Pre-op Jitters

[lylasmom 6]

I think I posted this in the wrong place earlier oops-newbie problems!

Hi all! I have my first appointment with the surgeon next week (well "first" of this round as I have tried to have WLS twice before in the past but ultimately denied by insurance-this time I'm self-pay so no one can stop me but me!) I know I need this surgery, and I am so excited that I was finally approved for a loan to pay for it after years of waiting. Now that the time is here I keep second guessing myself almost daily. My fears: can anyone put me at ease?

Never waking up...I KNOW this is not logical...I am a mother and I think I fear leaving my family but this WLS is to PROLONG this life! I am terrified of going under. Can you sign consent to the surgery a day early and come in day-of on anti-anxiety meds? like super drugged up??

Seriously, my next biggest fear is being SO thirsty. I have been tested for diabetes my whole adult life over and over and I DO NOT have it but I have been thirsty as long as I can remember. I am never without ice Water. I drink about a gallon a day. Usually sipping but if Im hot Im guzzling. I drink while I eat also. I am so scared I will need Water so badly when I wake up and they wont let me have any and also I know there will be a huge drop in how much water I can have in an any given time. The thought of being thirsty terrifies me but I could care less about wanting to eat solids and not being able to.

Lastly, the pain. I have debilitating back pain exacerbated by all the extra weight. Lying on the hard surgery table then getting cut on...I fear Ill wake in severe back pain and even worse surgery pain. I have had a C-section-can anyone compare the surgery pain to C-section?

Any advice would be great to help keep my eye on the prize of having a better life after WLS.

[Navigating the Wilderness 824]

So, the fact you drink a gallon of Water per day is excellent! Yes you may find it hard to get that much right after surgery, but within a couple months you should be fine. Generally right after surgery you should at least be able to have ice chips.

Not waking up, well, in the very unlikely chance that happens you will never know, so stop worrying about that.

Back pain, yes! I had similar and they compressed my sciatic nerve on the table, now I can't feel anything in either thigh except the occasional shooting burning pain. It sucks, but I never told them ahead of time I had sciatic nerve issues. I suspect if you tell both your surgeon and the hospital, they will do everything they can to make sure you do not have any issues there.

My best advice is to plan for post-op future and do not worry about the things you cannot control during the op itself. Busy yourself with details regarding your new life!!

[lylasmom 6]

Thanks Nav! Ok, ice chips I can do. Ill ask the surgeon about ice chips after I wake...that will something to look forward too, lol, for real though...that will help. HAHA, never thought about it that way...I would never know if I never woke up! Im sorry that happen to you and your sciatic. Wondering if he can make any adjustments for me in advance to help.

[Belle_Mimi 22]

I have the same fears and anxiety. I tolf my surgeon "please make sure I go home to my 6yr old daughter". My date is 5/26 when is your big day?

[lylasmom 6]

I think it adds another level of anxiety when there are children to think about for sure! Good luck on your day! That is actually my (third) initial consult. They are guessing a mid-July date. Hoping for that time as well.

[losintowin 25]

I totally get it. I know what we are all doing is making a change so we can live longer, healthier lives. My kids are my life. My biggest fear in all this is not waking up from surgery and leaving them without a mom. However, at this point, the benefits outweigh the risks. The risk of surgery is small compared to co morbidities of the weight we carry. I have to trust that I have been honest with my surgeon and he will do his best on the table. I will wake up from this, work hard to change me, and give my babies a better life! You've got this. Fear is normal. Just don't let it paralyze you.

[lylasmom 6]

Yes, not letting the fear keep me from moving forward is the key! Thanks!!

[chynadoll619 247]

I have the same fears, I keep trying to put them behind me.. but some how they keep creeping back up. I asked my family members have they ever had any problems with anesthesia.. they said no, so I just have to pray and really trust in God and my surgeon that try will carry me threw to the end.

[cassablast 12]

Yes, not letting the fear keep me from moving forward is the key! Thanks!!

My surgery is tomorrow, I'll be honest, that is my BIGGEST fear too, (not waking up), I am trying to just stay positive these posts have helped me a bunch! Just think the rest of our lives are waiting just on the other side of Fear. We got this! (If anyone sees this, please say a prayer or two for me tomorrow)

[cassablast 12]

I have the same fears, I keep trying to put them behind me.. but some how they keep creeping back up. I asked my family members have they ever had any problems with anesthesia.. they said no, so I just have to pray and really trust in God and my surgeon that try will carry me threw to the end.

Yes girl! I am in the same boat. We got this! [emoji1316]