scared of dying during surgery

It's weird I have been fighting to get this approval and surgery date and now that I have a date I start wondering if I will make it out of surgery alive I remember freaking out before the hysterectomy but it had to be done and I know in my heart that this surgery has to be done to because I feel like am going to die trapped.... i will go into my surgery knowing that whatever happens is meant to happen will.. And I have been so blessed... but I do have fear. .... how did you get over the fear or do you? I know this has to be a Normal thing and I know I'm not alone I just want to grow old with my husband and being around to eventually spoil some grandkids and I know without this surgery I won't. ... anyways sorry for rambling I guess I just need to hear some one say it will be ok besides myself lol have a blessed day...it is beautiful and rainy here in Texas

Do you really think they would even schedule you for surgery if there was a real risk of you dying?  Of course not!  Aside from the fact that doctors and nurses go into health care to help people be healthier, the hospital's a business and they are not about to risk  millions of dollars in lawsuits. There are no guarantees in life, but if you want to worry about something, worry about being hit by a car driver talking on a cell phone because that's much more likely to happen.  Ok, that's the pragmatic side.  

Now, ask yourself WHY you are worrying about this--and then go address the real issues. 

You'll be fine!  Instead of wasting time and energy worrying about things that are highly unlikely, why don't you use the time to really enjoy your wonderful husband and maybe treat him to a date night he will never forget.  Hmmmm....?  

It is normal to have fears and concerns with any type of surgery, whether its major or minor.  This procedure is considered major surgery and there are risks involved, however do you trust your surgeon? Put your faith in the Almighty and trust your team in the O/R.  I am fairly confident all will go well.  This surgery will change your life in the next year.  Learn how to judge your food choices, portion control and you will be AMAZED what a new start will be like. 

I am 19 months post op and it is the best gift I've ever received.  Living life and starting over what a tremendous opportunity.  Relax, have faith and trust all will go well.

Best to you

Nancy

 

I thought of it this way: I had a much better chance of dying from one or more of my co-morbidities than from my surgery. To me, the better odds made the surgery well worth the risk. Yada yada yada . . . ten years later, I'm still here!  

I definitely understand the fear of dying - I wrote letters to my children and husband before hand just in case something happened.  I used that nervous energy and tried to get my house in order the best I could - now that's a good thing - cleaned out pantry, refrigerator, and tackled my closet !!  Kinda like nesting before a baby!  And I did lots of praying.  

Things worked out great for me and my husband who also had this surgery!  I can't tell you how exciting this journey is - I still have lots of weight to lose but couldn't be happier with my decision.  I feel like we have gotten a second chance at life!!

Good luck from another Texan!!

Fear is normal.  But you can do this.  And if you are really struggling with your stress, ask your doctor for some Xanax.  Better living through chemistry : )

Not to worry... you can do this ... I can so relate to that fear that you are talking about ... I remember freaking out and playing over a million and one what if's scenarios in my head the night before surgery ... but when I woke up in the morning of what seemed to be the longest night of my life (the night before surgery between pangs of fear and butterflies of anticipation) I was full of determination and resolve and was so ready for this leg of my journey that I left the fear behind without even knowing I did so as I went off to get my surgery ... I was the surgeon's 1st case in the morning .... I have no regrets.  That was 6 years and 8 months and 203 pounds ago today and I have no regrets!!!! Anticipation, fear, a bit of apprehension and great expectations all blended together ... and the big day came ... from the loser's bench to maintenance for life ... rock your journey!!!! Wishing you nothing but the best.

I really needed to hear all of this thank you all so much that's why this website is so wonderful I know i am not alone and you guys really do understand everything I have been through I am determined to see this through

Your surgeon and his team are professionals, and nobody would be more irritated and furious if you didn't come through your surgery safely.  Hang in there and maybe do the Xanax or something.  

Next stop:  The Loser's Bench.  Then the long deliriously happy slide down the scale!

Whooppeeee!

 

I think it's totally normal to have fear. I spent several YEARS contemplating surgery before even talking to my doctor about it because I was afraid of the risks. Finally, I decided that I had a bigger risk if dying because of my morbid obesity, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes than of having this surgery. I was still very anxious about a month prior to my surgery, but by the time I got to my surgery week, I was completely calm. The anesthesiologist even asked me on the day of surgery if I needed a calming agent and I told him no. You will be okay! You are probably saving your life. I'm proud of you for taking this step toward a better, healthier life. :)