Have to have surgery and scared

susannah · February 14, 2004

Hi. My name is Susannah, I am 33 years old and live in Melbourne Australia. I have been sick on and off for years. Last year I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis which is a progressive disease of the central nervous system. I am overweight and will be having the lap band surgery soon because of my ms and general health. I am so scared. Any advice or support out there. Thanks so much. Susannah

krlongfellow · February 14, 2004

Welcome Susannah. I can't offer you any advise because I am a pre-bander. I haven't received a surgery date yet. I am in the process of getting approval from my insurance. I CAN offer you my sympathies though. Making this decision takes enough thought, let alone add MS to the picture. Hopefully these wonderful people on this board can put your mind at ease about the procedure, I know they did mine.

Take care, keep us informed of your progress, and I will be praying for you. Kim

Vera · February 14, 2004

:rolleyes: Hi Susannah

I don't know much abot MS but do believe the lap band is the least invasive surgery available. If your sickness is eased by WLS this would be my first concideration.

I hope you feel better.

susannah · February 15, 2004

I will be going to the hospital for my first assessment next month, and i will find out when the surgery will be scheduled then. I am scared of being put under and not waking up. Did anybody else have these fears? Susannah

krlongfellow · February 15, 2004

I think you will find that the fear of not waking up after surgery is a very common one. I personally don't suffer from that fear, but a few people in my family do. I would just discuss it openly with your dr. and let him know how you are feeling. I'm sure you won't be the first patient to tell him of that particular fear, and maybe he will know a way to ease them for you. Good luck.

tellie · February 16, 2004

HI Susannah,

I was terrified of not waking up and leaving my daughter alone but quality of life won over fear. Talk to your doctor. I went to Mr. Blamey ( im in melb too) and he is so reassuring and talented.

All the best.

Tellie

susannah · February 16, 2004

Thanks again all for the advice. You guys are the experts! Susannah

FDATrialGuineaPig · February 16, 2004

Believe it or not Susannah the surgery is the easy part. It's all the mental and physical adjustments you deal with afterward that are the true hassle.

I've always compared it to childbirth. The drama, pain and high of the hospital are nothing compared to the shock of the day to day changes of your new life.

But looking at it purely objectively this surgery is a piece of cake compared to other surgeries I've had!

Good luck!