Sometimes, it is not easy to get rid of anxiety before surgery, because it is a completely normal process. In fact, it doesn’t even matter what kind of surgery it is; whether it is a major surgery or a simple procedure that your surgeon has performed hundreds of times, it is common to feel nervous and anxious. Some of this anxiety may be triggered by fear of anesthesia or the surgery itself. Some people already have existing anxiety issues.
However, it is important to know when and why exactly you are feeling anxious before your surgery so that you can be able to overcome it. We have noticed that anxiety can actually slow down the recovery process of a patient after a weight loss surgery.
Anxious patients usually need more medication and even more time for this medication to take effect before and after the surgery.
Feeling anxious before your weight loss surgery? What can you do?
Whether you normally suffer from anxiety or you are simply nervous before your bariatric procedure because you are afraid of complications that may happen with anesthesia, during the surgery itself or after the surgery, we do understand your fears. We understand that these feelings although normal can be very difficult to control.
Below are a few things we think you can do to help you get rid of or minimize your feelings of anxiety before the day of your procedure.
Do Some Research
Your anxiety may probably be triggered by uncertainty and fear of the unknown. The best thing is that in this age, the internet gives you access to information on anything you want to know. Do some research about the kind of surgery you will undergo and what to expect during, before and after the surgery.
You can also find online forums where previous bariatric surgical patients talk about their experiences. Their successful weight loss surgery experiences can do a lot to help you get rid of your anxiety. If you can, talk to someone who has goes through a bariatric surgical procedure.
Ask Questions
Talk to your bariatric team about your feelings and asking questions about what you don’t understand. At Advanced BMI, we are always happy to give you any information about your weight loss procedure and all the support you need before and after the surgery. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about bariatric surgery.
Find a Distraction
Walk, read a book, get lost in a TV series (whatever you love to do or makes you busy) day or weeks before your surgery. This will improve your state of mind and keep you distracted from obsessing about your scheduled procedure. If you have less time to obsess about the procedure, you can be able to take control of your anxiety and any irrational fears.
Relaxation Methods to Get Rid Of Anxiety
Finding a relaxation technique can be just what you need to get rid of your anxiety. Some common relaxation techniques include; breathing exercises, meditation or even prayer (whatever works for you). Meditation and breathing exercises have been known to lower blood pressure and stress levels.
Learning some relaxation techniques will help calm your nerves and take you to a better place psychologically before surgery.
If you are considering a bariatric surgery as a weight loss treatment here in Lebanon, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We are always happy to be of help. Likewise; if you are scheduled for weight-loss surgery with us and you are feeling anxious about you procedure, please feel free to talk to us. We will be happy to help you in any way we can to alleviate your anxious feelings.
