Question:
Pre op jitters I need support
I'm going to have my surgery in 3 weeks (dec 19) I am really scared and nervous. I'm having jitters. I have never posted before but I have read all of everyones emails. Any sugesstions for the "jitters" I'm just scared of the surgery itself. Thanks everyone for all of your stories and inspirations. — crisp23 (posted on November 30, 2003)
November 30, 2003
Hi I am also having surgery around the same time as you (Dec. 16). I have
gotten jitters but I remind myself why I am doing this and how much
healther I will be once I am done. As with any surgery thier are risks. I
have had 2 relatives have wls done and they have both come through this
fine. You just have to remember that you are doing this for yourself to
feel better.
— Tabitha D.
November 30, 2003
Hi Chistina :-)
If possible, surround yourself with positive, supportive people. This
helped me not only throught the surgery, but also during the weeks that
followed. I got the jitters once and immediately thought "OMG, what
am I getting ready to do to my body? Major surgery? Yikes!" But the
thought only lasted a few seconds because I quickly reminded myself of WHY
I was having the surgery which was medically necessary. My sister was a
big help when I was getting tired of being positive in the hospital. She
wouldn't let me get negative, and this is why I say positive people are so
important. Only two months after WLS I no longer had diabetes, edima, high
blood pressuree, acid reflux, or sleep apnea. WLS has been life altering
for me and in many more positive than negative ways. I'm now four months
out, I walk 1-2 miles a day (which I thought I would never enjoy so much as
I do), and I am down from a tight W26 to a sometimes loose 18-20. Even my
stretchy swim suits hang off of me. Try to keep focused on WHY you are
having WLS and this may help. I hope I've not been too preachy, but
positive thoughts and positive people are very important. Email me if you
need to chat ([email protected]). Best wishes to you, my new
friend.
— Beth B.
November 30, 2003
I did a surgery relaxation tape before, during and after my WLS on 10/8/03
and was very calm going into surgery.
— cat5dog1
November 30, 2003
Hi Christina,
I sat and meditated on the wonderful things that I would be able to do
once I lost the weight. It helped me to relax quite a bit. Just sit in a
comfortable place and think of the things that you want to do and how you
think you will look once you loose the weight, take deep breaths while
doing this. You will be fine. I will keep you in my prayer. LapRNY
11-26-03 230/226/130
— Cindy P.
November 30, 2003
Hi, Christina,
what your feeling is normal, I had my rny on 11/13/03, I was so worked up
to when they took me back to prep me I had a thought of running...lol, but
you have to think it is something that will help you achieve a healthier
you, not to mention your having it on a great day my birthday....lol
I printed all the post left to me by other members and read them as I
waited for my surgery, which helped and that I had total confidence in my
surgeon. You will find your own particular thing that works for you,
something positive to focus on, and keep your mind there, cause when it's
done a new you will be waiting... Good Luck
Darla
— STHNDARLIN
November 30, 2003
Hi Christina, just a word or two of advice from a post-op that is 16 months
out. I would repeat the surgery tomorrow if I had too. It has given me back
my life. I am down 125+lbs and at goal. I can do things now that I could
never have done before surgery. We ate at a restuarant over the weekend
that had the chairs with the arms on the side, you know the ones. The last
time we were there I had to quietly switch chairs to one that didn't have
the arms. Of course everyone knew why. How embarrassing. This weekend, I
sat in those chairs with room to spare. I know that isn't major all by
itself but everything together is wonderful. My gyn(yearly checkup last
week) says I have added years and years to my life span. He hadn't seen me
in over a year and even before he had seen my chart he was'oh my God, you
look great'!! I get compliments every day of my life. You don't realize how
much you missed this until it starts happening again. Now I almost expect
it!! haha..Anyway, Best of luck to you and just remember, we all started
where you are at right now. You are human you have to be nervous.. I had
them give me something for nerves as soon as I went into the hospital the
day of my surgery..They called it the I don't give a damn cocktail..I
thought it was wonderful..If you want to email me I would love to hear from
you. I will be more than happy to try and help you any way I can..
— Sharon1964
December 1, 2003
It is perfectly normal to have the jitters prior to surgery. I am having
mine next Monday, the 8th. What I am doing is concentrating on next
Thursday because that is the day I come home and the surgery will be
history.
Sandra
— Arizona_Sun
December 1, 2003
Make a list of why you are having this surgery and of all the things you
want to do when you lose your weight. Carry that with you to the hospital
and look it over and over. That helped enormously to reinforce why I was
doing it. When you get to the hospital and are in pre-op, ask for a drug
to relax you. A little valium helps alot to tone down the jitters.
— Cindy R.
December 1, 2003
Hi I am where you are now. My surgery is friday and I just asking myself
am I nuts???????? I guess for those us getting close we can only take it
one day at a time. Good luck to you.
— victoria W.
December 1, 2003
Hi,
We all had those same jitters, just think positive and u will get through
it. Had my procedure on 15 July and am down at least 115 lbs. Just follow
your doctors instructions and u will be fine. Please make sure u do drink
all your liquids after, dont do like me and end up in the hospital for 3
days because I didnt drink my liquids. Best of luck
Dan
— DANNY C.
December 1, 2003
Hi! We share a date!! I don't have a problem with nerves, yet. I am just
trying to remain positive and concentrate on all of the health improvements
that I expect to happen. MY pre-op tests are Wednesday, and I am ready to
get the surgery over with so I can get on with my losing!! Also, I am a
teacher, and that is the last day before Christmas break, so I am sure to
be on edge just from being ready for a break.
— anapple4theteacher
December 1, 2003
I remember before my surgery I was a nervous wreck.....lol
It is normal to be scared, but just keep in mind why you are doing this and
when you keep positive thoughts in your head it helps your healing process!
— Saxbyd
December 1, 2003
WOW!! I am having my lap rny on 12/16... and tonight as a friend and I were
talking about it, I got a few butterflies in my stomach. Everyone I have
told about the surgery has asked me thus far if I am nervous... and my
answer has been "No, I am just ready!" Well tonight I got a bit
nervous, I guess it is common, especially for such a major transformation
we are about to begin. I just wanted to say good luck and God Bless... to
you and all those pre-ops about to have surgery!
— Houman F.
December 3, 2003
Hi, I found one thing, or should I say over 100 things, that helped me
daily. I sit down here at my computer, (now it took a few days) and made up
a list of reasons why I needed to have WLS. Boy what a difference that
made, I printed it out and wound up being three pages long. My hubby and
kids helped with their own ideas and reasons too. Every time I would get
the jitters or unsure I would read this over and over, sometimes it only
took the first 15 reasons, I revised it and put the most important at the
top. I even took it to the hosp. to read and remember just incase for after
WLs, of course I didn't. Now after 2 months out, I check off the items I
can now do. Best of luck too you, this is a mind, docy and soul thing, so
just be prepared. You already know all the right reasons, it helps to see
it in writing. Patricia 9-30-03 RNY 314/257/?
— pateblkbrn
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