Hi Barbara,
First off congrats on getting ready to take the first step in reclaiming your life and health. You're not worried "over nothing", you're going to have surgery...that's a big deal. But I've found that fear comes mostly from having insufficient information/unresolved questions. Talk to your surgeon about all of your questions/concerns...that's what he/she is there for. Also most programs have a psychologist as part of the team. Get in there and do the same. Same with support groups, talk to patients who've already gone through it. Shore up your support team...husband, family, friends...not the ones who send e-mails about all the things that might happen; but the ones who are genuinely happy that you're taking control.
And for the record, I was in the same boat that Todd was in at the beginning. From an all time high of 467 with diabetes, high blood pressure, poor circulation...all the usual suspects, including a diminished life-span. I went into surgery this past May 1st @ 412 lbs. Now I'm at 300 and heading south. Off all my medications and facing the biggest problem of which is keeping up with always having to buy smaller sized clothing...which I'm pretty sure I ( and you) will be able to deal with. And yes I did have a complication of my own from the surgery. But it wasn't too serious, and with the quick intervention of the surgeon we kept in front of it and it became nothing more than an annoyance. Point is, I'm far better off for having the surgery & would do it again even if I knew the complication was part of the deal. So research the surgery, ask your questions, and remind yourself that you ARE in fact doing this for your health....rah rah (cheering section)
Good Luck, Peter