Super Nervous

[Jmorrell 2]

Hello everyone I have been lurking for a while and decided to finally join. I am scheduled for VSG surgery on 8/29. I am so nervous I have never had surgery or been under anesthesia before. How did everyone get over those nervous feelings? My anxiety level is thru the roof.

[NCL04321 154]

First of all congrats on taking the first step to a new and improved you! Those feelings are all normal to have prior to surgery. Just focus on all of the positive changes the surgery will have on your body and life! I was not nervous, instead I was very excited to get the journey started! Bring something from home that gives you comfort such as a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, small pillow etc. Good luck to you!

[summerseeker 1,891]

I have had numerous surgeries and am always nervous until I get to the hospital. Once you are there, they hardly give you a minute to worry as there are so many forms and the wonderful lingerie to put on, lols.

If you are off the scale worrying ask for a pre med to calm you down.

If you really can not face this, you can always say ' I need to take a moment to think this through' because although its one of the safest surgeries, it a big one. Your eating will be changed forever. If you can hold your nerve in the end you will be so happy you didn't pause your journey.

[Trisha95650 2]

I had my surgery on 8/17 and was not nervous. I did get anxious after I got home but I still had anesthesia-head, so it has gone away. I took pain medication for the first 4 days but I’m on day 3 without. My doctor gave me liquid acetaminophen (cheaper on Amazon) and liquid gabapentin. Of the 5 incisions, only two are still sore, so I continue wearing my abdominal binder. That has been a real lifesaver. Good luck to you on your journey. You got this!

[KathyLev 284]

You're only fearful because it's human to be scared of the unknown. You've never had surgery before,so you don't know what to expect. I suggest researching the heck out of it and you'll find the answer to every question you have online ( and here !) I was probably scared as heck at my first surgery,too .... but I'm an old pro now I look forward to the rest , the peacefulness of falling asleep ,waking up feeling like I've had the best sleep of my life and everybody waiting on me hand and foot LOL You'll be like the queen bee with all these worker bees trying to keep you comfy. 😄 It'll be fine and don't be afraid to ask any question you want on this forum ! Good luck !

[JennyBeez 47]

I haven't had this surgery yet, but had my first anesthesia two years ago got a tonsillectomy. I was absolutely terrified of the anesthesia ahead of time -- pretty much right up until I met the anesthesiologist. She took her time to talk with me and reassure me, and was calm as a cucumber herself. She explained how I'd be monitored for all sorts of fluctuations, how they prepare for the rare problems that could occur, etc. I felt much better about it and went into it feeling good.

Ironically, I did have some minor complications coming out of it: the way it depresses your whole system gave me difficulty breathing when I was waking up. But there was someone there and monitoring me until I was back to normal again, doing breathing exercises with me, etc.

You should reach out to your team about your concerns. That's what they're there for. 😊 I'm sure there's someone on their staff who can go over that part of this with you to see if you'll feel better about it.

[ChunkCat 712]

I remember the first time I had anesthesia, I was a nervous wreck! But as soon as they put those happy meds in my IV line I was as good as gold and the OR nurse even had me yelling "Roll Tide!!!" as they wheeled me back, which was surely the meds talking as I'm not a sports fan. LOL Tell them when you get to the nurses that you are really anxious, they can give you meds to ease the worry a bit.

My favorite technique for anxiety is to tell myself "Oh, I'll worry about that tomorrow." Then I put it in a box on a shelf in my brain closet for tomorrow and endeavor to keep it there! Every time it creeps in I tell it that it's not tomorrow yet and back in the closet it goes! Then I remind myself that the only thing I can truly control and affect in life is in the PRESENT MOMENT. So I bring my focus to whatever is in front of me in my day and take the next small step in the process towards whatever I am trying to accomplish.

That paired with remembering my "Why" and envisioning the end goal I desire usually is enough mental gymnastics to keep the anxiety at bay. Worrying about these things is normal, just don't let it get so bad it incapacitates you. Talk it out with someone you trust or talk it out on a post here, there are plenty of listening ears who will get what you are saying. You can do this!!