Question:
Looking for Reassurance

It probably wasn't the best idea, but I decided to watch a complete RNY surgery (via RealPlayer). I'm scheduled for surgery with Dr. Anez in Virginia on 1/15/2001, but after watching the surgery, I am now petrified of having it! I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance... Also, I don't have an angel yet, and now more than ever, I sure would like one. Any volunteers? Please reply to [email protected]. Thanks!    — webgrrlie (posted on October 16, 2000)

October 16, 2000
Shawn- I did the same thing! I also watched the RNY surgery online too because my curiosity got the best of me and boy was that a mistake! I'm having open RNY surgery this Thursday and all I can say is all surgeries are unpleasant and thank goodness for pain medication. Concentrate on all the benefits this surgery will bring to your life, stay positive and don't let the visuals freak you out! Good luck!
   — Sandy V.

October 16, 2000
Shawn: I agree with the previous post. Concentrate on the benefits and leave the details to your educated, experienced surgeon (that's why they get paid the big bucks!) I'm sure all surgeries would freak out the majority of us if we watched them! This truly is a blessing and I'm sure you'll appreciate that!
   — Cindy H.

October 16, 2000
Shawn, I would be most happy to be your angel. I will e-mail you my home phone number. Please feel free to call me with any questions you might have. I can give you all sorts of info about the hospital, etc. I live in McLean, VA and had WLS with Dr. Anez in May. So far I have lost at least 8O pounds. When researching this procedure, I became very familiar with Dr. Anez and felt very comfortable with his style. He is extremely competent, and I had complete confidence in him as my surgeon. You will do great! Be sure you are attending his monthly Staple Club meetings. They are very good and very informative. It's also a good place to bring any family members who may be having concerns about your surgery. We'll talk soon!
   — Paula G.

October 16, 2000
Hi Shawn! I am 6 months Post-op. I am also a Nurse. Before I went to nursing school, I was petrified of surgery. After doing my surgical rotation I realized how efficient the surgical personal are. I am no longer surgical phobic!! I had several complications for my open RNY, but I am now cured from my terminal illness. And if I had to, I would do it all over again. As-a-matter-of-fact, I'm having surgery in one week for a hernia repair and TT. I am the healthiest, and smallest I've ever been as an adult. Ask your surgeon for some mild nerve pills for the week before your surgery. That is the most stressful time. Click on my name and see my profile with my pictures. I know this surgery was a miricle from God for me. If you would like to talk, please e-mail me with your phone number, and best times to call. Good Luck and God Bless You -
   — CohenHeart

October 16, 2000
I watched that surgery video several months AFTER my RnY surgery, and it still got me a little freaked out. It is so hard to look at that and imagine yourself on the table instead of the woman in the video. The thing is, you don't have to experience any of those things. You are out cold at that time, and won't know a single thing about it. So, concentrate on the things you can control, and leave the rest up to God and your surgeon.
   — Lynn K.

October 16, 2000
I would love to see the surgery video. The further I get from my surgery the more curious I am. Does anyone have the web address for the surgery video?
   — Nanette T.

October 17, 2000
Shawn ... sometimes the devil we know ISN'T better than the one we don't! I did the same thing when I was pregnant with my second son ... read an excellent book on caesarean delivery called SILENT KNIFE (my first son was born by an unexpected c-section) that has a detailed written description of the operation. I freaked out for months, and drove my poor long-suffering husband out of his mind. I kept asking him, "How could you just stand there and let them cut me up like that? What's wrong with you?" Like it was his fault or something. My point is, sometimes we can know too much for our own good, and if you were a little bit squeamish to begin with, watching the guts and gore fly won't help you at all. As someone else said, leave the operation stuff in the hands of your surgeon, and concentrate on the things you can control -- a positive outlook, a peaceful mind, a confidence in your decision. We've all been there, and done that, but come out safely on the other side. Stay away from reality TV, the WLS memorial pages, and every Negative Nellie that crosses your path. Good luck, warm skinny thoughts, and prayers ...
   — Cheryl Denomy

October 18, 2000
How ironic. It was the viewing a video of the interanl view a Lap RNY that reassured my husband and stopped his actively trying to convince me not to have the surgery. Everyone's different. Good luck.
   — Sharyle L.