1 wee****il my surgery!
My surgery (VSG) is scheduled for next Wednesday morning. I went today for my pre-op tests and the bariatric nurse went over some things with me. She also told me what they would give me to put me to sleep..the tube that will go down my throat etc. I was nervous before, but I think all this new information just about has me petrified. Everyone says I should be excited and not scared. My question is, how do I get past the scared part so that I can be excited? What is the secret to walking into the hospital on the day of surgery cool, calm and collected?
Good questions....I have backed out before after having a date two times. I now have a date again and am feeling the fear again. I also have been told I should feel excited, but all I feel is fear and not one ounce of excitement. Even thinking about loosing 150 pounds and what life will be like doesn't get me excited as fear has taken over.
I don't know how anyone does this without any fear. We have all heard about the possible complications. There are risks associated with any type of surgery, the basic risks are listed on every surgical consent form. I am a nurse...when they wheeled me into the surgical suite I started crying. They worked as fast as they could, while telling me that they would take good care of me. I was glad when the mask finally went over my nose so I wouldn't have to worry anymore! I have a friend that had RNY surgery three years ago. She had many complications and spent three months in a acute long term care hospital. Today she says she would do it all again, she feels that much better than she did at 320lb, she is holding at 180.
Just try to focus on one step at a time instead of the whole process. Even on the day of surgery, where are we going to park, checking in, blood draw, urine test.....all one step at a time. you can handle any one of these steps, it just gets overwhelming when you let yourself lump it all together.
I'm one of the odd ones who felt no fear - just excitement at getting on with my life post-op.
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)
Hi Weese...I sure hope I don't start crying...my surgeon already knows what a big baby I am as he found out when he did my endoscopy and my colonoscopy...I got just as nervous having that done also..Just the thought of putting me to sleep sets in the fear. I guess I just don't like giving up that control. I think once I get to the hospital and things get moving I will feel much better, and everyone (just about) on this site say the recoup pretty fast. Thanks for the encouragment.
My surgery is the 10th and I am in the same boat. Can your dr give you something for nerves? Mine gave me Xanax and it helps. I think everyone is scared. They are going to cut us! But imagine how much less pain and discomfort you will have if you are healthier. I gave myself a motto for this journey - NO FEAR! I wrote it all over everything. Get outside and take a walk. Fresh air helps and being out of the house makes me see the big picture. Listen to some kick butt music! Give your journey a soundtrack! You can do it!
Thanks for the response Greensleeved..I'm afraid it's to late to ask for the Xanax as my surgeon is out of town for the week and won't be bac****il Tuesday night I think they said but I will definitely be doing the rest of the stuff you suggested since the weather has cooled down a tad and the humidity isn't quite a bad..Good Luck on your new journey and please let me know how you are doing.
The secret? Xanax ;)
VSG with Dr. Salameh - 3/13/2014
Diagnosed with Binge Eating Disorder and started Vyvanse - 7/22/2016
Reconstructive Surgeries with Dr. Michaels - 6/5/2017 (LBL & brachioplasty), 8/14/2017 (UBL & mastopexy), 11/6/2017 (medial leg lift)
Age 42 Height 5'4" HW 319 (1/3/2014) SW 293 (3/13/2014) CW 149 (7/16/2017)
Next Goal 145 - normal BMI | Total Weight Lost 170
TrendWeight | Food Blog (sort of functional) | Journal (down for maintenance)