Freaking out...I need your help (not too long)

I went through the same thing and one thing that helped even though it was very hard to do was write a "just in case something happens" letter to my husband. I hid the letter and told a close friend where it could be found incase something happened to me.   I cried really hard writing the letter but afterwards I felt very peaceful.   

Great idea...for my son as well...

I felt myself starting to freak out about a week before surgery (never had surgery before.....and, well, I'm a guy (i.e., wimp when it comes to pain)).  Anyhow, I talked with a woman named AmyBeth Lander over on the RNY board and it really helped calm me down.  Have you PMd with anyone here on the MN board that is post op and might be able to offer you some calming thoughts?

Yup, your fear is totally normal, and actually healthy.  I did the letters to my family too, and that helped.  Although NOW I wonder, what the devil do I do with those letters?  I poured my heart and soul into them, I don't want to throw 'em, but I don't want to hand 'em to them, either.  So they sit.

At the PNC info meeting, the question about people dying during or directly after this surgery was asked.  They have lost a very small percentage of patients over the years, and EACH TIME, the patient went into their WLS with a known heart condition.  They knew the risks, and they knew that their life wouldn't get any better if they didn't take the risk.   I believe that's one of the reasons PNC thoroughly assesses each potential WLS patient. 

You passed all your preliminaries, you have been approved.  I believe if you were at greater risk, they'd certainly enlighten you to that fact.  So you are in no more danger than a tonsilectomy or something really run-of-the-mill like that.   Don't Worry - Be Happy!!!

Thanks everyone! I'm feeling better already . All of your support and wise words have helped more than you know!

Writing the letters is a great idea and I think it will help me so much to know I will be able to tell my family what they mean to me, etc.

Thanks to those who have PM'd with me about this...even before I freaked out last night! Oh, and my DH called me here at work this morning to see if I was having a better day...that and everyone's kind words have made my day!

((((HUGS)))) to everyone!

I was going to write a letter but just couldn't put myself through it ~ I cried just thinking about what I would say.  I talked with my best friend and asked her to speak with my kids if something should happen.  I knew that she would be able to tell them what WLS meant to me and how much they meant to me.  Thank God she never had to.

This is TOTALLY normal.  If I had a dollar for a post I've read similar to yours over the last two years, I'd be a rich person.  (and I'd have to pay myself a dollar because I posted something similar myself! lol)  I even wrote a last minute note "just in case" and gave it to my husband before I was wheeled off for surgery.

It's normal and you will be fine.  The health risks of not having the surgery are greater than the risks of the surgery.

(((Hugs)))

Michelle

Normal, normal, normal.  Most of us have  been through it.  And I am happy to report that I'm still around and feel fantastic.

This worry, too, shall pass.

Yep, your normal........I actually wrote a goodbye letter to my family. And had my Will and Health care directive on file at the hospital. My hospital wanted a copy just in case.......

You never know what will happen..... Only like 2% die, but that was a chance I was willing to take for myself & my family. I can do so much more with my 5 year old....It's great.......

Good luck.....Kelly