Question:
did anyone else get real scared right before the surgery?
I have less than 2 weeks and I'm starting to lose sleep and wondering if I'm doing the right thing, even though in my heart I know I am. Did anyone else have second and third thoughts. Any suggestions would be appreciated. — Mary R. (posted on November 11, 2003)
November 11, 2003
Ofcourse I did, what you are feeling is perfectly normal. I also had second
thoughts and regrets about 4-5 weeks as well. This is natural and you
should not be worried--it will all work out!
— who A.
November 11, 2003
Of course its scarey, I was so scared and nervous. All my family and
friends treated me like I was going to die and they were sure I would. You
will do fine, dont give up, it is all so very worth it. It's like a
special gift, and you will be so pleased, feel so healthy and in control
within no time. Best wishes to you!
— debmi
November 11, 2003
I just had WLS on 11/4, and understand completely how you're feeling. I
was scheduled first for 10/28, but had to postpone due to some additional
testing that needed to be done. I've had other surgeries, but for some
reason this one really bothered me ahead of time. I was practically in
tears when they took me down to the operating room, but it was over before
I knew it, and I've been doing pretty well so far. I've never had elective
surgery before, so I think that was part of it...should I really be doing
this? But I came through great, and am so glad I did it.
— Shelly M.
November 11, 2003
mary,
I had a major panic attack and made myself sick the night before surgery. I
ended up having to reschedule. im currently scheduled for nov 25th now and
have been to my internist for xanax to help me with my nerves.
— JennA
November 11, 2003
I was a nervous wreck! This was my first surgery EVER, and as I was
getting ready to be rolled in for surgery, he said he was surprised I
didn't back out!! Well ... there are a few things I can suggest ... my
psychologist suggested "Guided Imagry" audio tapes by Bellaruth
Naparstek (http://www.healthwellnessandyou.com/TransformationTools.html, in
particular the one on "Successful Surgery" ... I think that had a
calming effect on me ... and if that's not an option ... get a Bob Marley
cd and play "Every Little Thing ... gonna be all right" ... THAT
kept playing over and over in my mind, and surprisingly, the day before
surgery I was very calm ... the week before, however, was another story!
Good luck ... and as Nike says: "Just do it." LAP RNY 06/18/03
-71
— Karyn B
November 11, 2003
Mary,
I never had second thoughts. I thought I was prety optimistic and excited,
but on my way home from work the night before surgery, I threw up! My body
was more nervous that I thought I really was.
The morning of was okay, right until I saw the surgeon and the anesth.
They kept talking and all of a sudden I had extreme anxiety. I told them
and got happy juice right away. All was heaven after that. Know that you
will be nervous on some level, it's to be expected. That is what drugs are
for, so enjoy.
— Michele B.
November 11, 2003
Everyone has. If they say they have'nt I think they are ether lying or
there is something wrong with them. :)
— Danmark
November 11, 2003
HELL YES!!! I had panic attacks and almost backed out. So glad I didn't!
Don't worry your completely normal.
— Kris T.
November 11, 2003
I was ok until the day of surgery when I was getting prepped. I was being
walked to the OR and started thinking to myself "Dead man
walking." I am so glad I went through with it though. The best
thing I ever ddid for myself and my family. Good luck!!!
— Fixnmyself
November 11, 2003
Hi Mary. Yes, absolutely. In fact, I was so not at peace about it, I
started a whole new round of investigation - to see if I'd chosen the best
possible form of WLS for me - just to make sure. And you know what? I
found that I was letting my surgeon kind of bully me into the choice she
wanted for me - rather than listening to who I was and what would be best
for me. So, after some deep soul searching, and another round of
investigation, I chose NOT to go forward with that surgeon. Instead, I
ended up having an entirely different surgery (DS) and a different surgeon.
It was the best thing I ever did. Use this time to make sure you're 100%
at peace with the choices you've made up till now.
Blessings,
dina
— Dina McBride
November 11, 2003
I think everyone does. I was praying like you wouldn't believe up until
the time they wheeled me in the operating room!!! It's a scary thought and
a life changing surgery.
— Patty H.
November 11, 2003
Hi! I'm so glad I'm normal! I have ups and downs. My surgery is 3 weeks
from tomorrow. But I know it's going to be great! I have faith in the
best physician there is! GOD! Blessings! Beth
— Beth A.
November 11, 2003
Hello Mary,
I was fine up until the time they were fixing to wheel me into the
operating room and then I was terrified. I even talked to the
anestheseologist (sp) about giving me something to help me calm down. I am
so glad that I went ahead with the surgery even though nerves were kicking
in. It was the right decision for me.
Good luck.
Stephanie
lap RNY 4-21-03
— Stephanie M.
November 12, 2003
Of course I did, it's only natural! Here is my suggestion, it really
helped me. I found time to be alone where I could sit or lay down in total
quiet with no distractions. Then, I would close my eyes and picture in my
mind my surgery -- I would go through the whole process from start (in the
prep room) to finish, going through the whole surgery (as much as I knew
about it) in my mind. I just pictured everything going very successfully,
and me having a smooth, uneventful and successful surgery and recovery. I
like to do that positive reinforcement stuff, like if you think you'll do
bad then you might, like a self-fulfilling prophecy. I did this many times
before surgery, and I even did it as I was laying on the table waiting for
the anesthesia to hit me. I did have a good, uneventful recovery. Was my
imagery the reason? Who knows, but it did help to calm my nerves. What
you are feeling is normal, as long as you know in your heart that you are
doing the right thing, then don't let your brain talk you out of it. Let
the fear come, and reassure yourself by making a list on paper of all the
reasons you want to have this surgery. When you get nervous, read the
list. Good luck, I'm sure you will do great!
— beeda
November 12, 2003
I think it is very normal to be afraid before surgery. I prayed everyday
and found people to talk to who had the surgery. My mom was very concerned
that something may happen during the surgery. I told her that at the
weight I was before the surgery (318 lbs), I could die just walking up my
stairs. If something did happen during the surgery at least I was doing
something that was going to improve my life. I decided that I was tried of
eating food. My life was consumed with it. I decided to EAT TO LIVE not
LIVE TO EAT! I'm 7 months post-op and I'm down to 188 lbs. I have a new
life. However, after writing all this please make sure you doing this not
as a and watch what you eat. You do have to exercise. This surgery is
just a tool. I was told by my doctor that I will have a 7 to 8 month
window to lose the bulk of my weight and then it will slow down. It is
still up to me to do the work. Just because I had the surgery doesn't mean
my old habits will go away. Please take a look at my profile. If you
would like to drop me a line either before or after please do so. My
thoughts will be with you.
— Linda R.
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