Couldn't sleep tonight after I scared myself silly with websites about bad outcomes. I wasn't worried until I got my date last week (Oct 31) now I can't stop worrying that I could end up never feeling ok again.

Any advice how to get past this fear?

I think everyone has pre-op jitters. I was a total wreck!! Some things to keep in mind are that every type of surgery has its share of horror stories and hardly anyone writes about a non eventful surgery. Yes, bad things can happen but it doesnt mean they will. Has your surgeon discussed his history with VSG? Do everything in your power to make the surgeons job easier...liver shrinking diet, no smoking, etc.

best of luck to you!!

Ultimately, it's your choice. It's a matter of risk assessment. There are risks with this surgery, but there are risks if you remain overweight. You have to be sure you are committed to the program, even if you have no complications this surgery is just the beginning of your new life.

It seems everyone has their doubts, I still have mine... But go back to the beginning and why you made this decision... Do you still feel the same?

Hey....i was exactly the same pre op...i stayed u all night looking up possible complications and getting scared....but then i just compared the odds of complications with WLS to the obesity related complications...hypertension,diabetes,osteoarthritis, i already had pcos... Recently a 25 year old obese friend of mine suffered a heart attack which was nearly fatal.... Well that made my decision more firm...

Ps: stop psyching yourself out....everythings going to be great...dont worry!

Sent from my GT-I9100 using VST

Me too! My date is 10/11/12 - next week, already! The way I'm trying to "unscare" myself is this rationalization- the odds of the same horror story happening again (sorry for the people who do have complications, of course!) are slim. So....why keep "going there". In reality, as far as obesity related deaths, etc. I just found out I have severe sleep apnea (I thought it was harmones-menopause, etc. And asthma/allergies) I could die or have a stroke anygiven night! So..... I need to try to be excited not terrified (a fine line separates)! Good luck, everyone!

I did the same thing....I work at a hospital and the RNs I work with told me, "For God's sake stay off the internet"....you will find positive and negative for all things, whether you're looking to buy a used car or having surgery. Just listen to your doctor....BUT in my opinion, it's going to be awesome...just wait and see.

When I went to my surgeon at the pre-op with my list of concerns based on reading, he pointed out that the people who post on boards are often those with fears and complications... but there are countless numbers of people who do well and have no complications who don't comment... because all is well. I found that comforting.

For the record, at six weeks out... I've had no complications. I didn't even have gas pains. I figure they must have rolled me with a rolling pin before they closed my tiny incisions. Ha!

If you believe in signs and synchronicity... pay attention to what the universe is telling you. If all has gone smoothly to this point, it seems that you are on the right path. There is a greater chance that all shall go well for you, than not. The risk of a better future may just be brighter than the risk of staying the course. Wishing you WELL!

your choice. matter of risk assessment. risks with this surgery, risks if you remain overweight. You have to be sure you are committed to the program, if you have no complications, this surgery is just the beginning

dadici

I love the above post by Cookeeeez

its worth showing again!!!!

jitters before WLS - a life changing procedure,are fine, normal

post surgery you can look ahead to a brighter, healthier, happier life

think about the positives one night you can't sleep

good luck

BTW - WLS on Halloween - hmmmm, thats enough to scare anyone

Thanks everyone, I had a long talk with my surgeon and asked some specific questions I had neglected to ask earlier. It turns out that in over 500 vsg procedures my doc has never had a leak or a death, so that went a fair ways to easing my fears. My new mantra is that deciding to stay this size is still a decision, so I'm not decoding whether or not to make a choice I'm making a choice either way. I'm still scheduled for the 31.

My mantra (related to sciatica) "I FEEL SAFE TO MOVE IN NEW DIRECTIONS"...

It helps a lot

many of the so called horror stories are really about people who did not do as told, not following the eating plan, fail to diet before surgery drinking and eating at the same time etc. All surgeries have risk ,but most can be prevented if there is good communication between dotor and paiteint. My surgery was a breeze with no complications, there was some vomiting after but is was due to sedation issues not the surgery itself. I pray you go foward and get as healthy as possible.

Couldn't sleep tonight after I scared myself silly with websites about bad outcomes. I wasn't worried until I got my date last week (Oct 31) now I can't stop worrying that I could end up never feeling ok again.

Any advice how to get past this fear?

Why would you read those--- I have WAY more good outcomes than bad. And probably if you knew the truth those bad outcomes were that persons fault for not following doctors orders!!!!

Just remember the horror stories of staying in the condition we were all in... The condition that led us to even contemplate this surgery in the first place... Was I sore after surgery? Sure, who the hell wouldn't be?.... Do I miss food? Sometimes.. I miss warm weather by mid December too but it's all good... You will find that you get to eat again... one day. It took us years to get to this position and it won't get fixed overnight... but I can assure you, you will be so much happier in the end... You will also be healthier AND live longer...

To me the alternative was jut not acceptable...