Question:
Anyone else had the jutters about being put to sleep?
I am terrified first off of needles. Secondly i am scared of being put to sleep. My surgery is 03/27/2007. I was all excited at first but now since the date is final i've been having these horrible thoughts about something going wrong while i'm under. I just turned 27 years old 03/20, i'm 5'6 and I'm the heaviest (290 lbs) that i'v eever been my whole life. I have alot of health issues and is afraid that all my issues will take a toll. Is there anyone out there with some encouraging words that could help me thru this ? ? ? ? [url=http://www.TickerFactory.com/weight-loss/wLXRbi2/] [img]http://tickers.TickerFactory.com/ezt/t/wLXRbi2/weight.png[/img] [/url] — JakeshiaL (posted on March 22, 2007)
March 22, 2007
I haven't had weight loss surgery (yet), but I've had 6 other surgeries
where I've had to be put under. I still get nervous every time, though.
See if you can talk to your anesthesiologist ahead of time. That can be
very reassuring. Also, I put a sticky note on my computer monitor to pray
for you on the day of your surgery. And in the meantime, I will pray for
you to have peace and guidance. Take care and God bless, Anna
— Mechana7
March 22, 2007
Like Anna, I haven't had WLS yet, but have had many surgeries. As far as
needles go, don't look and let the nurse or doc know how you feel right off
the bat, then try to make light conversation. I try to ask the needle
weilder questions about them like what made you decide on your career, have
you ever had a surgery, are you married (if he's cute, LOL), make a joke,
etc. That's what works for me. It requires thinking about someone else
besides me during a time I am the focus of the attention. A good thing
when trying to ignore needles. As for being put under...well of course it
has it's risks. It's a serious surgery. I remind myself I won't be there
or in pain if the worst happens. If something happens I will be asleep
already and I have led a good life. REMEMBER bad things are rare. You are
going to be a beautiful, energetic and healthy diva...and it all starts
with a nice peaceful nap. I don't know if you have trouble sleeping like I
do, but I always welcome the sleep. Hope something I have said helps!
Let me know how it goes! hugs, Paige
— [Deactivated Member]
March 22, 2007
I had surgery On Monday the 19th all went very well I don't even remember
the going to sleep part they gave me a small but good happy shot in the pre
op! so hopefully they will do the same for you. Maybe you can ask. YES I am
through it and beleive me I was about ready to run for the doorsthe morning
of I had to be there at 6:30 I was so scared not just to go to sleep but
everything, I thought I'll be one that has leaks I'll be one that they have
to do an open and nope not me all is good, and all is really good I am
doing well everything is going better then I acually expected. You'll do
fine and the jitters are all normal where I stand. I had lap RYN
what are you doing?bye for now Shirley
— Shirley H.
March 22, 2007
Hey Jekesha,
Every one gets a little nervous when surgery is involved. If you've neven
been under before, you will have the opportunity to speak with the doctor
that is the anethesiologist (sp). I suggest making a list of questions you
have for him/her and carry them with you the day of your surgery.
The nurse will insert an IV and all meds will go through there. A practice
I have before being stuck with a needle -- I say ouch -- and tell them I'm
practicing. Also, just keep breathing -- take deep breaths and kind of go
into a meditative state and that will help you through. If you have a
special prayer -- just keep repeating that. No that God is in control of
the situation and rest in that.
This is a decision we have made with prayer and great medical guidance.
— the7thdean
March 22, 2007
Jakeshia... congrats, first off on your upcoming surgery. I am an RN in
the ER and was fine up until I was waiting outside the surgical suite. I
was terrified, because all I kept thinking was that I am putting my life in
these people's hands. But you know what calmed me down? One, I said a
prayer asking for peace of mind. Two, I thought, you haven't been doing so
hot for yourself in the health department.. that is why you went to a
surgeon for a physical tool to help with the weight loss. The preop nurse
couldn't start my IV prior to going in, even though I could have told her
where 10 veins were. I was glad that she waited for the anesthesiologist
vs having her try and miss. Once I was in there and on the table, my
surgeon came over to me and asked how I was doing. I told him that I was
terrified. He said don't worry, you are going to be fine... all of these
people in this room are here just for you. The anesthesiologist started my
IV in one of the 10 places I could have showed her LOL... A feeling of
peace did come over me (power of prayer) as it was before the
anethesiologist had put any drugs in the IV. Once he did that I relaxed
and went to sleep and the next thing I knew I was being woke up in post op.
You will do fine. It is natural to scared of the unknown and having to
give up complete control to someone else. By you being scared, it just
shows that you are aware of the potential risks of surgery and are smart
enough to be uneasy. But, remember, you sought out his/her expertise in
helping you. Just have faith that everything will be fine. Add me to your
friend's list if you like, the request is on your profile and I will keep
checking up on you... chin up, and God Bless, I will say a prayer for you
for peace of mind for you from now to your surgery. :-)
— Kari_K
March 22, 2007
Hey Jekesha,
Every one gets a little nervous when surgery is involved. If you've neven
been under before, you will have the opportunity to speak with the doctor
that is the anethesiologist (sp). I suggest making a list of questions you
have for him/her and carry them with you the day of your surgery.
