Question:
What can I do to relax before surgery?
I was being nosey on here the other day and seen the memorial...... Ever since seeing that, i have not been able to sleep, due to being scared to death. My surgery is in les than a month and i dont think i can take anything for that as far as medication. Does anyone know what to do to relax before surgery. Can someone please help! — Amanda G. (posted on February 7, 2002)
February 7, 2002
Hi, I am not post-op, but I do think it would be nice if there were a way
for the Memorial Page to be invisible to those who are not. Yes, people do
die from this surgery. However, MANY MORE do not. It is normal to be
somewhat nervous before the surgery. After all, it is major surgery.
However, the chances of your having problems if you stay MO far outweigh
the chances of your dying if you do have it. Keep reminding yourself why
you are doing this. To have better health, to be able to walk without
being out of breath, to be able to fit in an airline seat, to be there for
your family and so on and so on. You'll do fine.
— garw
February 7, 2002
One of the best things I have found is a book and tape by Peggy Huddleston
called Prepare for Surgery Heal Faster. It really gives you an increased
awareness of control and reduces anxiety. I think that my easy recovery
was largely due to the suggestions she recommends. I had the
anesthesiologist read my healing statements while I was going under and
coming out of anesthesia. It was so empowering and reassuring. You can
find her book on line or at bookstores. Think health and peace, You will
do fine. Kathy
— kathleen S.
February 7, 2002
Yes, people do die from this surgery. Of course, they die from a lot of
different kinds of surgery. I know it is scary to go "under the
knife" but it is very important that you go into this surgery with
hope, knowing that your decision is the right one. The ideas of previous
posters are great. Focus on the before-and-after pics section rather than
the memorial section.
— Terissa R.
February 7, 2002
I wrote letters to my family Just in case I didn't make to tell them I
loved them, and let them know it was just my time to try to comfort them.
It did make me sad writing them, but it alleviated alot of my anxiety
knowing I made my peace. may not work for everyone, but I felt a whole lot
better after.
— sbinkerd1
February 7, 2002
I spent lots of time reading Barb Thompsons great book about weight loss
surgery. She is a member here. I read to find out what to expect and know
what I could do to help myself under any circumstances. For instance I
walked IMMEDIATELY after getting to my room from recovery. To minimize
blood clot risks, stuff like that. Read my profile for more info. We are
responsible to be GOOD post ops and do what we can to minimize problems. I
too wrote some goodbye letters. I hid them at home and made my surgeon
promise to tell jen where to find them if I didnt make it. The memorial
site is a good thing. Each of us needs to know the risks and rewards of
surgery to make a INFORMED decision. My ONLY regret is that I didnt do this
years ago. Oh be SURE to attend support group meetings, seeng the happy
healthy post ops REALLY helps. Hey take a post op to dinner! See them eat
small amounts of healthy food. YOU can be like that post op having dinner
with you!!! You are about to have the best experience of your
life...LOOSING THE WEIGHT... ITS FUN! Go get em.
— bob-haller
February 7, 2002
Some people use prayer, others meditation. I found that using guided
imagery tapes helped me remain calm before surgery and manage my stress and
pain after surgery.<BR>
I used the Successful Surgery tape from <A
href="http://www.healthjourneys.com">Health
Journeys</A>. I also got plenty of exercise (whatever YOU can do) to
help prepare my heart and lungs (and head) for my RNY.<BR>
You have a month, find what's best for you and use it! Good luck!
— Sheila C.
February 8, 2002
I asked my doctor if I could have a sedative when I got to the hospital and
I got one shortly after getting there. It took the edge off but I was so
excited about my new life I was ready to go. You will do fine. Xanax (a
prescription drug) is what I used for anxiety before the surgery.
— MARSHA D.
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