so nervous- please help ease my nerves!

[nervous2018 1]

I am scheduled for gastric sleeve surgery mid-February. I am so terribly nervous about the actual surgery itself. I've never had surgery and I am making my self a nervous wreck thinking about my surgery and the post surgery recovery. Can any post-sleeve surgery veterans give me any advice or thoughts to settle my nerves? haha

I am so excited about actually getting the sleeve but I am so ready to get past the procedure.

Thank you!

[orionburn 1,023]

Most of us had nerves that were shot leading up to surgery. You're far from alone. I've had surgery before so going under didn't really phase me or concern me, but not knowing what to expect waking up was the scary part. The morning of surgery I was nervous, but at the same time ready to be done with it. After doing a 6 month program (and other delays) and then the last 2 weeks with the pre-op diet I was wanting it to be finished.

Everyone has a different story to tell. For some it's a walk in the park. For others it was a tough few weeks. Comes down to hope for the best, prepare for the worst. You'll find very few people that truly regret their surgery. It does happen, and my heart goes out to those folks, but luckily for most it's a relatively short period of discomfort for a long road of feeling better. That gave me peace of mind that so many in this community were thankful to have gone through it. Even some of those that did have some complications yet had no regrets (myself included).

[MsTipps 314]

Nerves are completely normal! I made a will as I was convinced something would go wrong. I had never had a general anaesthetic or anything before. In reality, the op was absolutely fine and I was up walking soon after. Been home since the second day and keeping my Water and Protein down fine. There is nothing you can't handle - I promise. X

[Creekimp13 5,838]

I was one of those lucky weirdos who had a super easy sleeve. I'm 45. Within an hour of getting into my room after recovery I was walking the halls, laughing with my bestie who came to visit, and feeling sore, but shockingly good. Had no problems drinking, have had no problems eating. I had a super easy textbook perfect recovery.

Orionburn is so right, though. Everyone's different.

Rather than work yourself up over all the "what-ifs" about surgery...try to reflect on how much you'll be reducing your odds of getting a heart attack, stroke, hemorrhoids, diabetes, cancer, etc... Obesity related illnesses are far scarier to me than a quick trip under anesthetic and a surgical recovery. Also think about your increased mobility and health in general. It'll be ok:)

[nervous2018 1]

Thank you, everyone! You have all made me feel better already. I'm sure that I am worrying for nothing...just can't help it! haha. It is always nice to have a little reassurance.

[kandywolf 161]

Surprisingly I was not nervous at all. I am guessing because it was my first elected surgery. All my others, I didnt have a choice. I figured if I could live through having 2 cancer scares in 6 months (thyroidectomy and breast biopsy) I could make it through this. Also went through the 2 egds because my doctor did the first one and there was an indent in the top of my stomach. So I was sent to a specialist and they redid and said my spleen must have been swollen at some point, but that it was fine, because it was in the area they were removing.
I woke up and was taken to a room. That night I visited with family and was walking the halls. Day 2, was not so peachy. I was diabetic and 10 days before the surgery, I stopped taking my meds and I have not had to go back on them 3 months out. They woke me every 4 hours for glucose testing. It was dipping as low as 54. Then they would give me dextrose and test again in 20 min. 5 different times in 18 hours. When I was to start my fluids, I got very nauseous. They were not going down well. They had stopped my iv pain med and did not tell me. They tried giving me pills, but I refused because of nausea. 4 hours later a friend who had this procedure 4 years ago came up to see me. I was curled in a ball on the bed in so much pain. What did I do? Why did I do it? Well, she kicked ass once she heard I wasnt taking oral meds. She asked the nurse about a pain killer and was told I refused all oral meds. I couldnt pee, so they also put in a catheter at this point. She said go out and call her doctor now. (She is also a pca, that helped too!) he reinstated my med by iv, they got me a new bed, which little did I know with having neck issues the new beds would not be comfortable at all for me. Within 20 minutes I was walking the halls, like the night before. The following morning they took out the cath and once I was able to take meds (the crystal light was also making me nauseas) my friend came up and got me and took me home, and the worst was my sense of taste and smell. Now the worst thing is waiting 30 minutes after eating to drink (I have paid for it). My taste and smell have gotten better. And I do not regret it at all! Just remember to know what kind of meds you are refusing. I never realized how high my tolerance for pain was! After being home I never took a pain med. I actually had people who were willing to come in and take care of me. I really didnt need anyone. Just couldnt lift or do a lot of bending! Otherwise I was good! Be vigilant in your care! Good luck, I have gone through worse! It will be fine in the end!


SW 350 (11/15)
BSW 260 (10/17/17)
CW 223 (1/14/18)
RGW 199
GW 175

[LaLaDee 519]

I was crying before my surgery and absolutely terrified. I didn’t have an easy time afterwards either (don’t mean to frighten anyone) BUT I still don’t regret it. Just get through it and it will be worth it in the end!

[SwimT 11]

I wasn’t nervous at all, but my Mom was. She had hers in October and she is doing great. She had her gallbladder removed, hiatal hernia repair and a sleeve. She doesn’t regret it one minute! I had sleeve and hiatal hernia repair 5 days ago. Just prepare yourself for some incredibly dry mouth and sore throat. That was far worse than my incisions. Get up after and move and you will do great!!!