The nurse will insert an IV and all meds will go through there. A practice
I have before being stuck with a needle -- I say ouch -- and tell them I'm
practicing. Also, just keep breathing -- take deep breaths and kind of go
into a meditative state and that will help you through. If you have a
special prayer -- just keep repeating that. No that God is in control of
the situation and rest in that.
This is a decision we have made with prayer and great medical guidance.
— the7thdean
March 22, 2007
You will be fine Jakeskia. I understand your anxieties. Let your
anesthesiologist know during your consult with him/her. They are trained
well to handle situations such as this. You will learn post op that you
feared fear itself. It is very imperative to let this person know so dont
be embarrassed by it. They will give you calming medicine in enough time
prior to your surgery and you will notice yourself "I AM CALM!"
— NEETAJEAN
March 22, 2007
I don't think we'd be normal if we didn't all go through a case of jitters
before having surgery. Trust in your physician and surgeon that they have
done enough of this type of surgery without anyone dying. And keep telling
yourself that this type of surgery is going on all the time and you are
just a number and everything will be OK. It's like having your first baby,
you don't know what to expect but women go through it every minute and
survive. The Lord brought you to it and he will bring you through it! God
Bless.
— Virginia M.
March 22, 2007
Hi Jakeshia, thanks for your question. I did have a little anxiety about
being put to sleep, I think when you weigh the possibility of
complications, including the anesthesia that you go under, it can be a
burden. I did what I always do. I faced it in truth. I understood the
risk, that is was real, and then I did what I know is right to do about it.
I went to the obesityhelp website to the memorials and respected those who
lost their battle with wls surgery and died. I opened my heart to the
compassion that I needed to respect the severity of the surgery that I was
about to face. Then I kept my prayer life in tact about the surgery and
made sure my life was right with God. If I had to lose my battle with wls,
I knew that I would be facing him for eternity and I wanted to be sure that
I had no lack of forgiveness in my own heart towards anyone. I needed to
clean my own heart of things that would rob me of peace. That meant
talking to some, forgiving my children or spouse or both. It meant having
a clean slate biblically so that if I did die, it was in peace. The day I
had surgery, my husband and I prayed together while waiting for the surgeon
and I went under in complete peace. It was in God's hand. I am a born
again Christian Jackshia, and this is how I handle anxiety. If you are a
Christian, these things will benefit you as well. Reading Psalms 4 and
Psalms 139 from the Bible are precious jewels from God to me. His Word is
a loveletter to me, and precious. A very help in a time of need and daily
walk with Him. If you would like to know Jesus Christ as your Savior and
do not, please ask, I would be glad to share Him with you. I respect your
anxiety and don't like needles, but God has a plan for peace, and I am
living proof that it works when you trust fully in Him and His Word. Take
care and I hope this helped. Sincerely, Patricia P
— Patricia P
March 23, 2007
Ask for some meds to calm you before you even show up for your surgery day.
Then when you get there they can ease you under before they do all the
major stuff to your body so you are unaware. Piece of cake. I just had my
surgery on the 9th of January. Went great. Once the IV is in you don't even
feel it so if you have some happy meds ahead of time you will be just fine.
Just make sure someone else drives you. No regrets for me. This was my
first big surgery too. I am also 5"6 but I am 55 years old and
started out at 344. Please don't go there. It isn't a happy place. I am now
at 280 and feeling so much better and have gotten off of several of my meds
already. My experience has been so very positive. My daughter was so
inspired that her mother would take on this surgery that she went to see
about it herself and we had surgery a day apart. She is in Alaska and I am
in NC so we talk on the phone about every other day to compare notes. I am
so happy she is not going to be uhappy and sickly as long as I have been.
You have made this decision at a younger age as well. Congratulations. Good
Luck and God Bless, Norma
— njkbutton
March 23, 2007
— S. Carroll
March 23, 2007
Jakesia,
My name is Andrea and I applaud you for taking this step. I am 6 months
post op and have absolutely no regrets, but I did have the anesthesia
jitters just like you are. I have a history of problems when I am put to
sleep. I was very upfront with my surgeon and the anesthesiologist prior to
my surgery. They had to intubate through my nose as my jaw locks up when I
am put under, so it was much more time-consuming for them, but they knew
going in what could happen. I think you should relax and trust your
doctors. They know what the risks are and will take good care of you! I am
down 80 pounds in 6 months and have never felt better!!!
Good luck and keep me posted...
