Surgery Tomorrow

I am feeling a bit overwhelmed today, I'm on a pre-op liquid diet today feeling hungry and on edge, then reading some of the post today about abdominal issues after surgery is making me have a little doubt. I just pray this goes off without a hitch. I've never had major surgery and have never stayed  in a hospital overnight so that is also adding to the my anxiety. I see most of the results are terrific but i am also reading some horror stories.

Don't worry.  Most surgeries do not have many problems.  More people post that do have issues and need more support.  I know many who have had this and breezed right through it.  It is a major surgery and there is going to be a certain amount of pain, but should be tolerable with meds.  You will be fine.

There will always be horror stories in anything you read, weather its gallbladder surgery, wls, or childbirth.  I think the fear of the unknown is often worse than the actual procedure.  Let me tell you a funny experience I recently had concerning my first mamography.  I'm 41 and for the last 2 years, my GYN has been hounding me to get a mamagram.  I heard soooooo many horror stories and heard from many people how painful it is.  I put it off until finally deciding that this was the year I would get it.  I cried for like a half hour before I left to go because I was so scared of the pain and discomfort from this scan and was so overwhelmed by the anxiety.  Mind you, I have been through A LOT of surgeries, procedures and tests in my 41 years.  I've been through 2 rounds of IVF to have kids, been pregnant with twins and then 3 years later, triplets and underwent many abdominal surgeries (2 c-sections, Hysterectomy, and gastric bypass to name a few) and all the test that go along with wls, yet a simple mamogram scared the living hell out of me. 

I went in and let me tell you, when it was over, I laughed with the technician who performed the mamogram about my fears and anxieties.  I felt sooooooooo stupid and will never over react like that again about a routine test.  There was no pain, no discomfort and I'm happy to report that my test came back normal.

Try and relax.  Most people never post positive comments, only negative ones.  I can tell you that even with a stricture, I would do it all over again.  The only regret I have is not doing it sooner.  Remember what your goals are, and stick with it.  It's perfectly normal to be nervous, especially since you have never had surgery before.  Its really not that bad!  The pain, if you even have any, will go away and there are medications used to help manage that. 

Good luck tomorrow!  Once you arrive at the hospital, things go pretty quickly so try not to stress out too much about it.  Also, everything will be explained to you from the surgeon, nurses and anesthesiologists about what they are going to do.  Right before I was wheeled into the OR, the anesthesiologist came in and gave me a medication to help relax me.  They will likely do that for you too and believe me, you will be relaxed!! LOL

M'Lane

Thanks you put me at ease a little.

Feeling overwhelmed is completely normal. Having surgery is a big decision and a big change. If you have researched and have confidence in your doctor then it's time to turn it over to him. The reason you read horror stories on here is that people who are doing great often don't take the time to post,while those with problems post looking for help. Take a deep-breath-it will be over before you know it!

The good outweighs the bad hun! You'll do great. Best wishes. 

Good luck tomorrow! I remember being wheeled into the OR thinking, is it too late to chicken out? Lol  I'm soooooo happy I didn't chicken out! Cheers to a wonderful 2013 and a speedy recovery!

Hopefully I wont chicken out at the last minute wont be a pretty sight running out in a hospital gown. LOL Thanks!!

Well I've been on my liquid diet for almost two weeks now. My surgery is this coming Monday!!! I do understand the being hungry, on edge feelings. I'm having major anxiety too! But I do have faith in my surgery team that I will be alright. Like the saying goes, "If you claim it, then its yours" so if you claim that you will have an uneventful surgery then that is what your going to have.

I know that you will be fine! Your just having fears of the unknowns which are apart of life! I wish you nothing but the best! I will be seeing you soon on the losers bench. Good Luck! =)

We will be healthy once again Thank You!!