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17aaa

Know that a large portion of the public is overweight. An anesthesiologist will have experience factoring obesity into their work!! You are in safe hands!!! Sending good vibes and best wishes for a speedy recovery your way. I’m so glad they found what was wrong!


heretolose11

Very true. Thank you so much. I just need to relax. I’m still holding out hope that because it’s a simple cyst, it will disappear on its own (apparently they can do that) Oh lord PLEASE. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated.


idkwowow

i’m pretty sure they can do that laparoscopically with local anesthesia. the risks you’re worried about are from general anesthesia. people your BMI get much more complex surgery (WLS) under general anesthesia all the time


heretolose11

So true. Thank you so much.


FatAmy__

I just wanted to respond because I can completely relate to your emotional response to the idea of being put under general anesthesia. (If it turns out that GA is unnecessary in your case, that's great. But just in case that's the way things go...) The first time I had surgery under general, I was completely terrified. It felt like a death sentence, even though I knew on an intellectual level that I would almost certainly be fine. I spent the few months beforehand hashing it over with a therapist, and *also* (because somehow this was available to me at the time) with a nurse practitioner who had surgical experience. And what she told me was essentially this: * when you're under general anesthesia, you're in the care of an entire team of highly trained, experienced medical professionals who are monitoring you closely, and should any difficulty arise, know exactly what to do to get you through it safely. * this being the case, you're actually far safer on the operating table than you are, say, in any passenger vehicle at basically any time * your surgeon would not even consider putting you in that situation without being extremely confident that they'll be able to see you safely through. This is as much for their own sake as for yours; they HATE negative numbers. They won't touch any case that isn't basically a guaranteed positive outcome. I understand, of course, that intellectual arguments won't do everything to assuage your fears. It's also 100% normal to be afraid of completely new things, and general anesthesia is a common source of fear. **You feeling afraid of GA doe *not* mean that anything is actually going to go wrong.** It's not an ill omen or a bad sign or a premonition; it's just a normal emotional response to a stressful situation. And that first time I went under general anesthesia? I was totally fine afterward, no problems at all. If anything, it was by far the easiest part of the whole surgical experience. If you're feeling very anxious before surgery, they can give you some delightful medications that will help calm you right down so that you don't have to feel quite so stressed. And the second time I was put under for surgery, I wasn't afraid of it at all. In the end, as scary as it can be for first-timers, it's not a big deal. Good luck, and be brave! You're going to be just fine.


harbick

I've had a few surgeries done at my high weight or slightly below - 464lbs. I had my gallbladder removed, knee surgery, and gastric bypass done at 400+lbs. No complications. If they are doing surgery, they think the benefits outweigh the risks - they don't want you to have a bad outcome any more than you do! Generally, they will have an anesthesiologist who is familiar with bariatrics patients. In my case, they also pulled in nursing staff familiar with bariatrics procedures too. If they do it laproscopically, you'll have anywhere from 3-6 small incisions. They insert tools to basically insert air to give them room to move instruments around and have visibility. Complications are rare, and recovery usually isn't too bad. In other words.. breathe! You got this!


pinksparklebird

Hello there! I had a 36cm ovarian cyst that had 16 LITRES of fluid in it removed via open abdominal surgery 5 years ago, when I was 45 and weighed about 300lbs. My operation took 8 hours and I was absolutely fine. This year, I had a brain tumour removed via craniotomy, and the surgery took 7 hours. This time I weighed 325lbs. Again, I was absolutely fine. Just let them do all their pre-op checks and you'll be fine - remember it's not in their interest to let you die (I'm joking!) and they operate on far sicker people every day of the week. Yes, you may be heavy, but they literally operate on 95 year olds with dicky hearts and things. They won't go ahead if they have any serious concerns.


mightthxnktwice

I’ve had several surgeries between the 300-400 pound range and never had a problem with any anesthesia! The anesthesiologists are very experienced in their field and understand dosage for their higher weight patients. I also suffer from anxiety, and I always ask them for something to help with that prior to surgery. By the time they get me back to the OR, I’m feeling fine and ready to take a nap! You’ve got this OP 🩵


RainCityMomWriter

I've had four surgeries in the past two years, two of them at my highest weight, which was not that much less than yours, and if we're talking BMI pretty darn close. I was fine. They are experts, they will do what needs to be done.


Glaina

I have been obese most of my life and have had over 10 surgeries for endometriosis, cysts, non-cancer mass and hysterectomy. I heard the horror stories but when I met with the CRNA before each surgery they put me at ease. I didn’t have any complications from anesthesia. I hope everything goes well for you!


YourGlacier

Gosh I'm so jealous they comforted you and relieved to hear it! When I was around that weight, I had a doctor tell me he knows I'd die in surgery. Looked me dead in the face too. Really gave me horrible medical anxiety--and I didn't have excessively high BP or any co-comorbidities, so it was really harsh hearing that from him. It was definitely not reality though (in case OP is reading this), I think he may just have really disliked fat people.


imrankhan_goingon

Omg this is so incredibly sad. I’m so sorry that happened. I have major anxiety with medical issues so I get it. I think I would have just never gone to another Dr again had that happened to me. I hope you are doing ok in spite of a jerk of a Dr making you feel like you were going to die! Sheesh. I’m Mad for you!


rabidstoat

The only issue you might have is if they normally do it at an outpatient center, they may need to do it at a hospital because of your BMI. In fact, I would specifically ask if it will be an issue if it's booked there. I had a procedure scheduled at an off site center. I had to call and answer a few questions including height and weight and they still booked me. The day of the surgery, after I had an IV in, they said they can't do procedures for people with a BMi over 50 off site and they had to send me home and reschedule me for the hospital.


