I've had two panic attacks today. I'm NOT afraid of the surgery. What scares me is

1. This is my last chance, what if I blow this somehow?
   
2. Life as I know it will never be the same, how will I cope with an 'unknown normal'?

I know these are largely hypothetical questions. I'm really just looking for someone to talk me down out of the tree tops!

Pam<-----17 hours and counting til I leave for the hospital.

Nana, first - stop and take a deep breath. Now, take a moment and think about why you're having this surgery in the first place. You want to live a healthier life. You want to be around for your family and friends. And honestly, do you want your life to continue as it is? I know I didn't and that's why I made my decision to get banded.

Just re-focus on your whys...health, family, etc...and that should definitely help you calm down a bit.

We wish you the best and we're here for you!

Pam,

It was comforting for me, at the stage you're facing, to remember I'd chosen an ADJUSTABLE procedure. Though it's likely that you're going to want to face all those changes as quickly as possible (because losing weight is great!), if you panick later on, the speed at which you approach the changes is completely in your control.

You're going to do great. Hang in there and just get the procedure behind you.

Take care,

Pam,

It was comforting for me, at the stage you're facing, to remember I'd chosen an ADJUSTABLE procedure. Though it's likely that you're going to want to face all those changes as quickly as possible (because losing weight is great!), if you panick later on, the speed at which you approach the changes is completely in your control.

You're going to do great. Hang in there and just get the procedure behind you.

Take care,

Thanks, both of you and WOW!! Like, I had completely forgotten it CAN be in my control.

btw--your ticker alone is SO inspiring, Julie! Thanks again!

And chimboree -- you made me LOL. I'm always the one telling people,

"Breathe out, Breathe in, Oxygen is our friend!" There are quite a few who would momentarily relish getting to fling that advice back at me!

Thanks!

Nana, first - stop and take a deep breath. Now, take a moment and think about why you're having this surgery in the first place. You want to live a healthier life. You want to be around for your family and friends. And honestly, do you want your life to continue as it is? I know I didn't and that's why I made my decision to get banded.

Just re-focus on your whys...health, family, etc...and that should definitely help you calm down a bit.

We wish you the best and we're here for you!

Ditto!

I too had a major anxiety attack before being banded, for no reason at all. Everything has been great. If you are religious, pray for your guardian angel to help you.

If you are religious, pray for your guardian angel to help you.

Thanks! I have asked the Lord for help several times today. And I've had a great number of friends and family call or email to let me know they'll be praying for me tomorrow.

I am blessed!!

Nana -- Look around you at all these HAPPY bandsters!! You want to be one of us, don't you??? Well, there's this one little thing you have to do first.....

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll be GREAT!! In two short weeks you'll be good as new. Remember how lucky you are that you are even ABLE to have this surgery! So many can't but want it desperately.

GO GIRL!!

Nana -- Look around you at all these HAPPY bandsters!! You want to be one of us, don't you??? Well, there's this one little thing you have to do first.....

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you'll be GREAT!! In two short weeks you'll be good as new. Remember how lucky you are that you are even ABLE to have this surgery! So many can't but want it desperately.

GO GIRL!!

Thank you, you are so right.

In fact, I think I will probably have something akin to "survivor's guilt" as I encounter people who need this as bad or worse than I do/did.

I hope it will spur me on to be truly and permanently successful!

P.S. I was actually able to go to sleep and was sound asleep when hubby's work phone went off at 4 AM!!!

Good Luck, and we'll see you in bandland! Don't forget to post and let us know how you did!

Good Luck, and we'll see you in bandland! Don't forget to post and let us know how you did!

I did nothing. :cry

Got cancelled just as I was being wheeled from pre-op to OR.

Cardiologist referred me for surgery, but never cleared me and he couldn't be reached -- out-of-town until next week.

Color me 'bummed'. :help:

OH

MY

GOD.

I would freak out!!!!! I am soooooooo sorry. Well, just hang out here for a few more days!!

just hang out here for a few more days!!

Why not!?! I got no where else to go!

I did even suggest that hubby drop me off at a motel so I could just hibernate -- I really don't want to be around anybody and explain everything umpteen times.

:ranger: You guys get to be the lucky ones.