I'm having my surgery on June 5th. My insurance had me do that whole dance of going to a therapist and nutritionist for several months before they approved it. I was cleared in April, and set my date for June so I could go on vacation and do a few other things before the surgery. It still had not sunk in that this was happened. Yesterday, I got email from my doctors office with what I needed to do next. Get my labs done, start my diet a week out, and my last appointment and class with my surgeon. That really hit, and I'm excited, and very nervous. My anxiety is at a 10 right now. I just got off the phone with the hospital and I paid them (bonus: I hit my out of pocket max for the year!), and now it's just really hitting hard. I don't think I've felt this much anxiety in years...and that says a lot since I'm an obsessive compulsive. So I need to really keep focused so I don't flip out and run away screaming. I'm guessing this is a normal reaction?

It was normal for me. I suffer from anxiety and depression and went through about a week of sheer anxiety prior to surgery. By the day of surgery (April 8), I was cool as a cucumber! Just keep reminding yourself why you chose this path and that it will lead to a better life for you!

Sure it's normal. It's a big deal. It's a major surgery and it's going to have a big impact on both your immediate future and the rest of your life. Take a deep breath . . . you've got this!

I'm having my surgery on June 5th. My insurance had me do that whole dance of going to a therapist and nutritionist for several months before they approved it. I was cleared in April, and set my date for June so I could go on vacation and do a few other things before the surgery. It still had not sunk in that this was happened. Yesterday, I got email from my doctors office with what I needed to do next. Get my labs done, start my diet a week out, and my last appointment and class with my surgeon. That really hit, and I'm excited, and very nervous. My anxiety is at a 10 right now. I just got off the phone with the hospital and I paid them (bonus: I hit my out of pocket max for the year!), and now it's just really hitting hard. I don't think I've felt this much anxiety in years...and that says a lot since I'm an obsessive compulsive. So I need to really keep focused so I don't flip out and run away screaming. I'm guessing this is a normal reaction?

Ok, first off, let me just say...RELAX SWEETHEART! BREATHE! SMILE!

I myself have OCD, Severe Anxiety, PTSD, and chronic depression.
I know exactly what you are talking about and more. I went through the swing of emotion and was super excited and then super scared, nervous, wanted to throw up and run away and call it all off, but i had the love and support of my family and friends, and had to keep telling myself how much better i will feel.

This is a big step. It is also a new you and a new life. You will have these thoughts and feelings, but it is because you feel unsure of yourself or the "what ifs"

All i can offer you is this piece of advice as someone who has been through this.

1. Make sure YOU are comfortable with your surgeon. Do they support you, Do they ask you questions, are they treating you with respect and not an assembly line patient "cut you open stitch you up" make sure they have EVERYTHING YOU NEED!

2. ASK QUESTIONS! If there is an emergency during the procedure, what are the chances are bleeding, are you comfortable with bloodless surgery (if you do not take blood transfusions)

3. Are there chances of it being an incomplete surgery? Bypass in particular

Write down your questions for your surgeon and get one on one. If the surgeon cant answer ANY of these simple questions, then they don't have your best interest in mind. I hope this helps you.

Remember: BREATHE AND RELAX. THIS IS ALL POSITIVE. A NEW YOU AND A FRESH START (if you're mentally ready) The surgery isn't the hard part. Not at all. It is the AFTER that is the hardest. Changing the way you think about food and your relationship with it will be the most hardest thing you will ever experience, but you will only find that out for yourself when you finally experience it firsthand. Some people, it is easier than others. For me, it was hard. I didn't realize how badly i missed food until after surgery. I know it won't be that long before i have solid food again, but the days just run together and seem so long. Getting a hobby and keeping your mind active is the best way to get your mind off things.

Also, i strongly suggest in getting a good protein powder for shakes. I recommend Premier protein powder that has the most protein available with very little sugar. Also, PB Fit powder (peanut butter protein powder) for added protein. If you mix the chocolate protein powder with the peanut butter powder, it tastes similar to a russel stovers sugar free peanut butter cup in liquid form. Yummage! Anyhow. Hope this helps. TAKE CARE!!!!!

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yep. I've had several surgeries in my lifetime, and I still get freaked out about them beforehand! I think it's pretty normal!

My surgeon has been great. He gave me his phone number and email and has been available to answer any questions I've had. Everyone at the office has been great. Even the receptionists. So, I feel like I made a good choice. My wife is super supportive. She made me a book with recipes and she's even going to follow a similar diet. My parents think I'm being stupid...so I just don't mention it to them. But, I feel like I have the support I need. I've read about all the risks, and even though I know the chances are slim, I still worry. But I get anxious going to my yearly physical...so yeah. I think I'll be ok. I just need to get myself relaxed.

I know it's going to be hard after. I used to be addicted to other things, and I've been able to give them up...but food is different. You need food to live and it's readily available. I think my biggest issue has always been that feeling of hunger. Hopefully that won't be as much of an issue.

Oh, and I'm glad to know pb fit can be used. We actually buy it and eat it regularly. Thanks for the words. It's good to know I'm not alone in the anxiety game.

I mentioned this on another post recently, but I went through something very similar. I was calm, assured, and excited all the way through my six month pre-op process, and then got suddenly attacked by nerves in the couple of days before. When I was in the intake room at the hospital my heart rate was so high just from nerves that they even asked anesthesia holding to give me something mild to calm me down before they took me to the OR.