Andrea LeJeune
[email protected]
608-385-3540
— andrealej
March 23, 2007
Im 26 years old 5'5 and I weighed 295 before my surgery on 1-16-07. I have
now lost 53lbs in 2 months. I feel so much better. I can do things now and
not get out of breath. My back does not hurt as bad as it did. I will be
honest, the first month is the hardiest. I was sore the first month and I
was so tired of protein shakes then soup. Once that first month is over,
things gets alot better. The morning I had surgery, the nurse put
norvacane in my hand then put the IV in. I never felt the IV the whole
time I was there. There is always a chance something going wrong during
any type of surgery. Just weigh your pros and cons and what you feel is
right for you. Take care and good luck!
— barfiep01
March 23, 2007
Well before my WLS I quit breathing in recovery after minor knee surgery.
Hopefully your surgeon has checked you for sleep apnea? That caused my
problem but since they knew about it I had NO troubles for WLS. Studies
show its more dangerous to remain MO than have WLS. Life is full of risks
but having surgery was the BEST decision I ever made!
— bob-haller
March 23, 2007
I recently had a lap band done (3/12). No problem wiht the anesthsia. The
med asst out in the iv. Usually it will only poke alittle and it should
stop hurting as soonas they putr th needle in place. It continued to hurt
and I told the guy there was something wrong and he agreed and re did the
iv. After that it was smooth sailing. I just got up after the procedure.
Do not worry. I have had anesthesia 6 or 7 times (other minor procedures,
appendectomy etc.) All will be well. Good luck and God bless. SR
— vasumathi
March 23, 2007
I am going to have surgery on 4-12-07. I understand exactly how you feel. I
was all excited but as the day grows closer I think to myself "what in
the world are you doing". But a friend of mine put things in
perspective for me. She said when you are morbidly obese you take a chance
every nite when you go to sleep. The chances of not waking up due to sleep
apnea, heart attack, stroke, etc. are very real possibilities even though
we don't often think abut it. While surgery is serious business the long
term dangers of being over weight far out weight the risk of being put to
sleep for a short time. Just pray and ask God to be the "physician in
charge" and you will be fine. I will try to take my own advice. I have
had anethesia many times and have never had a problem. I know that we have
a wonderful, healthy life ahead of us. I'll be praying for you. Let us know
how everything goes.
— VWilkin122
March 23, 2007
Jackshia,
This is an answer to your vitamin question.
I hope you have a Walgreens. There is a bariatric vitamin sold there that
is the most inexpensive I have found and it has everything you need
including your calcium and B vitamins. So you only have to take this
instead of three things. It suggests 1 tab 4 times a day but you can take 2
tabs 2 times daily after you are eating good. The tabs are chewable and
don't taste bad at all. The brand is Optisource-specially formulated for
use after bariatric surgery. Runs about 28 dollars a month. Much cheaper
than buying everything separate. I got my first months supply at this site
and it cost me 56 so there is a big difference and I did not have to take
as many supplements. If you do not have a Walgreens pharmacy near you this
is available on line at www.resource/walgreens.com or you can call
1-800-828-9194 to order. Comes in a citrus flavor. Tastes like orange to
me. A little gritty but all of them are. I wash it down with a little
orange crystal lite to get the last out of my mouth. Works for me. Norma
— njkbutton
March 24, 2007
Hi, first off, congrats on your decision, you won't regret it! Secondly,
It's normal to be afraid I think. I'll tell you something; the NIGHT before
my surgery my 3 -year-old little girl fell at my Mom's house and had to
have 5 staples in the back of her head. It was pretty traumatic-- blood
everywhere, I was really upset. The next morning as I'm lying on the cot
being prepped for surgery I turned to my anestheiologist (sp?) and told her
what happened the night before, "do you think it's a sign I shouldn't
have this surgery?" she patted my hand and said, "honey, I warmed
up on a 500 lb man this morning, you'll be a piece of cake..." and the
next thing I knew I was waking up in recovery. I was really scared because
I wonder where your mind is while you're unconscious... it sounds weird,
but it's hard to explain. Just think of it this way; are you better off
having the surgery or continuing down the path that you are already on? You
will be fine.... :) best wishes!
open RNY 12-27-06/100 lbs gone!!!
— airbear762000
March 25, 2007
I had only one surgery before WLS it was gallbladder,,,, Never had a
childbirth and never had to be in a hospital.... I was so afraid too. But i
know that i had to do this and i trusted my surgeon. held it all in but
the day of surgery i was ok until i was put in the OR ..... I just started
crying BIG Tears AND told the anesited that i was afraid, He talk to be and
told me that it is normal to be afaid, But he said that he was going to do
his best to keep me safe. I trusted him from then on out ,,before i knew it
i was awake and in my room feein like i had nothig done, It is the best
choice that i have ever made. YOU WILL BE OK!!!! Trust in the lord he wants
you to take care of his temple as well(your body) ,,, Good luck and we will
see you on the losing side,,,,,,,,
— mich_rny1-18-2007
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