I have researched thoroughly.

I have kept all my appointments.

I have clearance from the insurance.

I have a surgery date - April 6th.

I have filled out ALL of the paperwork for everyone.

I have lost 9 pounds in 9 days on this pre-op diet.

I am ready in every way.

BUT...

This morning I have had two panic attacks.

Anyone else have these?

Advice? Encouragement?

my thoughts are with you and I haven't been cleared yet for surgery but I think from what I have read here that what you are feeling is pretty normal. You are not alone.

I'm right there with you as mine is scheduled for 4/13. Read a GREAT post a few moments ago. I hope it helps you. It did me.

http://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/336492-silly-as-it-may-sound-its-still-a-concern/?p=3795778

Managing your anxiety is the most important thing you can do to make your surgical experience go easier. I used to work as a CCLS and gave pre-surgical tours as part of our services. I think having that knowledge made things easier and a little less scary.

I guess my questions for you are:

• What are your worries/fears?
• What can you do to alleviate those fears?

I have found that figuring out those 2 things and practicing what to do to manage them makes all the difference in the world. Even something as simple as learning to do a little bit of deep breathing/meditation makes all the difference in the world.

Distractions/diversions are another things that help. For example, I have to have routine MRI's of my head each year. It's 1½ hours in a claustrophobic tube with loud banging. It can be challenging to stay absolutely still for that. My distraction is to sing songs in Spanish just under my breath. It helps me focus on something other than that tube and it helps me regulate my breathing so I'm not panicky.

So:

• Identify your fear
• Develop a plan of action
• Practice that plan of action

Thank you so much. This helps.

Begin with the end in mind! I too am scheduled to be sleeved shortly. Every time I feel that overwhelming feeling of "this is it, this is forever", I try to focus on my end goal; to live a healthy life! A little bit of discomfort and struggle will all be worth it in the end. Good luck, best wishes, and prayers going your way!

You've done so well pre-op that you are well on your way to a great surgery and recovery. Anxiety is perfectly normal. I didn't fear the surgery. I feared I wouldn't be able to "do it" after the surgery. I feared I would be hungry or feel inclined to binge it.

In other words, I feared myself more than the surgery.

For me, the surgery was easy (I just slept...I like sleeping), Then the first few days are a bit rough, but pain meds rock. The post-hospital recovery was faster than I expected. Because you did your homework, you know how the recovery can vary for people and also that the post-op liquids can be harder for some than others. Liquids are even more important than food. Fat is stored energy...we all had plenty of that.

I know you'll look back and wonder what you were so worried about...as you're dropping the pounds to the new you.

Best of luck!

Thank you so much!