Surgery fears..

[hannahkayy 3]

Hey!

So my surgeon is calling me in a weeks time to book my surgery for Feb. I am so ready for this new way of life. Im ready to be a better Mom and wife. Im ready to be HEALTHY.

However, I am also terrified of not waking up, of something going wrong during surgery and of just major complications (leak is my biggest fear). I know it may seem silly, but if there's anyone out there that was in the same situation and offer some words of encouragement, I would be very appreciative. I totally understand that the risks of obesity FAR outweigh the risks associated with surgery, I just have an irrational fear I suppose.

Thanks again!

H

[Neri 73]

It's normal to be afraid before major surgery. But it'll be okay. The surgery itself is safer than getting a hip replacement (.08% vs .4%). And major complications only occur in about 2.4% of patients.

You'll be okay.

Sources:

https://asmbs.org/resources/studies-weigh-in-on-safety-and-effectiveness-of-newer-bariatric-and-metabolic-surgery-procedure

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/joint-surgery/types/hip/hip-replacement-mortality-rates.php

https://obesitynewstoday.com/gastric-sleeve-complications/

[elcee 3,343]

I have the exact same fears every time I have to be put under , I think its just normal to be scared.

[Frustr8 7,886]

It's perfectly normal and logical to be apprehensive. Although I love my doctors, my bariatric program, I love to feel I am contolling my future and being put to sleep, you are relinquishing all control. Didn't Shakespeare say something about " What dreams may come", although this is a dreamless slumber, I do prefer being awake and the Mistress of My Life.

[hannahkayy 3]

Thanks guys! I know it will all be well, just don’t like relinquishing control. lol I just keep reminding myself how beneficial the sleeve will be!

[ABawdyMermaid 70]

I am right there with you! Absolutely terrified, and my surgery is just in 4 days! (Well, less than now, technically!) I keep thinking of literally every worst case scenario (thanks, anxiety!) But in general, these surgeries are pretty safe overall. Just have to watch out for complications and be vigilant about taking care of ourselves afterwards. If you ever want to talk about your fears, feel free to message me (cause I completely understand and feel much the same worries!) Take care!

[Frustr8 7,886]

Draconian, start thinking instead of the bad, the good, the things you'll be able to do that your Weight may have made difficult, the new wardrobe you may be able to get once you "undergrow" your clothes. Less shortness of breath, not tiring as fast, oh there is a bright New world out there just waiting for a Lusty Draconian Maud to show up, are you going to deny them because of whimwahs, oh I think not! Onward my dear, you are on the Glide Path to Glory!

[Recidivist 1,141]

Hannah, I'm having bypass in February and I could have written your post word-for-word. I have all of the same thoughts, but I'm not letting them stop me from going through with the surgery. I just think about how much better life will be once I'm on the other side and am able walk up a flight of stairs without feeling out of breath.

[Frustr8 7,886]

There are 2 definations for F E A R
Forget everything and Run
Face everything and Rise above
And the Choice is Yours Today.

[mousecat88 2,281]

I had my surgery 11/1 and developed an ulcer, had to have my gallbladder out, and developed a hernia and IT IS STILL WORTH IT. I can't imagine any complication that would not be worth dealing with in order to lose this weight. PS: I am all healed up now. They will test you in the OR for leaks; my surgeon tested my pouch 3 times. So extremely rare to have a leak, and it is fixable. There's pretty much nothing they can't fix. There was a few moments where I felt like it was "unfair" these things happened to me and I was exasperated at having to deal with it... but losing the weight conquers all.

[Debbi Moore 38]

I am fearful too. I am getting the sleeve on January 31st. But I'm a little more fearful of not losing any weight. What if I do the surgery and it doesn't work. I dont lose a pound.
My doctor has me on a No carb, High Protein pre op diet and I have been drinking my Water ( 60 oz a day) so I should lose something i would think, but what if I dont.



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[Frustr8 7,886]

Baby Bird- Mama I'm afraid to leave the nest, I might fall.
Mama Bird- No No You were born to fly. Just move your wings, look ahead and not at the ground. You were born to fly.
You are stronger than you think, You are ready, be like mama Bird said , you were born for this reason- you'll never stumble when you take flight. No losing thoughts, you are a Winner, so have your surgery, and your life will change for the Good, you will be so proud of you. So shine and sparkle on your Day. Fly Baby Fly!

[dreamingofasleeve 89]

I had my surgery 11/1 and developed an ulcer, had to have my gallbladder out, and developed a hernia and IT IS STILL WORTH IT. I can't imagine any complication that would not be worth dealing with in order to lose this weight. PS: I am all healed up now. They will test you in the OR for leaks; my surgeon tested my pouch 3 times. So extremely rare to have a leak, and it is fixable. There's pretty much nothing they can't fix. There was a few moments where I felt like it was "unfair" these things happened to me and I was exasperated at having to deal with it... but losing the weight conquers all.

How did you find out you had an ulcer after your sleeve? What symptoms we're you having?
Just our of curiosity. Did you have to get surgery again to fix the hernia and ulcer?
How far out were you when these things showed up?

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[mousecat88 2,281]

25 minutes ago, dreamingofasleeve said:

How did you find out you had an ulcer after your sleeve? What symptoms we're you having?
Just our of curiosity. Did you have to get surgery again to fix the hernia and ulcer?
How far out were you when these things showed up?

Sent from my Pixel 3 XL using BariatricPal mobile app

I had RNY. I had symptoms pretty much as soon as I got home from the hospital. Everything I ate or drank BURNED LIKE FIRE, even Water. Two or three weeks later, after they realized it wasn't just "sensitivity", they did an endoscopy and found the ulcer. I was on a liquid medicine called Carafate for two months, four times a day, and Pepcid and Prilosec. It recently healed on its own. The hernia, I had no symptoms, but they saw it when I had to have my gallbladder removed on 1/5. I started having serioussss gallbladder symptoms 1.5 months out from surgery. Extreme nausea and dry-heaving. They didn't realize it was my gallbladder for about 3 weeks after I had symptoms begin. They sewed the hernia while doing the gallbladder.

Edited February 4, 2019 by mousecat88

[GradyCat 3,697]

That's a normal fear. I prayed and prayed for two weeks before the surgery for a skillful surgeon, for no complications, no leaks, no infections, etc. When I woke up in recovery I remember saying, "I'm alive, I made it" and the nurses assuring me I was okay. Just try to focus on how wonderful you're going to feel and how many more years of life you're going to have because you'll be at a healthy weight. Take care.