I was too anxious to wait to hear from the insurance specialist at my surgeons office (shes on vacation for a week). So I called my insurance company who told me I was approved for surgery today! Im battling excitment and fear. I got really scared after the excitment of getting approved wore off. I spent some time reading the complication forum (mistake). My biggest fear is a blood clot from the actual surgery, where everything else seems to have a solution a blood clot would be unforeseeable. How did you guys get past your fears before surgery? Any words of encouragement would be appreciated!

Hello!

Congratulations on your approval!!!!!!!!!

I too was very nervous for complications...and conveniently found the complications forum the night before surgery. The day of, I cried like a baby, nervous I wasn't going to wake up from the anesthesia. As far as blood clots go, there are a number of things they do for prevention. First and most importantly, you are up and walking. Second, many patients wear tight compression socks to help prevent blood clots. Your doctor may have you get an injection called lovenox. It's a blood thinner that aids in prevention of blood clots. All of these things are pretty standard in most hospitals. The most important thing you can do to prevent complications, is to follow the directions of your surgeon, and the hospital staff.

How I got through the fear and anxiety was to talk about it on here, and talk about it with my support team. I also talked to my surgeon before the surgery and he answered all my questions. If you have them, ASK. Call the office, the OR at the hospital, ask the nursing staff.

It's completely normal to feel this way, so don't feel bad. You can do this, you are worth it!!!!!!!!!!

You can ask about an ivc filter. I know my surgeon has them placed for patients who are high risk. I am a nurse in a department that places them. Outpatient radiology procedure.

I thought about it like this -

If I stay the same (240lbs and gaining) then I am definitely going to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, need joint replacements, continue to have irregular periods/fertility issues, my sleep apnea get worse, get winded easily, have low energy, have joint pain (I'm not even 30 yet!), avoid social outings because I'm ashamed of how I look, etc before dying an early death.

If I have this surgery there is a small chance I could die of a complication, but a much larger chance that I will turn back the clock, reverse the damage I've done to my body and be able to lead a longer, healthier life.

I also reminded myself that I had to have a ton of lab work done on me and had my surgeon and PCP checking and double checking me to make sure I was healthy enough for the procedure.

It's still scary, but to me the risk of a complication was less scary than the definite of continuing on as I was.

Edited December 28, 201312 yr by Comfy_Blue