I wonder why??

I wonder why my apprehension surges to a new level every day as time passes for this surgery. I find myself worried more and more about something going wrong during surgery, complications such as perforating my umbilical hernia that my Surgeon said was large and he would address it at a later date. Perhaps an embolism,especially since the doc said that would be one of his fears with me due to past history,problems with anesthesia or post op complications,etc. I have been trying to get encouragement through reading the post of everyone, and believe me that really helps. But then I come upon an occasional bad one where the person has complications or has died afterwards.... and then the fears begin again. And THEN of course.. there is my AGE....56 will be 57 when I have the surgery. I guess it just doesnt get easy to make such a big decision . And then of course being a Nurse... where you know what COULD go Wrong..... that really makes it worse for sure! And then you have Nurses you work with saying... I dont know if I would do it if I were you... So much to think about ... SO LITTLE TIME.... Is all this FEAR AND ANXIETY normal to have or should I take it as maybe you should wait on this decision. Anyway...thanks for letting me vent. Lorraine

Try to relaxx, LOL, easy for me to say, it's over for me. This has been the best and easiest thing I have ever done for myself. Sure something can happen with the surgery but then again you could get hit by a car going to the store. Does that keep you from driving? Good luck HW 250 SW 235 CW 173 GW 150/160???

I had a completely irrational fear of general anesthesia! I know that they put thousands of people under everyday and wake them up after they have done such things as replace their hearts and lungs but still I was petrified. I use to work in the OR so I don't think that helped any even though I never saw anyone die from gen anesth. Anyhow...here I am 8 months post op and down 85lbs! I couldn't be any happier and I wouldn't change anything except for maybe starting this whole journey a bit sooner. It is only normal to feel the way you do, if you didn't have any concerns that would be the problem!! Sending positive vibes to you Jen

Hi Lorraine, I agree try to relax! Easy for me to say now at 2 years out. I am starting reconstruction and am exciting but still have concerns about the pain, how will I lay down etc. You are a nurse and know all the bad and then everyone has all the horror stories to tell. I too questioned myself before. All I can say is that I wish I had decided sooner. My life has changed 200% for the better. 12 hour shifts don't kill me anymore, my feet, back and legs aren't swollen and hurting. The blood sugar and blood pressure are normal too. You are normal too. Good luck to you on your journey! Sending you good thoughts. Robin

Hi Robin, It is through your kindness and others on this board who give your support ,guidance, and encouragement that will help me make it through this ordeal. I am sure ,God willing,I will come through this,complication free, and a better,healthier life to come. Thanks for all your help and good wishes. Lorraine

Lorraine, Trust me, I felt the same way you are feeling now. I had my surgery 2 weeks ago - and, in the weeks prior to my surgery - heard it all...."are you sure you want to go thru with this, tammy??" I work at the hospital where I had the surgery....and have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly...but, I had to put my trust in the surgeon - to do the right thing. I was convinced that I was going to die....cried every time I thought about the surgery. Everyone told me it was normal to feel that way. I do know that because I am a nurse - I pushed myself postop...to get up and walk, to cough and deep breathe, and to do my incentive spirometer....you have all this knowledge - let it work to your advantage....and try to think positive. The hardest decision for me was to admit that I NEEDED this surgery. If you have done your homework, and know that this surgery is your ticket to health - try to keep positive. I convinced myself that 2/7/06 was a new birthday for me...and that it was the beginning of good luck....and the end of the bad. I know it has only been a few weeks for me...but, I have energy, and am alive and well. (thank god) Good luck, and prayers to you!! Tammy

Yep, I know Tammy.. Co-Workers can really psych you out for sure! They all think they are giving sound advise and yet it is amazing what anxiety they can cause. That is why this board is sooooooo refreshing and helpful as you are seeing and reserching what people who have actually gone through what your doing, feeling, and about to experience. If I didnt have this route of information to rely on I actually dont think I would go through with itAnd being a Nurse does give you the advantage of knowing what you should do post op for sure. Any way , THANKS for your kind words and encouragement along with all others who have been so kind to respond to my Post.. I COULDNT do it without all of you!!!! Thanks So Much Lorraine

Hi Lorraine, I too am in your shoes...I am now wondering if I should switch to the lap band due to the complication potential with the RNY. I also did myself a disservice by reading a website about WLS gone wrong....boy that was a mistake. I try and think rationally about this that the weight factor alone is more of a risk factor to us that the surgery and with this surgery, we have an incredible opportunity to achieve a much healthier life. I think your anxiety is normal and as nurses, we know just enough to really overthink and lose perspective on the risk benefit analysis. If your sister, or mother or daughter was considering the same surgery, how would you feel about it then? We are making informed choices, and nothing in life is without risk (even going to the grocery store), but we have made a decision to improve our lives. When it comes right down to it, I would rather face the potential risks than continue to exist in this shell of a person I now am. We are all pulling for you.... Kelly