When I arrived at my surgery date. I was calm. I had put this decision off once before back in 2009. I had investigated gastric bypass as early as the year 2000. I wasn't ready back then. This time I was ready. I moved forward knowing I was heading to a new life.
There will be so many benefits post op. As far as being scared about pain and recovery, do follow all the instructions and guidelines that your Doctor tells you to follow. By doing so you will be fine. The surgery procedure is laparoscopic, which is minimally evasive. It thus allows for a quicker recovery and a whole lot less pain. You will be sore, but not bad. Take your pain medications; don't suffer. I found that the hospital stay was not an issue since they made sure you weren't having any pain. Also, while in the hospital get up and walk around as much as you can. Don't over do it though.
The first week I found that I needed to rest a lot and I did need some amount of pain killers, but not a whole lot. I try to avoid the pain meds as much as possible. Having said that I also made sure I was comfortable at night so I could sleep.
Also, please remember the entire first month is really for recovery and rest. Don't do anything. Yes, start to walk around as much as you can but don't over do it. Rest, rest rest. No lifting, no exertion. This is the most critical time. Follow the progression of food recommendations that your doctor gives you going from clear liquids to full liquids to puree and finally to soft foods, etc., etc. There is a reason for all of this. It is to assure that your new stomach heals properly and that you do NOT hurt yourself internally.
Best wishes,
Ralph
