Question:
I don't know why, but the part that scares me the most
is the couple of hours before my surgery. I can cope with all the changes and I have read all the horror stories. So I am prepared for the worse, but praying for the best. But the hours before surgery scare me so much. Maybe I am afraid I will back out, or the reality will hit me. Does anyone have any advise. Dec 5th is my surgery date. {{{HUGS}}} — Kathy P. (posted on November 19, 2001)
November 19, 2001
Dear Kathy, I know how you feel, I am also going to have surgery on Dec.
3rd and while I am sure I am r-e-a-d-y, I fine myself getting very anxious.
I am not only concentrating on the good stuff like looking at my friends
who have had this surgery and feel and look good and by visiting the photo
section of this web site. I will you well. Sue
— Susan W.
November 19, 2001
I understand your fears! The important thing is to have someone with you
until the last moment possible. Also- the nurses can give you valium to
help you relax. It wasn't as bad as I thought (the few hours before). I
had my sister with me at all times and I took the meds they offered. Also-
there was so much going on around me that I could not even think about the
actual surgery. People are constantly taking your blood, blood pressure,
temperature, etc. You are going to be fine!!! Just remain positive and
keep your thoughts on the outcome!
— Meridyth S.
November 19, 2001
I have been there twice! It is perfectly normal to feel this way. One
thing I can tell you is that if you are a believer in God, then first pray
and put it all in His hands, then you don't have to worry. But you still
probably will as I did. I was sitting in the waiting area at the hospital
while my hubby parked the car. I was alone and I started freakin out. I
was praying so hard and over and over again saying "please let me be
ok, please let me live, etc." Well, apparently He was listening
because I heard an inner voice say "Marilyn, you have left this in My
Hands. Now, let me see the faith you profess. Trust me and let others see
your faith." I felt peaceful and said "ok" and from then
on, I was strong! I went in without tears or doubts. God be with you and
give you the peace that passeth understanding. Remember if this is His
will, you have nothing to fear. I memorized the 23rd Psalm too but forgot
to say it!
— Marilyn C.
November 19, 2001
Dear Kathy, I'll be honest with you - the time immediately before surgery
was the worst part of the whole thing for me. I don't remember the pain
nearly as much as I do the terror of being in that pre-op area all alone.
My suggestion to you is to always have someone you love or trust with you
and to let your doctor know you are anxious about this time. There are
drugs they can give you to calm you down. I wish I had asked for them, I
know it would have made it much easier. But the important thing to remember
is that the small amount of time that you MAY (you may not) feel anxious is
worth the end result! Relax and take a deep breath, you're going to be
fine. You are in the thoughts and prayers of many.
— georgiacarol
November 19, 2001
Kathy--I understand exactly how you feel. The moments before my surgery
were the worst. I was so scared. But I have to tell you, I was much more
scared about what would happen to me if I did NOT have the surgery. That's
what kept it together for me. Along with a few sedatives. Hehe. What
made it worse for me was that my surgeon was running way late in a prior
surgery, and I ended up waiting 4 hours. My father, who was there to
support me, had left after about an hour, assuming I would be going in and
that he would have to get things done so that he could be there when I was
in recovery. I was okay for awhile, but after sitting there longer and
longer I started to cry. I was so upset that it had come to this. The
nurse came to check on me, and I asked how long it would be. She wasn't
sure. Well I said..."I'm not sure I want to do this anymore."
Luckily she knew it was just my fear talking, and went to get a doctor who
came and administered the sedative. My advice is, if you have made up your
mind this is what you want, say something about needing a sedative if you
begin to get worked up. It helped a bunch! Best of luck.
— Tracy L.
November 19, 2001
I agree! That time in pre-op is positively the worst part of the whole
experience. I am just recovering from an abdominoplasty and brachioplasty
and my hospital experience with this surgery was much worse than my open
rny. The hospital and staff make all the difference. If I had it to do
over again, I would definately ask my doctor for some sort of a sedative.
My preference would be to be put out completely before they even wheeled me
out of the room and into the pre-op area. I am trying to get geared up for
yet a third surgery now and find I am really having trouble accepting that
I will be doing this again. I won't do it at the same hospital. I guess I
need to really research the different facilities and find out what their
procedure involves...and ask for drugs!
— Anne G.
November 19, 2001
Hi Kathy....Fear is normal especially with this surgery. Yes it is true
that there are alot of lifestyle changes after this surgery. However....I
dont regret ever doing it! Just remember that you are doing this for YOU
and only YOU!!!!! You are taking control of your life and deserve a
standing ovation for doing that!!!!! Fear of the unknown.....Is a normal
part of this journey....Which is an amazing one at that!!!! All the best
you will be fine!!!! (((HUGS))) Melissa =)
— Melissa S.
November 19, 2001
Kathy, I know EXACTLY how you feel. You see, I just got home from the
hospital a few hours ago. I had my surgery November 16th, and cried for
the 3 days prior. I went through all the fears... the possible failures,
etc. Well, I survived it, and you will too. Much to your surprise, the
time will pass so quickly! It seems like yesterday I was asking how I was
gonna make it through the next 3 weeks waiting for surgery, and now I'm
home. I can't tell you how I'm handling it all yet, because honestly, I'm
really not sure. I know that for me it is going to be hard... but I know
that heart attacks and diabetes would be a lot harder. Think about that
for awhile and it might just put things in perspective. Good luck!
— Janet C.
November 19, 2001
Just remember ... less than 1% of patients die from WLS, and they're
usually the older, heavier, more unhealthy patients. Remember that you are
going to be doing your body a HUGE favor in the long run, and focus on this
during those few hours before surgery. GOOD LUCK.
— Terissa R.
November 23, 2001
My husband is scheduled for a BPD Dec. 14 and we are BOTH scared. BUT we
keep telling ourselves "If God has led you to it, HE will see you
through it". We hadn't even considered this surgery until our GP
recommened it to him in August. So we believe GOD led him to this
opportunity and HE will see him through it because God wants him to have a
better life. Good luck to you on your surgery. Hold God's hand and He
will walk you through safely to the other side.
— [Anonymous]
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