Anxiety, Depression and Fear...OH MY!

Hello All,

OK, so I'm not sure what's up, but, my journey thus far has been pretty uneventful. Went to the Dr., got a referral, saw the surgeon, procedure approved, got date - April 1, 2009, havean appt. for the psych eval and for the cardio tests....All should be fine, right?

The excitement, joy and relef I felt when I got my approval and my date were amazing. Now that the time is getting closer, I'm feeling anxious, scared, worried and even a little depressed.  Don't know why...The feelings aren't consistant in that they come and go....I still think surgery is right thing for me, but not sure about these feelings.

Has anyone experienced this during pre-op prep?

As always, thanks so much for your help and your feedback.

Hi,
I think we all went through all those emotions throughout this whole process.  You are embarking on an exciting journey and along the way you will encounter some challenges.  This site has an amazing group of people who are ready to support you, listen to you and encourage you as you travel the road to a healthier life.  Keep that objective in sight, and hopefully it will help you when you are feeling anxious, uncertain or down.  You are not alone here. 

~Naomi

Thanks so much for the insight. I can't tell you how much it's appreciated. I read about so many brave travellers on this site, and hope that I'll be joining them soon.

Thanks again for your support and kindness. I will go back to your words frequently.

Many, many of us experience the same things in the last weeks before surgery.  These mixed feelings can be tough, but the good thing is that they can help us be sure that WLS surgery is the right choice for us.  What I mean is, as your are feeling these things you challenge your decision - and that is a good thing.  It helps us be sure WLS is right for us.

Take a deep breath and see where these feelings sort of take you (that sounds so 70s! lol).  Best wishes for your surgery and for your new life after that!

Cathy C.

Thanks! I appreciate your thoughts, and your photo is amazing, BTW!

Quick question: my psych eval is next Tuesday, should I bring this up to the shrink or just "work through them" as you suggested.

Ramona (Mo)

As far as the psych eval it's up to you of course. If you really need help from the therapist open up.  In my situation I just wanted to get my papers signed and okayed so I could continue towards my surgery.
The psych eval is to make sure that YOU are ready for this operation. Know what I mean.
It's exciting about your surgery date, not to worry that never helps anything.
Best of Luck,
njo

Aw - you are welcome, and you are very kind!  It is very likely that the psych will ask you how you feel about your upcoming surgery, etc.  If not, the best thing you can do with your eval overall is to be honest with the psych about everything.

Remember - experiencing the feelings and trying to learn from them is different than working through them.  If you are experiencing them and they become more intense (the nervousness and sadness) then you'll need to talk to someone to deal with them.

I wish you the best!

Cathy C.

You are completely normal. We all have had these feelings. For me it was as though I was mourning the future loss of a person I always thought I was. I am not that girl, that  was 326lbs. Depression will come and go through your new journey but don't worry the good will overcome the bad. You are going to do awesome. You have been given an incredible gift. Relax and enjoy the ride.

Julie

I had all those feeling and then some. So I say you sound really normal to me.

HUGS
JOY

Greetings and welcome.

Isn't it nice to know you're perfectly normal in your feelings.  I think we've all been through those emotions right before surgery.  I called it nervously excited!  In many ways it's fear of losing the close friendship that we had with our comfort... food.  In other ways the unknown is scary, will I be able to do all the things they tell me to, will I be hungry, will I dump???? 

I am now only 6 weeks out, but feeling wonderful about my journey so far.  I am satisfied, I haven't dumped (except by the nurse in the hospital that tried to give me crushed meds that we're bitter) and I have no intolerances to anything, nor have I felt bad.  In fact, I am elated with my weight loss thus far, the support I get from my friends and family and my wonderful extended OH family too.  A finer group of people you will never find.  I do not regret my decision for even a second.  Do what your Drs & surgeon tells you to do and you're going to be a success.

Take time to read our blogs, as many of us have put feelings, experiences in them that may help you.  We're here to help you on your journey, as it helps us on ours too.

Hugs,
Barb