Scared to finish the process

[cparni 7]

I've struggled with my weight most of my life. I'm scheduled for surgery and did my pre-op testing today. I walked away completely overwhelmed from all of the information and wanted to run away screaming. I've never been in the hospital except to have my daughter which was scary as well. How do I ease the anxiety and go through with getting the sleeve? How long is it taking for you to feel ok again? Yes I know everyone is different and will have a different experience, I'm just looking for some feedback.

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Yes, it is scary. This was my first surgery, too.

What I have found is that what you are experiencing now, the pre-op fear and anxiety was the worst part of the process for me. I had a great recovery and am very happy with my results so far.

I know that stepping into the unknown is scary, but believe me, I would do it again in a heartbeat now that I have made it to the other side.

[alishams86 12]

Hi. I'm a little under a week before my surgery and I am still scared to death. I know I am making the right decision and that for my health this is the best thing for me to do, but it's still scary as hell. It's all so overwhelming. My suggestion is to rely on your team. Rely on your supports and just know that you can do this. Little steps help. Taking it moment by mementos. Be gentle with yourself and give yourself the time to adjust. Ask as many questions as you can think of. If your program offers a support group GO TO IT! My support group is a mixture of pre and post ops and I know I can rely on them for any questions. They understand the fears. It is so very overwhelming and you will want to quit many times but keep plodding along and you will get there. It's a huge life change but a change that is worth it for YOU! You can do this just remember baby steps be kind and gentle with yourself. Believe me!

[Babbs 14,681]

Will it help knowing what you are feeling is completely normal?

Surgery is always scary, even for people who have had surgeries before! You'll go in, get prepped, and they will put you under. The next thing you know, it's done and over with and you're waking up.

Not gonna lie, you're going to be a little sore, a little tired, and may struggle to drink your fluids and Protein. You may even regret it for a while. But as time goes on, you start to heal and feel better, and as a bonus you're losing weight! Although I had a fairly easy time of it, I didn't feel completely human for about 6 weeks. It takes time to recuperate from major surgery, so be kind to yourself.

Now at 15 months out, all of that is a distant memory. I feel great, and don't even feel like I've had 85% of my stomach removed except for the restriction. One of the best decisions I've ever made!

Just remember as you're going through the more challenging times that it WILL pass. Then you'll be on to the next phase of things. Good luck!

[alishams86 12]

Ok stupid auto correct I meant moment by moment not mementos! ????

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Although I was banded, ( not sleeved ) I think what you're feeling is completely normal. Change is scary !!! Everything is new, and overwhelming !! But if you look back at having your daughter, that was new and overwhelming too !!! And you did just fine, didnt you ?? Because you took it one day or one hour at a time. And then its not so scary , is it ? So there you go. You'll do just fine, and yes , if you can find a local support group, go !!! Lots of support and help. You will be soooo glad you had the WLS, my only regret is that I didnt do it sooner !! Good luck !!

[Yaberhoo 358]

This was my second surgery, but I had a small case of nerves on surgery day. Seriously though. One second you are talking to the anesthesiologist and the next second you wake up in your room all done. Lickety split. The pre op nerves are the hardest part. I told myself it was time for the big girl panties and get shit done.

[L.Harmony 64]

It was my third surgery and it's human nature to be nervous and scared of the unknown. In Sept of this year I had foot surgery and it was such a difficult surgery. I was so nervous about my surgery because of it. My doctor told me that it is an easier surgery than foot.

I was questioning it.... but I was then reminded that it took a year to get everything together and ready. And wrote down a list of all of the reasons I wanted the surgery. And I kept adding to it. I mainly remember the week before I was nervous but I'm a month out and can barely remember those feelings. It is worth it. I do recommend getting a notebook and start writing down all of these thoughts, feelings, doubts and reasons. I'm not going to read my notebook until my one year mark. Those are my thoughts, just know you are not alone. It is normal. Plus everyone is different, I was in the hospital for 2 days. After a day or two I forgot I had just had surgery.

Being nervous is necessary for the process.

[cparni 7]

Thank you everyone for your responses, I really appreciate it!!!!

[jane13 2,256]

@@cparni - I walked out of the office pre-op and stopped the process this time last year. I had already done a NUT class and had to complete three. They do one a month. I walked out because the office staff at my surgeons satellite office made me question the lap-band. I originally had planned on it for less recovery time.

The staff made me doubt my surgeon for not re-directing me to the band. The Psych and insurance lady had me REALLY wonder WTF was I doing the band because it has sooooo many issues. Needless to say after going home (eating like usual) thru the holidays and researching my original choice, the sleeve. I hit my HW(282) ever, at this time. I pulled up my "big girl panties" and got back into the game. That Staff was reprimanded for doing that to me. I wasnt the only one apparently.

I have never doubted my surgeon, or his skills, is my point.

[The Candidate 3,215]

It was my first surgery ever too. It was over before I even had a chance to process it. My recovery was so easy I sometimes wondered if I even had it done. Now at four months out I'd definitely do it all over again!

Edited December 2, 2015 by The Post Op

[Miss Mac 6,262]

My sleeve was my 12th surgery, and the easiest recovery of them all. Think of it as a nice nap, and when you wake up you will be on the way to a new you.

[mark1733 224]

I can only repeat what most have said here. The feelings you have are normal and this is a decision that YOU have to make. A friend and I started the process about the same time. We are about the same height and weight. 2 weeks before his surgery he stopped and basically said, I can lose it without the surgery. Thats his decision. That was 7 months ago. He is heavier now than he was then and Ive lost 110 pounds. He told me the other day he wished he had followed through and has started the process once again. All I can say is I wish I had done this 10 years ago. Good luck

Edited December 2, 2015 by mark1733

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

I was a failed band patient (banded 2001) so doubly scared!

In late 2010 I was referred to the sleeve by my sleep apnea doctor. He told me i wouldn't be successful and poo-poo'd the sleeve and steered me to the bypass. I was on the verge... but just couldn't do it. I spent a year in emotional misery over it. I found a different surgeon; had the band removed in Sept 2011 and was sleeved Dec 2011.

4 years, down over 150# and not looking back.

I like to think that my year of suffering and anguish over it helped me to be successful. By the time I was sleeved I KNEW I needed the help of the tool and knew it was my "last chance". I was a no regrets, just gotta do this! sleever at that point!

[newmebithebypass 713]

this year i have had 3 neccicary surgerys on my ears i have this weird conditon called a colestema that causes a pocket of infection to build up and eat away the bones in my ear and i was scared after i woke up i would be deaf from the surgery which is a real possibility. well my recovery for those were easy peasy and i know its gonna be the same for wls trust your team to get you through this