Now I'm scared witless - ThinnerTimes

Lovetoday · 09-30-2007, 03:50 AM

Hi there, I have read and researched GB for 3 years- I am lucky as I found this site before I even saw my surgeon and you guys have been amazing. My op is scheduled for 25 October and before I had a date I was revving all over the place making sure my enthusiasm would encourage those around me not to be so negative. I have read all those people saying that they don't think they can go through with it and thought- are you nuts- this is the most fantastic opportunity. I have read all the posts that people say they have felt like hell for about 2 weeks but all of you would do it again in a heartbeat.

But now- I'm so scared. I'm scared of the fluid diet(10-14 days pre-op), I'm scared of the op( dying under aneastetic) and I'm terrified of the feelings that I would rather die post-op.

I can't see the wood for the trees, I can't seem to focus on the thinner healthier me on the other side.

My husband and I had a minor spat last night, and I thought- I can't have this post-op- I'd rather die. He has promised to love and support me through this but I'm

Help me!

Claire-in-Texas · 09-30-2007, 04:50 AM

Celeste, what you are going through is so normal.

It is a terrifying feeling that puts many of us into shock and worry and second thoughts.

You will not only do well, your life will be magically changed, the quality of it will soar.

Best of luck to you!

Debz · 09-30-2007, 08:21 AM

I gave serious thought to jumping off the gurney on the way to the operating room. But I didn't...and here I am, 36 pounds down and on my way to a better life. What you're going through is totally normal; we all worry about the other side. But focus on why you're doing this.

I don't know what you're reasons are, but for me it was because I am a diabetic, and because my family history was so dismal. I wanted to be a healthy 70 year old...not a sick dependant amputee like my mom. So, I sucked up the fear and I went for it.

Consider you're reasons for wanting this. Weigh the risks and benefits...
know your surgeons mortality rate and then make your decision with your intellect. The emotions will follow. Good luck to you on your journey and let us know how things are going.

Toony · 09-30-2007, 08:35 AM

Celeste... I don't have a date yet, but I know what you're feeling! I go from CAN'T WAIT to SCARED WITTLESS all the time... Reading here, you can't say I'm not prepared or doing this on a whim! We do fear the unknown... and who knows how things will change following this surgery!

I agree w/Deb - ask your surgeon for his/her mortality and complication rates... I plan on taking some "scenarios" (two that come to mind are Deb & Simone) with me to see how my "team" would handle similar situations... There is POWER in KNOWLEDGE... and when my time comes, I'll "Go With My Gut." : )

Best wishes... keep us posted on everything!

bridgetgirl · 10-02-2007, 06:31 PM

Well expect "hell week" (or two) You have to readjust your life. This is a lifestyle change, but one that is done for the better. Like someone had mentioneld before, this is a life saving surgery, not a "get skinny quick fix". Your own weight should be slowly killing you to even qualify. It is a very serious decision, not to be taken lightly, amd yes the first 2 weeks are tough but then, like all of other lifes challanges, things get easier. Quit looking for all the bad stuff that happens to people, look at all the joy it has brought thousands of other people. Br thankful you can have the surgery, there are hundreds who get denied because of insurance red tape that are far heavier than you are. This is a gift, a new tool to help you live a thin, healthy life. Good luck to you.

Jeri · 10-03-2007, 04:34 AM

I'm terrified too. I'm scheduled for the 16th. I slept this past weekend away because I am so freaked out. I refuse to think about it so it's just making me crazy. I totally understand how you feel.

Jeri

MiladyB · 10-03-2007, 05:44 AM

Like everyone said, it is normal to feel scared. Who isn't scared of the unknown, the "what if's". We've all gone through it. We all know what it means to fail at something but you can get past this. Try to not let your emotions and fears run the show. For now the best thing you can do is keep getting knowledge, ask your surgeon ALOT of questions...go with them all written down. Find out his mortality/complication rate. If he has had patients die what was the cause of their death? How many surgeries has he done. Does he do LAP and if so how many of those has he done? What are the potiential complications during the surgery, soon after and years down the line. If you are considering the RNY have him/her explain the malabsorption end of it? How will this surgery change the way that you have to live the rest of your life? What are the hospitals mortality/complicaton rates? You want to make sure you are not involved only with a good surgeon but a good hospital who understands bariatric care.

Knowledge brings with it strength and peace...at least it did in my situation.

You have to remember that your obesity IS killing you. That is an undeniable fact and that the gift of this surgery can change your life, extend it and bring health but it isn't a magic bullet and there IS the potential of complications. I did a lot of research ahead of time and looked honestly at where my life was MO and the "what if's" that could happen if I did have this surgery or if I didn't and then made what I felt was the best choice for me.

Like Bridget said, this surgery is a gift....SO many people are turned down and it honestly deeply saddens me but it also makes me appreciate SO much the gift I have received....hell week, hell months, pain, anger, dumping, foamies, hormones and all....there is nothing that feels so good as being able to live LIFE!

Dayanara · 10-03-2007, 05:49 AM

I am scared too, don't worry. I have my surgery on the 22, even just typing that I got a lil queasy (omg so soon).

But I know this will be the best thing for me and my future. So I keep telling myself that and usually end up feeling better,

The "what if's" are frightening, but just keep putting one foot forward, deal with things as they come. You can do it.

Queen Elizabeth 9 · 01-05-2008, 01:31 PM

almost three months since I had the surgery....10/23/07 - and I am feeling so good..... presurgical diet was not bad - post surgical diet going well - total of 50# lost due to both !- more energy - and more of an interest in just everyday life! I'm so glad I followed thru on this journey to healthy living. Still have some tough times - but manage to get thru -spending the winter in San Diego - home of wonderful restaurants - most of which are glad to help.