Okay, so I am not having surgery until the 24th, I haven't even started my preop diet yet...but I am seriously freaking out about having the surgery:scared2:.

It doesn't help that mom is telling me cryptic LB horror stories about my Aunts best friend who is in the hospital because she can't stop throwing up, ya da ya da ya da....I am eating like a pig and getting more scared by the minute that somehow I'm gonna mess this up big time....tons of what if's...I hate those:frown:

I keep trying to remember why I am doing this. I've got plenty of reminders, trust me...I'm just so stressed about the whole thing...any words would be helpful. Maybe after we hear from our brave April 1sters, I'll feel better...Jeez! Why am I so scared now?!?!?!?!:thumbdown:

well- I think what you are experiencing is totally normal. I am scheduled for the 16th. It hasn't quite hit me yet but I am planning on writing down all the reasons why I want this surgery so that I can look at it as the date approaches and kindly remind myself and redirect myself to positive thoughts. Also- something I often do is attempt to "normalize" any situation that I am facing- for example.........focus on the idea/fact that people have this surgery all the time and come out healthy and strong, that the dr. that is performing the surgery has done the surgery numerous times successfully. I personally think that fear can be a good thing because it can motivate you to take action- just don't let it paralyze you. Good luck to you!!!!

I can totally relate to being scared to death! I am also scheduled for the 16th (hi, contemplating!) and I am starting to realize that it is really happening at last.

I think it is such a long haul with all the tests and getting approved for the surgery, then when you finally have a date it all starts coming quicker and quicker and reality sets in. That's where I am now...It is feeling real. I think it is absolutely normal to freak out about what we are about to do. But like "contemplating" said, we have to just focus on the positives. Also know that others are being banded every day and there are sooo many happy bandsters out there who are thankful for their bands and wish they'd have done it sooner.

I am trying to concentrate on making a list of stuff to do before the surgery and what to pack, etc. Each day I get more excited, nervous and freak out, but the overwhelming feeling is one of happiness and a sense of control that I am doing this for myself. :thumbdown:

This sounds a lot like what I went through before surgery, and I'm sure that you and I are not alone, either. I also ate alot before surgery, by the way - a response to panic and fear, and a token goodbye to a way of eating which I knew I wouldn't be able to indulge later.

As far as your Mom's well intentioned concerns, print out these links and leave them around the house for her to read. There are plenty more people taking up hospital beds and cemetary plots because of obesity than as a result ot the affirmative and corrective measure which you have chosen to take.

Obesity can shorten lifespan up to a decade

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/03/18/healthmag.obesity.lifespan/?iref=mpstoryview

Obesity, Diabetes and Heart Disease May Speed Dementia

http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/03/10/obesity-diabetes-and-heart-disease-may-speed.html

Renee's Battle with Obesity

http://www.oprah.com/printarticlefull/oprahshow/20090304-tows-renee-900-pound-mom

Hang in there, be strong and of good courage! Good Luck to you and all the Bunny Bandsters from this November Nymph!

Edited April 1, 200917 yr by bandpal

Hey! Never fear! You will be okay!

I am being banded in 14 hours time (8am NZ time on the 2nd of April) and I was so freaked out about the surgery, and I am not any more. I don't know why, but I know I will be okay.

I keep coming back to the fact that if the risks of surgery were that high, and if this was not the choice for me, then I would have come to that conclusion when I was contemplating this for the last two years - doing all the research - when I was looking at it objectively, not subjectively through anxiety-tinted glasses.

You wouldnt have come this far if you didnt believe it was for you in your heart.

Thank you all so much for such wonderful and supportive comments! I know lingling has already had her surgery and was even on her computer while in the hospital. I think it's a day to day thing. Yesterday, I was back to being excited.

Bandpal, thanks for the great links. What's crazy is that is was my mother who has been after me about getting WLS! I can't head in to surgery now without admitting that I have a seriously dysfunctional family at times!:wink: It's hard to admit that I did this to myself, but I had a ton of help from my skinny mom who has never been satisfied with my weight. Even when I was bulemic, 126 lbs with an 18 inch waist in highschool! Yep! I'm 45 and still in therapy! But with that said about my mom, she does the best she can. I'm not 11 years old and unable to process what are really her own issues.

I do think I am actively saying goodbye to a way of eating. Each time I take a huge bite, I think, "God, I won't be able to do this anymore." Plus, each time I do it, I think "Wow! I won't HAVE to do this anymore." I love that thought. I love the thought of being a "normal" size.

Thanks again and God bless you all!

Bunny Bandsters UNITE!!!