WELL, FIRST I'M HAPPY I FOUND THIS SITE! I'M SCHELDULED FOR SURGERY ON MONDAY OCT 06.I'M TRYING NOT TO THINK ABOUT IT,BECAUSE WHEN I DO I FELL ANXIOUS:crying:,ANY ADVICE. I HAVE NEVER HAD SURGERY NEVER BEEN UNDER NOR HAD AN IV SO YOU CAN SAY I'M A VIRGIN LOL

Hi Trina, and welcome to the forum! First off, don't be too anxious about the surgery, it's really not that bad. I know some people have a lot of issues with gas pain up to a week after surgery, including left shoulder pain, so be prepared for that.

I, unfortunately, was not a surgery "virgin", but I knew that I always throw-up (sorry for the TMI) at least once after anesthesia, so I asked for extra meds. Because I get motion sick, I got a motion sickness patch behind my ear, and an extra shot after surgery to ward off getting ill. If you tend to get motion sickness, let your doctor know (I was told to tell the anesthesiologist, <-- thank goodness for spell check, the morning of surgery).

The IV doesn't hurt, and at most a little sting as the nurse is inserting it.

Read all you can to prepare, and ask questions, because someone here will have an answer.

This was also my first surgery and I was terrified. The more calm you can be, the easier it will be when you get to the hospital. The IV isn't really bad. Don't watch them put it in. Let them know how nervous you are, that way they can give you a "cocktail". It will really calm you prior to going to the OR.

Focus on everything you know about your surgery and your life after. It is a wonderful step you are taking for a healthier life. It will help you keep your "eye on the prize". That, and the "cocktail" helped me.:cursing:

Hi Trina. I'm Nancy. I am having the surgery on October 7th---my first surgery ever!---so I am nervous too. I keep focussing on the positives about the surgery (better health, nicer clothes, no aching joints) so I don't become frantic. I have to lose about 90 lbs and I am not as young as some of the other people on this site (soon to be 57) so I expect it will be a long haul.

Hi Trina, and Welcome i just had surgery on the 24 of sept. i was pretty excited, except that they found that i had a hernia, so my doc had to repair it and after surgery, i was pretty drugged out .The 2 hour ride back home was uncomfortable. my advice would have to be take your pain medicine u will feel and heal alot faster and walk walk walk... the 2nd day i just kinda walked around the house the 3rd day i walked out side a little and to the mail box the 4th day i walked around the block and got tired, another suggestion would be to get a heating pad for the gas pains i put it on my shoulder and felt much better another thing i didnt drink were my protein shakes for the first two days cause i was afraid that the gas would be worse. now its been 8 days and i feel pretty good alittle pressure on my chest but not to bad. now my problem is i cook for my teens and im really hungry the protein shakes and clear liquids are just not doing the trick. so i have to wait 4 more days before i can have mushies, so i'm getting excited, i wish you well, and i know you will do fine with ur surgery, have a speedy recovery and let us know how you are feeling. GOD BLESS!!!

Hello,

I was also a surgery "virgin" when I went in. I was very scared of everything. Infact I was so scared I wrote good-bye letters to my family in case I didnt make it out of surgery (not good, they were not happy to read them after I came out of surgery just fine..LOL) The surgery itself isnt bad. I had never had an IV or anything, and I am scared of needles. I would say having to have that might have been the worst thing. It doesnt hurt, its just always there.

Other than that being put under was ok, and the surgery wasnt that bad. I had a bad recovery because they were giving me a pain med in my IV I was allergic too, so I was vomitting for the first 4 or 5 hours out of surgery, and I still did fine. I was in more pain than normal due to my vomitting, but was still fine.

I know many people who have gotten this surgery, and from all their stories I had the worst recovery of them all, and I would STILL suggest this surgery to anyone. It changes your life and makes you better. There is no other way to look at it. WHen you wake up you are a different person.

This is by far the greatest thing I have ever done, and like I said I would suggest it to anyone. Dont be afraid, and just smile. It is the beginning to your new life with a new YOU!!

Kepp your head up and Good Luck!!

Cassie