Question:
Has anyone out there backed out at the time of surgery?

I went for my surgery Friday and had a bad panic attack and backed out . Has this happened to any one else? I have a new date any sugestions for next time?    — Kelley L. (posted on July 24, 2000)

July 24, 2000
According to my surgeons office, happens all the time. Don't feel bad. Maybe you just need more time to decide. My surgeons office said that when that happens they usually have one of us ready to go and call to change around appointments. It IS a big decision!!
   — [Anonymous]

July 24, 2000
Have your doctor give you some Xanex to take the morning of surgery. It also helps the night before :>)!
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 24, 2000
You need to see your doctor to get medication for panic disorder. I was put on Valium for 2 wks prior to surgery; the medication takes that long to get into your system. Make sure your surgeon knows you're on something, as you will need to take it the morning of surgery.
   — Louise H.

August 3, 2000
Your fears are well founded. I have fear about WLS as well. Let's face it I wanted to back out of my C-Section. Fear is what makes you human. It is fear of the unknown. My advice to you is to keep the faith and keep reading the success stories on this site. I find them to be inspirational. My surgery date is August 16th. I am going through with it.
   — [Anonymous]

April 30, 2001
On the day of my surgery I repeated thoughts of running out. Even as I was in the freezing operating room and they we're having trouble attaching the IV's, I thought you know I could stop this right now. I almost did, but I knew If I didn't do it right then I never would and then I'd have to live my life with all the nasty side affects of an life of obesity. The desire for a normal life outweighted my need to run away.
   — Christina X.

April 30, 2001
I didn't back out, but came about as close to it as possible. I'm glad I went through with it. I agree with one of the previous posts - ask for Valium or something to calm your nerves the next time. I wish I had done that. Good luck.
   — georgiacarol

June 10, 2001
Hi there!! I DID back out of surgery the first time. I was on the table and hooked up to the IV's and ready to go. The lady that was going to put me under scared the crap out of me so I bailed. I was so angry at her for being unprofessional that I called my surgeons office the next day and rescheduled. My surgeon assured me that she wouldn't be anywhere near me the next time. I am happy to report that I went through with it the second time around and I WOULD DO IT AGAIN IN A SECOND IF I HAD TO!!!!!! Please get your surgeon to give you something to relax you the night before. It really helps! Good luck!
   — Melissa K.