I've had generalized anxiety disorder for most of my life, so I was anticipating that I'd get very nervous as the surgery got closer, but I think some jitters are probably common even for people who don't struggle with anxiety normally.

Just breathe, remind yourself of all the work you've put in so far, and know that you'll come out on the other side ready to start a whole new life!

My surgeon has been great. He gave me his phone number and email and has been available to answer any questions I've had. Everyone at the office has been great. Even the receptionists. So, I feel like I made a good choice. My wife is super supportive. She made me a book with recipes and she's even going to follow a similar diet. My parents think I'm being stupid...so I just don't mention it to them. But, I feel like I have the support I need. I've read about all the risks, and even though I know the chances are slim, I still worry. But I get anxious going to my yearly physical...so yeah. I think I'll be ok. I just need to get myself relaxed.
I know it's going to be hard after. I used to be addicted to other things, and I've been able to give them up...but food is different. You need food to live and it's readily available. I think my biggest issue has always been that feeling of hunger. Hopefully that won't be as much of an issue.
Oh, and I'm glad to know pb fit can be used. We actually buy it and eat it regularly. Thanks for the words. It's good to know I'm not alone in the anxiety game.

Sounds like you have an amazing support team and a great surgeon. Your parents sound like they don't fully understand the benefits vs risks of the procedure. I am sorry about that. I had a few people in my family say that i was trying to take "the cheaters way out" vs losing the weight myself. Needless to say, I don't talk to them anymore. This is not an easy way out. It is a TOOL to help us get down to an easier and more manageable weight VS placing unnecessary strain on our bodies and causing damage to ourselves. It is a dangerous game of cat and mouse when it comes to trying to lose weight at such high numbers.

My point is this: Your parents and nay-sayers will regret saying that you are stupid when they start to see how healthy you look and how important this is to your life and for YOUR family. Heck, i would even have half a brain to call your parents for you and call them stupid for you. (Sorry, but that just really grinds my gears. They should be happy for you and be more supportive)
I really hope and pray they start to turn around and see the upside to this for you.

P s your wife sounds like an amazing rock and supportive teammate. ?[emoji7] That is pure love

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1 hour ago, egs93 said:

I mentioned this on another post recently, but I went through something very similar. I was calm, assured, and excited all the way through my six month pre-op process, and then got suddenly attacked by nerves in the couple of days before. When I was in the intake room at the hospital my heart rate was so high just from nerves that they even asked anesthesia holding to give me something mild to calm me down before they took me to the OR.

I've had generalized anxiety disorder for most of my life, so I was anticipating that I'd get very nervous as the surgery got closer, but I think some jitters are probably common even for people who don't struggle with anxiety normally.

Just breathe, remind yourself of all the work you've put in so far, and know that you'll come out on the other side ready to start a whole new life!

I have a feeling I'll probably be like that the day I go in. I won't sleep the night before, I'll be a wreck. But, I have to keep telling myself it's going to be worth it, and it's all going to be ok. Glad you got through it all!

49 minutes ago, LeaG said:

Sounds like you have an amazing support team and a great surgeon. Your parents sound like they don't fully understand the benefits vs risks of the procedure. I am sorry about that. I had a few people in my family say that i was trying to take "the cheaters way out" vs losing the weight myself. Needless to say, I don't talk to them anymore. This is not an easy way out. It is a TOOL to help us get down to an easier and more manageable weight VS placing unnecessary strain on our bodies and causing damage to ourselves. It is a dangerous game of cat and mouse when it comes to trying to lose weight at such high numbers.

My point is this: Your parents and nay-sayers will regret saying that you are stupid when they start to see how healthy you look and how important this is to your life and for YOUR family. Heck, i would even have half a brain to call your parents for you and call them stupid for you. (Sorry, but that just really grinds my gears. They should be happy for you and be more supportive)
I really hope and pray they start to turn around and see the upside to this for you.

P s your wife sounds like an amazing rock and supportive teammate. ? That is pure love

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My wife is really awesome. She's been very involved in everything and it means a ton. My Mom is one of those people who thinks they know better than the doctor. The only reason I even got to where I am is because my doctor, whom I had been working on weight issues for years, decided this might be the best way to go. We had tried diets and exercise, and it just never really took. I lose a few pounds and then just get stuck. And to say this is an easy way out is a joke. I know the amount of work it's going to take, and I'm prepared for it. It's going to be hard, but I know how I am, and I can do this. I just gotta keep calm until then.

My wife is really awesome. She's been very involved in everything and it means a ton. My Mom is one of those people who thinks they know better than the doctor. The only reason I even got to where I am is because my doctor, whom I had been working on weight issues for years, decided this might be the best way to go. We had tried diets and exercise, and it just never really took. I lose a few pounds and then just get stuck. And to say this is an easy way out is a joke. I know the amount of work it's going to take, and I'm prepared for it. It's going to be hard, but I know how I am, and I can do this. I just gotta keep calm until then.

You will do WONDERFUL my friend. You also have US in bariatric Pal as well. We all are rooting for you. We are all stri ing towards the same goal, and that is to be a healthier for ourselves and to those we love and care about. I got my surgery because i want to have children with my hubby bug, and run and play with my nieces and nephews and be a better dog trainer and so much more. Underneath all this fat, is and was a very broken person, but i am so over the teenage drama and my past abuse issues with my father that i am ready to shed my old self and become anew for my future. CHEERS TO YOU MY BELOVED FRIEND! KEEP US UPDATED. WE ALL CARE FOR YOU HERE. I KNOW I DO.

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