Ok so I've been thinking about my surgery and dreaming of how thin I will be, the yard work I can start doing, walking and I'm so excited to finally almost be there.....then I start to think about the actual surgery and think to myself "I can't do this".  I have such anxiety stupid fear towards surgery - always have.  And what's even more stupid is the only part that is scary for me is the few minutes before they actually put me under.  I panic and start to cry and wake up crying, it's horrible.  Does anyone else have this level of anxiety or fear of surgery? How did you get prepared for surgery?

I don't have a surgery date yet, but waiting on pins and needles to hear.  At the rate I'm going, I will need to be medicated a week before surgery.  LOL 

 Lol I don't remember being so anxious. I was more concerned about being naked and just having that stupid gown! 
I did start to get a little teary eyed when I first went into the OR, but next thing I know, I'm in recovery!
You'll do just fine, it's normal to be scared before this, it's serious stuff! :)

I wouldn't say I have alot of anexity but I am nervous. That is normal. I do think, should I really do this, and yes, I really need to do this. I cry everytime they put an IV in me. I don' t know why, I just do, it causes some emotional upset in me. I just let the nurse know it will happen. I t just grosses me out so much I get upset. I wake up crying as well, it is from the anestesia. 

Having second thoughts is normal. My surgery is Aug. 29. It has been a long road to this point. I think that is done on purpose so you have time to research, learn and make an infromed decision about what you really want. Good luck to you as you gain information and make your decision.

I always have terrible anxiety with all my surgeries. Not with this one though.. Yes I had my freak out moments days before, but I chose to go into this with a smile on my face knowing I am doing something to better my health and life. All my other surgeries were not choices, I had to do them. The VSG was a choice that I researched for a very long time. I asked all kinds of questions, talked to many others who have had the surgery. I felt 100% ready.

After they put my IV in, I danced down the hall with the OR nurse clapping and singing and joking with her. Then once we got to OR, my surgeon and anesthesiologist and other OR nurses were there waiting for me. I laid on the table made a few jokes about my naked butt... We were chatting away then the next thing you know I was in recovery waking up. You will be just fine. You are making a choice to better your life! That is a good thing. You are taking control of your life. I know its only been less than 1 week since my surgery, but it was the best thing I could ever do for myself!! So go in with a big smile on your face!!! Everything will be fine!!

This is so normal for a lot of us. I know I was on a similar emotional roller coaster of part fear and anxiety and part excitement. My nerves were so bad that I did not want to be wheeled on the bed into the emergency room. I asked if I could please walk to help settle the anxiety and panic I was experiencing. Some of the people in the OR laughed at the empty bed that I walked in next to. Some of the people commented on how this was the first time they saw a person walk in to the OR. Then before I knew it I was in my room recovering. I am not trying to make light of the surgery. It is a major surgery, but just try and relax the best you can. My favorite thing to do was look at the before and afters on this website and realize that all of these people had the surgery and survived and in fact are now thriving. Knowing that others made it through to the other side gave me comfort.

 I surrendered my fears for a life without.... Getting winded when walking, being in pain from excessive weight, fear of going places and would I embarrass myself because of my size.... I was basically shutting myself out of my life.  My surgery ... Being sleeved has given me my life back.  I can walk, climb stairs, stand, move, bend, etc with minimal pain and not get winded!  I am so VERY grateful for my surgery.  

I was more afraid of NOT having surgical intervention.  Losing my life due to my bad choices.   Focus on the MANY blessings and opportunities your sleeved life will offer you.  Dream on.... It's an amazing life ahead for you.  

Prayers for a speedy recovery... Quick healing .... All will be well.  
~Terri

 I understand how you feel completely.  My VSG was my first surgery ever.  I was Soooo unhealthy I just knew I was going to be the 1 in 10000 that dies on the table or whatever the number is.  

I delat with the fear by writing farewell letters to all of the people I loved.  I sealed them in envelopes and left them with my husband.  We had a little ritual burning them when I got home from the hospital.

For me thescariest time was when I was alone in the pre-op area.  I had been taken back so my famiy couldn't be with me.  I was alone.  I was cold.  My imagination was running away with me.  

When they took me back to the OR, it was like an episode of MASH.  Evrything happened very quickly.  The last thing I remember was the nurse putting the rests under my arms.  I woke up 90 minutes later in recovery.

That really was the first day of the rest of my life.  Every day after that I have gotten progressively healthier, happier, and more full of joy.  

Give your fears to God, or the universe, or whatever you believe in.  There are risks, but by doing your homework and choosing the best surgeon you can you will minimize those risks.  This surgery and the work you will do afterward are your investment in the life you want.  Hold onto those dreams you have - they are in your grasp.

I know exactly how you feel!! I just had my surgery on Monday and the whole week before I was so nervous and anxious that I was almost in tears at some points. It was then that I found this site and received a lot of support. I would distract myself by reading other peoples stories of their journeys, and youtube has videos of people who have been through their surgery and that really eased my mind a bit. So like everyone else here says keep your mind on the positive outcomes after your surgery and let that be your focus. Good luck to you on your journey and feel free to message me anytime

 I was definitely scared, but i made my peace with it as I lay in the pre-op area.

My real fear - waking up with a catheter haha. 

I m ust be wierd I am really not axnious ......  just ready to be the new me !!!    my sister is also doing htis journey and she is like you on pins and needles.     maybe once the surgery day comes I might feel diffenrent

My surgery was last Wednesday and I was a complete basket case on Monday and Tuesday.  Part of the problem is that the insurance company didn't approve my procedure until Tuesday afternoon, which added SO much to my stress, but even after that came through, I was very teary-eyed.  I was convinced that if I survived the surgery, that I would some how be incapacitated or worse.  The good part about it is that I forgot how hungry I had been during the pre-op liquid diet.  

I had to be at the hospital very early (7am), so while I was anxious, I wasn't AS nervous as I had been the previous two days.  I think at that point, I was anxious for it to all be over.  Once I woke up in recovery and knew who I was and where I was (even though I was in pain and nauseous), I knew everything would eventually be fine.  By 5pm that night, I walking around the halls (at a good pace).

What you are feeling is perfectly normal.  However, what I would say is that you should listen to your own intuition on how you want to proceed.  This surgery is a very big change that will affect the rest of your life.  Nerves are normal, but dig deep to find out whether or not this is truly just nerves or a real feeling that you may not be ready for this.  

You will make the right decision for you.  Good luck!

Thanks everyone, at least I know I'm normal anyway. You see the thing is I am ready!.  I did all the research and NO doubts about wanting to have the surgery-- not doubts whatsoever.  My only problem is those moments before going under. I'm so afraid I'll chicken out just because of the intense anxiety. Thanks for telling me about your experiences, that helps. I'll get there, I'm gonna just have to start sedating early, really early.  LOL  Hopefully I won't wake up with a catheder either.