Hi Everyone!

I am currently in my pre-op phase and I am being sleeved on 7/7/14. I have a couple of questions.

1. I am SCARED about the anesthesia. I had surgery once when I was 12 to get my tonsils out. I don't remember the experience except I got to eat a lot of ice cream afterwards. I weigh 548lbs as of today, hopefully down to 530 or so by the time of my surgery. I am really worried about complications with the surgery to the point where I am anxious. Is this normal?

2. I feel like absolute Cow Dung on this 800 calorie Optifast diet. I have no energy, can barely stand for more than 10 seconds and and very washy in the head. Am I going to feel like this post-op on 800 calories? I know everyone is different but has anyone had a similar experience beforehand and then felt fine afterward?

I am making myself NUTS with all this thinking. Help!

-Dex-

It's normal to be anxious. I was really nervous about the anesthesia also. I kept thinking something bad might happen and I would be leaving my daughter behind. Everything worked out well. No problems whatsoever, other than a little nausea when I woke up, but that's normal. As for the hunger, I didn't do a pre-op diet, but I can tell you that I was NOT hungry post-op. It actually surprised me. I do feel hunger now, almost 3 months post-op, but it takes a very small amount to feel me up and I stay full for at least 2 hours. The best thing is that I'm not constantly thinking about food, mainly because my taste buds seem to have gone through a change of their own. Things I used to love just taste ok now. I wasn't expecting that. It's a major decision and it will change your life. Good luck.

Thanks for your reply!

Hey Dexter,

My name is Jessica- I am new to this forum. But I had to reply to you because not only are we having the surgery a day apart (mine is the 8th) but we are doing it with the same surgeon.

I have been thinking like crazy- visiting different forums and talking to people on social media and its helped a lot.

Its awesome to know that I am kind of going through the same thought process as most others. I am also staying positive which really helps at the moment. I feel the same type of faintness you are feeling- and I keep reminding myself that it is totally normal! i actually went to my pre op assessment today and everything went amazing! Have you done yours?

What flavor is your favorite shake? I bought all three and I am leaning towards the strawberry and chocolate. And of course I bought Jello as a nice little treat. It gives me the feeling that I am eating, you know? How excited are you for this surgery?

@Dexter118, Being nervous is SO normal. I was terrified. Seriously. I had my surgery on April 21st and overall its gone really well. There have been ups and downs and hard days and good days BUT I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have lost 47 lbs in 9 weeks (my surgeon says this is "just average" ) But for the first time every I know (most days) that I am going to lose all of my excess weight. If your surgeon is confident in doing the surgery you will be fine!! Sending prayers and good wishes, hang in there!! The doubts and fear are normal.

Dexter, surgery/anesthesia is scary for all of us. The biggest scare is morbid obesity where you can die from just being. My husband and I are no longer waiting for the unknown. We are living again and just went on a 7 day cruise. Scared, hell yeah, we both were. Him, from the unknown because of diabetes, me from the unknown and leading us into sleeve surgery, worrying he would die because of me. I will put you in my prayers Dexter.

Hi I agree with other post it is natural to feel anxious about the unknown but getting put to sleep was the best rest I had in a long time, and knowing that your on the road to being healthy is worth it, good luck to you both you hot this and congrats on making the choice to be healthy.