I've been reading lots of topics on this forum, but would like to ask how you overcame your fear of surgery if you were afraid? I got approval from my insurance company and my BRAIN tells me that having surgery is the thing to do. But I'm really afraid of the surgery itself. I'm afraid of having a catheter. I'm afraid of the pain post-op. I'm really afraid of the procedure itself much moreso than the lifestyle changes that come with it.

Why do you need a catheter. The surgery is not close to the that area. See if you can get out of that requirement. That should help ease some fears.

I've been reading lots of topics on this forum, but would like to ask how you overcame your fear of surgery if you were afraid? I got approval from my insurance company and my BRAIN tells me that having surgery is the thing to do. But I'm really afraid of the surgery itself. I'm afraid of having a catheter. I'm afraid of the pain post-op. I'm really afraid of the procedure itself much moreso than the lifestyle changes that come with it.

It's normal to be nervous. This is a big undertaking. There is no undo after the surgery is completed. If they cath you, you'll be asleep and won't even know it. Some surgeons use them and some don't.

You will be fine. It is part of that excited and you know you want to do it, but are nervous at the same time since it is something you have never experienced before.

I know I will be nervous when my surgery nears and I know I want to do it. I would wonder about someone who didn't have the slightest bit of nervousness prior to surgery.

Look at it as short time temporary obstacles (pain, cath, and any other fear) for long term goals of a slimmer and healthier person.

Every surgery I have had I was nervous and some I have had multiple times. Completely normal reaction.

Why do you need a catheter. The surgery is not close to the that area. See if you can get out of that requirement. That should help ease some fears.

It's just what they do. I already asked about it. I don't see a point to it either.

I am scheduled for Aug. 22 and I'm having all the same fears. Here are some things that help me: First, I remember that I am trading short term payoff (food) for long term benefits (health). I've spent my whole life being impulsive and having what I want when I want it. It's time to grow up and see that these changes are absolutely required (if you've done the dieting yo-yo that I have and have similar co-morbidities). This is kind of like Ana-abuse. There is no eating the way we used to. We absolutely MUST stick to small portions. Period. Second, I remind myself that I need to stay in today. This 24 hours. I'm not having surgery today. I'm not having to "do the food" today. When the times comes, I will do it. I am PREPARING to "do the food" by watching the "nutrition forum" on this site. I look at what others eat. I am making a folder of recipes that look easy to me (I have lived in my house for months and never used the stove/oven). I am SO SCARED about changing LITERALLY everything - if I could plan meals and stick with them, I wouldn't be in this situation to begin with!!! Of course it is scary! It would be crazy to go into this completely calm and without some fears. Finally, when all else fails, I remember that all I have to do is get myself to the surgery center on the day of surgery. Once I get there, they'll be putting me to sleep and I'll wake up and it will all be over. I have been so encouraged by people on this site saying that the pain was VERY manageable. And my doctor keeps reminding me that complications are VERY rare.

We can do this!!!!!!!!!!!

-Angela

PS. I just read the Sleeved Aug. 8 thread. Read it! Everyone who has posted so far has said they did great/are doing great!