Scared senseless.... pre-op

[Misha H 3]

I am scheduled for surgery on the 17th of November. After being scheduled week before last, it didn't seem real to me, but I have my pre-op appointment on Wed & it's starting to hit me... everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited... well, yes, a little... but I'm having major surgery & I asked for it! (Am I crazy?!?)

Anyone out there who can perhaps give me some advice & maybe calm my nerves down a bit?

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[MG1776 275]

Being nervous is expected as it is a major surgery. I’m a week post op and feel great. Even with some bleeding that kept me a couple days longer than expected, it was really a breeze and I’m so happy I went through with it. I’m still on full liquids for another week, but each day that goes by I feel better. You’ll do great, just trust the process and stay the course.

[dsdesigna 143]

1 hour ago, Misha H said:

I am scheduled for surgery on the 17th of November. After being scheduled week before last, it didn't seem real to me, but I have my pre-op appointment on Wed & it's starting to hit me... everyone keeps asking me if I'm excited... well, yes, a little... but I'm having major surgery & I asked for it! (Am I crazy?!?)

Anyone out there who can perhaps give me some advice & maybe calm my nerves down a bit?

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I would be more concerned if you weren’t scared. It is a big deal. But you got this. And you are not alone.

Try to focus on the after care. Make sure you have what you need when you get home. Stay busy, get your mind off it. Go see a movie. Go out with friends, spend time with family. Start journaling. Get the thoughts out of your head.

Congrats on choosing to dramatically change your life!

[eden30 111]

Yes congratulations on changing your life. I too am just a couple of weeks away from surgery and of course it is scary as well as exciting. Good advice above. Keep busy and breathe. Big hugs x

[James Marusek 5,244]

It is very natural to be afraid prior to surgery. To get your mind off this I would recommend three things.

1. Take a good before photograph of yourself, so that you have something to compare to after surgery. Many times we are blind to our obesity. We do not see ourselves. Therefore when the weight begins to drop off rather dramatically, we question if this is really happening. Photographs are a good visualization of our success. Many people carry a before and after photo with them, just to remind themselves of their success.
2. Walk 30 minutes each day, every day until surgery (or equivalent exercise). Walking helps the recovery process go smoothly and minimized the pain levels from surgery.
3. Wean yourself from caffeine and carbonated beverages now. After I gave up my 6 diet coke a day habit, I suffered from a week of severe withdrawal syndrome consisting of severe headaches and body aches. I was miserable. You don't want to combine the effects of caffeine withdrawal with the effects of surgery.

[FluffyChix 17,409]

Oh wow! Sorry you're feeling this way. ((hugs)) Everyone has great advice on this!! I'm right there with you and scared spitless.

This I know...the only way through it...is through it. Make sure you spend some quiet time with your feelings and really "feel" and process them. Acknowledge them. Cry if you wanna. It's your party! Grieve if you must. But then, reach out and embrace and accept. Allow yourself to feel hope, excitement for the future.

Realize that there WILL be a learning curve, but that it has an endpoint. Every day that you go past the surgery will make you more and more healthy and free from pain of all kinds.

This sums up beautifully my approach to life and to this opportunity for a new life. Even in the midst of potential complications, if you keep your eye on the prize and choose optimism and gratitude, it will lighten our load!

" Being nervous is expected as it is a major surgery. I’m a week post op and feel great. Even with some bleeding that kept me a couple days longer than expected, it was really a breeze and I’m so happy I went through with it. I’m still on full liquids for another week, but each day that goes by I feel better. You’ll do great, just trust the process and stay the course."

Thanks @MG1776!! This really helped tonight!

[Walter.Sobchak 978]

Surgery is going to be the easy part. The hard part is adjusting to life with your new stomach.

[Tevibez_wls_ 10]

[Misha H 3]

Being nervous is expected as it is a major surgery. I’m a week post op and feel great. Even with some bleeding that kept me a couple days longer than expected, it was really a breeze and I’m so happy I went through with it. I’m still on full liquids for another week, but each day that goes by I feel better. You’ll do great, just trust the process and stay the course.

What kind of surgery did you have? And how much have you lost so far?

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[MG1776 275]

I had VSG done 10/16. My SW was 283.1 and yesterday I weighed at 266.6. I’ve been getting my fluids and Protein daily, and moving around as much as possible. Finally feeling normal with no head fog, etc. incision sites are almost healing, the larger one has a bit to go, and still some bruising, but can sleep on my sides and almost my stomach. Just trying to find some variety of full liquids between yogurt, Soups, shakes, etc. You guys will do amazing, just stick the course. Walk as much as you can post op, but also listen to your body. Hydration is key.

[Misha H 3]

Yes congratulations on changing your life. I too am just a couple of weeks away from surgery and of course it is scary as well as exciting. Good advice above. Keep busy and breathe. Big hugs x

When is your surgery date? And what kind of surgery are you doing?

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[XYZXYZXYZ1955 675]

I'm a little unusual in that I wasn't nervous about the surgery at all--and it was still easier than expected. Virtually no pain at all afterwards. But the person who said the hard part isn't the surgery, it's what comes after that--so true! The first month or so after surgery was not fun at all for me--had no energy at all for a few weeks and got very sick of the Protein Shakes.

However, I'm a lot happier now that I'm eating real food again--very small amounts, of course. I'm fine with that.

I've also had several stalls and I think I'm just now coming out of a two-week stall. They kind of suck, but I knew it would end eventually. Overall loss is just over 50 pounds, so I'm pretty happy with that, despite having a long way to go.

Concentrate on what you are doing for your health and well-being. Virtually everyone on this site says the surgery was the best decision they ever made for themselves and they wish they had done it sooner. No regrets about the timing: just give yourself kudos for making this life-saving, life-affirming decision.

[Adriana_losingit 3]

My surgery is November 7. I'm so excited but I'm all scared as all hell! You aren't crazy! It's normal. But the hardest parts are almost over. You worked your butt off to get where you are today, and it's only going to get better around the corner!

[allie2 40]

Glad to read this. Surgery date is Nov. 7 and I find myself questioning it. I had no doubts when i started process in April, but I am suddenly obsessively thinking about the anesthesia. No idea why. The hospital called with my final instructions, where to go, what to bring, what to expect. Instead of being happy like i was when my insurance was approved, i felt a little sick. I keep telling myself one day at a time.

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[XYZXYZXYZ1955 675]

On 10/29/2017 at 5:22 PM, allie2 said:

Glad to read this. Surgery date is Nov. 7 and I find myself questioning it. I had no doubts when i started process in April, but I am suddenly obsessively thinking about the anesthesia. No idea why. The hospital called with my final instructions, where to go, what to bring, what to expect. Instead of being happy like i was when my insurance was approved, i felt a little sick. I keep telling myself one day at a time.

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I know this is scary when it's a new experience, but please don't obsess about it--I've been put under ten times at least and let me just say, I'm pretty happy to have missed what happened while I was under! With this surgery, the only real pain I had was when I first came to--five minutes later the pain meds kicked in and I was fine after that, no pain to speak of at all. Wishing the same to you and everyone!