Hi, I'm new here, I should be having surgery in November. I'm 33, female, married with 3 kids. I'm currently having anxiety about being out under anesthesia for surgery. My parents are not helping out any and keep saying they are worried I will die. Meanwhile my mom is overweight with high blood pressure and diabetes and other issues. I have made it through 3 c-sections, 2 ankle surgeries, gallbladder surgery and appendicitis surgery. I still worry about anesthesia. Can anyone give me any tips on over coming these fears?

Hi, and welcome!

This whole process feels a lot like those exercises where you fall backwards, blindfolded, trusting someone will catch you.

The good news is once you are put under, (nothing bad will happen), but if it did, you wouldn't know anything about it. When my time comes, I can only HOPE to go out so peacefully!

I had my surgery 6 months ago, and they gave me something to calm my nerves before going to sleep. It really did help

Surgery is, statistically, much safer than obesity, particularly once you are over 2 months postop.

Since your mom is overweight with high blood pressure and diabetes, there is a good chance that you may be headed down the same road. My mom had diabetes and believe me this is a very debilitating condition. I developed high blood pressure and diabetes as the years went on and decided to not travel down the same path. I had RNY gastric bypass surgery over 4 years ago and have not regretted this decision. All my medical conditions went into remission and stayed there. One of the reasons why I decided to have the surgery was to be there for my grandkids. So look at this as something you are doing for your children. So you can be healthy and be there as they grow up, get married and have children of their own.

Honestly the lifestyle changes are a much bigger factor than the surgery. I've been doing these surgeries as a nurse for years easily having done north of 1000 surgeries. I've never had anything bad happened to a patient. Yes sometimes they have scars and adhesions from a previous surgery and it takes a little longer. But that's not a problem. Heck even bleeding (outside of the expected minimal) is incredibly rare.

You're a young healthy person, you're a prime candidate for surgery. The people who should be worried are likely very old, very sick, or having very serious surgeries. While there's a risk for anybody, it's incredibly unlikely honestly. I'd say your chances of getting hurt in a bad car crash are comparable (if not more likely) than something bad happening during surgery.

That's not to suggest that issues after surgery are non existent, but that's a different story

I'm having band to bypass revision surgery on November 8th. I'm excited for a life-change but nervous and anxious for the procedure. My anxiety is unfortunately so bad that my blood pressure sky-rockets at the hospital - and I don't even have high blood pressure! The last time I was in for a surgery (in February for an ankle surgery), I told them how anxious I was. They immediately spoke to the anesthesia doctor and got me a major dose of valium which was a huge help! Talk with your nurses, they are there to help you feel comfortable.

I do anesthesia on animals, stress and anxiety changes how much anesthesia we use but it doesn't necessarily change their outcome. Anesthesia is always a risk, but you are in the hands of trained professionals! Also, word of advice...talk to the anesthesia doctor as well (they should come talk to you anyway before-hand), tell them your fears, find out their credentials if it will help you feel better.

I'm 31, single, and just have animals as my kids. I'm going back to work 10 days after surgery - should be fun! You can do it! The outcome will be amazing and finally we can live a healthy life!

Edited October 6, 20178 yr by brennajohnson14

Thank you all very much!

I'm having band to bypass revision surgery on November 8th. I'm excited for a life-change but nervous and anxious for the procedure. My anxiety is unfortunately so bad that my blood pressure sky-rockets at the hospital - and I don't even have high blood pressure! The last time I was in for a surgery (in February for an ankle surgery), I told them how anxious I was. They immediately spoke to the anesthesia doctor and got me a major dose of valium which was a huge help! Talk with your nurses, they are there to help you feel comfortable.
I do anesthesia on animals, stress and anxiety changes how much anesthesia we use but it doesn't necessarily change their outcome. Anesthesia is always a risk, but you are in the hands of trained professionals! Also, word of advice...talk to the anesthesia doctor as well (they should come talk to you anyway before-hand), tell them your fears, find out their credentials if it will help you feel better.
I'm 31, single, and just have animals as my kids. I'm going back to work 10 days after surgery - should be fun! You can do it! The outcome will be amazing and finally we can live a healthy life!

Wow...I am going from lapband to bypass as well. My band was taken out in April. It must be exciting to be having surgery next week! Good luck to you!

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Wow...I am going from lapband to bypass as well. My band was taken out in April. It must be exciting to be having surgery next week! Good luck to you!

Sent from my SM-G955U using BariatricPal mobile app

Thanks!

Welcome and congrats on your coming surgery! Hey, come join us in the Nov surgery buddies thread! Here's the link:

Hope to see you there!

My surgery date is November 20th!

I am 63 and having revision from lapband to bypass on 12/14. I wish your family would be more supportive. This surgery will change your life in such a positive way. So wish I could have had it younger. I'd go for it, so you can enjoy life with your kids. You will feel so much better.