Scared and Nervous...

Hey ladies... Today, surgery is two weeks away. I go Wednesday for pre-0p. I'm scared. I'm not wavering on this, but I'm really scared. I tried to spend the weekend preparing. Just that statement is scary...what am I preparing for. Does this make sense to anybody? My kids go to my parents every Saturday night to spend the night and I kept my two oldest home with me so they could help in the house, cleaning out closets, cubbards, whatever I saw that I thought I needed to clean up or pack up. It's almost like nesting when I was pregnant, but I have this imminent feeling. When I told my dad I was keeping Ashley and Christen home to help get things together, he was hurt and kept saying to me, "if you feel this way, why are you having it done". My response is simply, 'because I want to live and not like this the rest of my life'. I'm battling depression right now, this I know. I should be on cloud nine because the day is getting closer but my anxiety is growing. I have panic attacks for many different cir****tances. It's one thing right after the other. Does anybody have any calming words for me...anything. Is what I'm feeling normal?!? Jessie

I think most of what you are feeling is normal. I feel like I have to do a million things before I have to go in.. Like you said Nesting... But you have to be aware of depression. If you have it now, it may get tons worse after you have the surgery. Talk to your dr before you go in, maybe a counsler. Good luck. Only you know when you are ready. I will keep you in my thoughts. If you need anything message me... or IM me on yahoo messanger at [email protected]

Thanks Brandi! I am actually seeing a counselor. That was one of the requirements to my surgery, that I continue to go. I don't have huge issues or anything like that, I think I'm like most moms, overwhelmed with life and when you aren't well to begin with, it just adds to your plate. I do feel some better this afternoon. I'm thinking positively, and as a friend said, "COMPLICATIONS ARE NOT AN OPTION FOR ME". What great adivce and a good way to look at it. I'm just going to keep on keepin on. When is your surgery date Brandi? To read some of the posts from everyone else, they lift my spirit too. I read one about taking before and after pictures and thought that was hilarious but haven't responded to it yet. I'm going to do that myself. I want stupid ones though, like me laying on my side with my enormous stomach because GEEZE, that's when it looks soooooooo big. My husband is having fun with it. He trys really hard to keep me uplifted. Another question, my 7 year old says to me "mommy, I don't want you to be skinny". Do you think it's because he just doesn't understand what's going on? He says it to me everyday, especially now that it's getting closer. We have a count down going on at home and all my kids are aware of it, four of them by the way. Again, thanks for your thoughts! Just knowing someone else has those same feelings, that makes you feel better too. Jessie

Jessica, I think what you are feeling is normal for the most part. Its nice that with you it is like a family event. My family is very supportive as well..but imagin the feelings they may be having. As long as you don't have any underlying depresssion or other similiar problems you could call your PCP and tell him you are very anxious. He might prescribe a short term solution such as a xanax or valium...again...only short term of course and clear it with your surgeon as well. That being said I am sure you will be fine. I find coming here cheers me up...sometimes I laigh so hard. In addition it really helps to know other people are going through the same thing. I wish you the best on your surgery and a speedy recovery! deb

My date is Jan 24th. We have to see the counselor also. It is nice to have that option. Also, after surgery we can see him anytime that we want. Hopefully you can do that too. I understand 100% what it feels like to have kids. They add to the stress level 90% lol. I love my son, but he can be a major PIA sometimes. Dont worry. You will do fine. Believe me, things arnt as bad as we always feel that they are. I guess we just all have to take things one day at a time. I am completly excited, but when time gets closer, I will be ready to pull my hair out.. lol...

Jessie: Hi there. I am having surgery the same day as you. I, also, have good days and bad. My pre op is Thursday along with the appt for the surgeon and nutritionist. I haven't started preparing (Monday I have to start the pre op diet) at all. I'm cleaning the house if you consider that preparing because my mother is going to be staying with us for several weeks. I think that emotions are going to be wierd this next couple of weeks until the surgery is over. I have good days and bad days. I have days where I wonder "what the heck am I doing"? But I know that I've selected a skilled surgeon that I am very comfortable with. I have weighed the options, been told I am at minimal risk for complications and know that God is on my side. But I have my difficult moments. If it makes you feel any better, I watched the Bariatric Surgery show on the Discovery Channel on Saturday and it was quite positive. Risk is minimal, that's a fact. I was afraid that after I watched it was going to make me question my decision...but that wasn't the case at all. I felt better actually. One of the surgeon's had the surgery. My surgeon that I've selected had the surgery and performed the surgery on his own daughter and several staff members. They're all fine and healthy. His daughter is pregnant too at the moment. Just decide in your mind (I KNOW that it is difficult) that complications are NOT an option. That's what I tell myself everyday. COMPLICATIONS ARE NOT AN OPTION FOR ME!!! Not sure how much I helped, but feel free to email me anytime. We have a lot to chat about, having surgery the same day. Kim

Jessie - Reading your post and profile sounds just ike me. I am having surgery on the 25th (lap band) and have been experiencing the same anxiety. I also have a hysterectomy 5 years ago (same reasons as you) and remember these feeling well. My hubby attributes them to two things. I'm a Mom and and scared for my kids, and I have only had the one other surgery in my life. My big fear is being put under anesthesia even though I had no problems with my hysterectomy. I too was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 4 years ago and realize that this decision to have surgery will give me a healthier, longer life. In addition, healthier eating habits will be a positive role model for our children. I have one adult child (no weight problem), one in college (recently lost about 50 lbs) and a younger daughter who is very overweight now. I need to lose weight for her so that I can encourage her to improve her health now. A few months ago I was put on a third oral medicine. I don't want to continue with these eating habits and end up on insulin shots. I can't imagine the cost of these medications if I didn't have insurance. We will both do well with the support of our families and this group. These feeling are perfectly normal. I'm sure like me you have researched the surgery well and are prepared. Does your Dr. have a support group? My hospital does and I have attended the group twice. You hear such great stories from other patients. Leslie 250/230/160