Scared of nothing but scared to death about this

[Ranchmann]

Im 34 years and never even had an IV before. Im horrified about this but know i must do something now. Im over 350 lbs and 6 ft tall but just dont know what in the world to expect! Im considering going to Tijuana to get sleeved but scared. This forum helps so much but need any comfort you guys can give.

[healedheart]

I just had my surgery so I understand what is running through your mind. I decided that if I wanted to have the best years coming up, I needed to be more healthy. I had tried all kinds of diets and would reach a plateau then stop loosing weight. If you have not tried many times and failed I would really make sure you really want it before I did the surgery. It does change you life. You could look back and wonder what if. But if you are like me then the surgery could be one of the biggest tools to help you loose weight. I don't know if this will work for me but I had to at least give it a try.

[Djrodeo]

I had to put thoughts like that out of my mind and be careful not to focus on them. The sheer number of surgeries done before me was a testamanent to the odds being in my favor. With my doctor, I was able to go to his office and see his follow up patients who all looked healthy. His record was good and I asked him at the time how many procedures he had performed.

The only surgery I had been through previous to that was gall bladder surgery, and that was only because the thing was dead and dragging me down with me. The idea was scary, but my reminder was that I had put my body through many years of punishment and only by doing something immediately could I change the course my life was going on. I went through the surgery without incident and recovered quickly without much pain (yay pain pills!) and now am almost to 35 lbs lost since surgery and over 110lbs lost since I started my whole journey.

I think no matter what else I say about it, I can call that a success.

Overall, I'm extremely happy I did it, and would and have recommended it to everyone I know that could benefit from it. I hope I helped!

[kizzy1888]

Well, you've definitely come to the right place. There are many people here that have some great stories and words of encouragement. I personally haven't been sleeved yet, but I will be on March 4th. I am going to Tijuana for surgery with Dr. Kelly. I have my own fears and they are normal. I wish you the best of luck on your journey. All I can say is, do your research. YouTube has tons of info and videos of truly what to expect. The "scary" things will definitely be outweighed by the positive outcomes of the surgery!

[Pip]

Hey Ranchmann...I can understand ..even though I have had a few surgeries prior..lapband then lapband removal 6 years later the idea of having part of my stomach removed and still being alive afterwards kinda freaked me out...well it happend (29th jan) and I'm still here
I always like to get my laugh on.. I managed to make the orderly pushing my bed into theatre laugh ..the nurse in my room laugh then tell me off as she was trying to cut some stitches to remove my drain and another nurse I made stay with me to watch a tv show for 5 mins..it really made me feel much better
I even named my IV..trust me you need to your attached to that buggar like nobodies business..I showered with it ..we got pretty close lol
But seriously Good Luck matey
You won't believe how awesome it is to do a whole supermarket shop and not once drool over anything in the store

[mpishko]

Listen, I'm 48 and I'm afraid of snakes, spiders, and the dentist. I was scared practically to tears before the surgery. If a big wuss like me can do it, anyone can.

I don't regret my decision at all. It was the right one. I lost 50 lbs before the surgery and 34 lbs since. No more diabetes meds, no more sleep apnea. All that makes the tough times worth while.

[Rebthacker]

Everything will be ok I was under twice last year with neck surgery and had my boobs cut down...Its like your in a deep sleep and you will be awake before you know it.... And you will be glad you did it... I have my surgery in march and I cant wait

[kildaere]

I had never had an IV either before the surgery, in fact, I had never has so much as a novacaine shot at the dentist!
While I researched the surgery as much as possible beforehand, I actually made the decision and then did it 2 weeks later in Tijuana - and I went alone.

Once you make your decision, just focus on the very next thing you have to do. Once that thing is done, focus only on the next thing in the process. At one point, when I was waiting for the boarding call for my flight to San Diego, I had a bit of a panic.. but fixed it with a few deep breaths and reminding myself that I just needed to get myself onto the plane, that was the only responsibility I had in that moment.

Just focus on the very next step, you'll be ok. : )

[zepol69]

I had mine January 22 and I'm down 18lbs,surgery is fast,mine was half hour. I was scared too but now I wish I would have done it sooner. Good luck!

[niamh]

Exactly what kildaere said... focus on the next step.

I was really frightened never having had any surgery before. I rewrote my will just in case (needed doing anyway, but the surgery prompted me to get around to it).

I just kept reminding myself that I was making my decision based on logical reasons and statistics about the very likely benefits as opposed to the risks if I DIDN'T have the surgery and remained overweight, and the miniscule risks of actually having the surgery.

I decided that although I would understand and validate my fear/emotions as a response, I wouldn't bring them into the equation of influencing my decision. So then I just kept moving forward to each next step, and managing my fear as best I could. That's why I have the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' slogan as my avatar - not because I am particularly calm, but because I know it is very helpful to me.

Although my resolve never wavered, I was crying as I had to leave my husband and go into theatre, and as I was being prepared for the anaesthetic. A wonderful nurse told me her name and wiped my tears away and held my hand. She told me lots of people feel scared and that I just needed to keep looking at her face while they were getting me ready to put me under. It was one of the most significant acts of kindness I have ever experienced and helped me face my fear in that moment. I remember feeling that if I never woke up I felt secure and cared for. Still makes me feel emotional when I think about it.

[tmclenn]

Tell them you are nervous and scared of the IV, they can give you something to relax before the surgery, it really helps

[becca72]

nothing more to add on what other posters have said...just wanted to wish you luck with making your decision

[pieganjane]

By your name ( Ranchmann) can I assume you are a guy? As a long time EMT I can tell you that in the back of the ambulance it is always the men who freak out and we (seriously) give them teddy bears that are supposed to be for the little kids. With that said I agree with what most of the folks said..take a friend or family member with you for support, if the doc ok's with it take a valium before you go to surgery, and ask the nurse or tech to use a tiny butterfly needle for the stick, you won't feel it. Oh, and make sure you have had enough fluids before the surgery because if you are dehydrated your veins are harder to find.

[Msvetrn]

All great posts...good advice from JANE about being hydrated to make it easier to get the IV in. All the nurses I have had in TJ have been really good at starting IV's...they do SO many of them everyday...and I am a difficult stick!
I am always nervous just prior to being put to sleep...but I've done it FOUR times since September 2011! Each time, I am telling the anesthesiologist how nervous I am (and they are probably thinking, "Yah, yah lady...shut it!)and then the next thing I know...its over and someone is waking me up. :-)

[BabyDoll]

To update everybody, my husband and I are in Tijuana now...we met David (the originator of this thread) a few day ago and want to tell you he did great and has had no issues. Dr Kelly did him and my husband both up right. Both are sleeved now and headed towards a new healthy life!

It was great to meet you and your wife David! Keep us updated on your journey!