec 5th. (((hugs))) Debby/IA Open RNY 7/08/03 320/240/140
   — DebbyB