Yesterday marked 3 weeks until my "BIG" day. And I feel like I'm on the verge of a panic attack.

I have always struggled with anxiety, and as I have aged, it has improved significantly unless something major triggers it. But even then, my rebound time is much faster than it was 5+ years ago. My coping skills have improved. Go me!

However, between the surgery being right around the corner, and a VERY stressful job...this little lady is all out of sorts. I tried the whole "retreat" mechanism which is my first instinct when things get tough. I shut down. I shut everyone near and dear to me out. And I process. And while I enjoy this option more, I know that it is unhealthy and what has played a huge role in my weight. Because while I am secluded in my own little world, all I need is me and my food. Gimme that chocolate and some of those potatoes. And I slowly begin to reappear, eventually. So here are my concerns:

-Work (stressful job + unhealthy relationship with a superior)

-Pre op and post op diet

(I've done the research. I have a ton of material from my surgeon's office. I truly am prepared. But I have totally allowed my mind to screw with me and convince me that I'm not. Anxiety, remember? I'm not worried about the length of the specific diets or stages or what I can or CAN'T have. I literally just feel like everything I've learned over the last 9 months has suddenly vanished. My diet starts Tuesday. So I plan to sit and dive right back into my manuals within the next day or so and re-educate/reassure myself that I do know and I do understand what I am to do.......)

-Energy levels after WLS (I've read where it is not uncommon to feel less than par for up to 6 weeks after surgery. Some sooner, some longer. I'm worried that I'm going to tire more easily and am concerned with how this will affect my job performance..if at all? I work as an IT consultant and we have multiple clients which include 3 hospitals + multiple physician and Lawyers offices. I am constantly on the freakin go. Work begins before I leave my house in the morning and continues after I arrive home. I am hands on and regularly crawling on the floor to look at/repair computers, servers, you name it. The one upside to my job is that I am on my feet more so than not. So, I'm always sure to average between 7,000 and 10,000 steps at work alone.)

-There are a few more concerns...but I'll stop there

So, my concerns aren't whether I'm going to lose fast or have excess skin. I mean...those are possibly there...but way way wayyyy down on the list. I'm mostly concerned about my emotional well being after surgery. I know that this is going to be as much mental...if not more...than physical. And I don't know whether to reach for a Xanax or a brown paper bag

I do know that I've got to get out of my head and some of my concerns are probably minute and a waist of energy. Which is why I am here. I know that I need to get these things off my chest and talk them out. Only then will I feel better and become more comfortable with what is about to take place in my life. So here is Megan...in all her glory....vulnerable and transparent. [patting self on back]

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Hey guys, everything went well the gas pain sucks.

thank you all. @ sassyfrass23 how ru doing?

@@choicemun - Do glad everything went well. The gas pain does suck! Gas-x, hearing pad, walking and just plain old time. First few days are the worst. You got this!

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Everything went fantastic! I'm feeling much much better today although I just can't seem to wake up. So glad yours was a success @@choicemun !

Also- I did so well on my preop diet and shrank my liver so much, he didn't even have to do a biopsy! He is very pleased with my mobility and efforts thus far so I will for sure be going home today! He told my family that he wished all of his patients were like me. That was comforting to hear.

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Congrats @@sassyfrass23! So glad you are doing so well!

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@@sassyfrass23 how ru doing so far? Hope everything is going well for you.

I can say that I am officially out of the hospital and feeling great thank god. Only problem was with gas but it seems to be getting better now. The journey officially starts now.

Good luck..

@@choicemun I'm doing okay. I have one incision that is killing me. He did a stitch under the skin and it pulled my skin in...so it's dented if that makes sense? It's to help prevent a hernia. I was actually discharged on Wednesday so I'm on day 2 of being home. It's been slow going. I was cleared for stage two of liquids. I attempted tomato Soup for lunch. I got 2 oz down and was proud of myself...lol. I did get 10 oz of my premier Protein shake down for Breakfast though. The gas has FINALLY subsided. That was definitely rough. I'm walking and sipping. Which is already getting old

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You two are so inspiring to an old timer like me! I'm wishing positive outcomes for the new post ops.

So glad to see you are at the entry to a whole new life and healthy lifestyle.

You can do this. Every day you try to do a little better and follow the rules.

Have faith. This can change the whole rest of your life! Very exciting!![emoji171]

Keep posting and updating and know there are many of us here behind you.

This is a nice community of supportive people and a very soft place to ask questions, chat or even just bi*tch about life

Congrats @@sassyfrass23! So glad you are doing so well!

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Thanks!!

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Im three weeks post surgery and struggle with anxiety as well. Two weeks before surgery anything that could go wrong in my life at that time... Did. Including a break-up and my anxiety was at an all time high.

My anxiety has actually reduced since the surgery because I've had to focus on myself. Plus after the surgery the weight just falls off of you and will give you the confidence boost.

The tough part was being so restricted (diet and movement) for such a long time that you have too much time on your hands to think. Never a good thing...

You've been preparing for this for probably a long time and you shouldn't let the anxiety rule your life.

This is a big life event and it is scary at the same time. Being anxious (if you suffer from anxiety issues or not) is totally normal. Our bodies naturally make us anxious at times like this as a defense mechanism.

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