Laughorcryliveordie

Hi. I highly recommend telling your anesthesiologist that you are terrified. They can give you meds that will help you sedate well and come out of anesthesia better.


ValiMeyer

I’ve had several surgeries. Anesthesiologists are extremely well trained. In your pre-surgery meeting, be honest in your answers & mention that you are anxious. All the anesthesiologists I’ve encountered were so kind & helpful. Plus you get a great big dose of the “happy juice” while waiting in pre-surgery. Man, I wish I had some to bring home! You’ll be in good hands!


Tinawebmom

Since 2017 I have had roughly 9 surgeries. This included spinal surgery twice. My weight fluctuated between 270 & 320. I'm typing this so...... Just talk with the anesthesiologist just before surgery. It's scary. You'll be fine. Good luck!


RainCityMomWriter

If I can add one thing - think about some skills to bring down your stress. The surgery I had at my highest weight I found out at the last minute that my husband couldn't come back with me for the first part and I panicked. When they took my blood pressure it was very high. I told them to give me ten minutes to calm myself and do a recheck. I did deep breathing and meditation, and when they rechecked me I was fine. I tell you this to make sure you have some tools to calm yourself if you find yourself nervous and panicked when you go in.


cellovator

I had my first ovary removed because of a 10cm cyst, and had no problems with the general anaesthesia, they were able to remove it laparoscopically. I was probably 350 lbs or so back then. More recently I went in for a peri anal abscess (oh yeah, lotsa fun), and the docs did an abdominal CT to ascertain the extent of any cellulitis. Emergency surgery scheduled. While waiting for surgery, the CT was re-read in its entirety (not just focusing on the abscess) and then I was informed of a mass on my remaining ovary, a mass on a kidney, my spleen was enlarged, and my liver was enlarged. I was pretty sure that I was going to die on the table with my ass in the air. I did not. I was about 390 lbs by then (in 2020). Over the next two years I had three more short surgeries on my ass (ugh), that kidney and ovary out in one double surgery (5-ish hrs), and pituitary surgery twice. During all of these I was between 375-440 lbs. Yes, I was considered high-risk due to weight and asthma and sleep apnea, but the anaesthesia team evaluated me fully for every separate surgery before giving the okay to schedule the procedure. They know what they’re doing. Their only job in the OR is to watch your vitals, keep you safely unconscious and alive.


OkTreacle7927

I'm a few lbs lighter but am a chunky girl. Have had multiple surgeries, and I'm alive. I do have massive panic attacks when I wake up from anaesthesia, so the last time I let my nurses know. After surgery, before I woke up, they tucked my teddy into my arms and put my glasses on. I woke up to a nurse stroking my hair, telling me everything was okay. First time I have come out without screaming, peeing myself, or throwing up from fear. Wishing you all the best. You will be okay.


No-Bison9304

I had to go under GA for my lithotripsy and I was also so so scared, basically crying when they put me under. The next thing I knew I was awake and they said I did great! I promise the build up is worse in your head :)


avioletfury

I’m on the high end of the 300s but much shorter than you, and have severe OSA. I was TERRIFIED of going under general anesthesia earlier this year and experienced similar thoughts, to the point where I was sobbing in the prep room beforehand. Luckily, my health care network uploads the anesthesiologist report to our patient portals, and I got to see in writing after my procedure that I was an easy intubation, my airways were normal, and everything went super smoothly. It’s OK to have big emotions about this. Your care team will guide you through. The anesthesia tech who was prepping me and speaking to me on the table before I went out had amazing bedside manner and I went out hearing this kind woman’s warm voice telling me how strong and brave I am, and that everything would be fine in the team’s hands. And it was! The very best of luck to you.


renasiy

I've had this exact surgery at a very high weight and had no issues whatsoever. Anesthesiologists see more obese people on their tables than fit ones! You will be constantly monitored - it's most likely a safer time than any random night we just go to sleep :) And if it helps, the recovery was also a breeze. Mine was around 11cm, removed laparoscopically. All I got was a grand total of 3 band aids on my lower abdomen covering 1 stitch each. Fluids and a urinary catheter for the first 20ish hours after, but I didn't care much since I spent that day sleeping off the anesthesia. If anything, I would focus on mobility during recovery. Make sure you keep stretching your legs, you can easily do blood clot prevention exercises while in bed. Also for me I felt much better as soon as I got up and started moving around a bit. You'll be in good hands with all the precautions modern medicine has to offer, bring a good book and it will all be done with before you know it :)


imrankhan_goingon

Talk to your Dr about your worries and I’m almost positive they will remind you this is a surgery and things can happen but they will also take great care of you! I’ve had 3 surgeries at very heavy weights and I was totally fine. My dr was so comforting and I knew logically I was in good hands but it’s scary anyways. Even people who are totally healthy have this same fear. Also, ask if this could be done laparoscopically! Never know. Best of luck! ❤️


Federal_Artist_4071

I wish I could remember word for word but once I saw a surgeon speak about this fear, basically saying if things go wrong during surgery, they have about 12 backup plans, A-L, to keep you alive, and the surgeon said they rarely ever have to go to even back up plan B.


WindyIsotopes

I am 5'6" and weighed about 332 lbs. when I required emergency surgery after falling through broken tile in the bathroom. I nearly bled to death in the bathroom that night. I was so tired from the blood loss that I didn't care about the anesthesia effects. I received a tetanus shot and two blood transfusions immediately after arriving to the OR. My heart rate was in the 120s in the ambulance, so I was in bad shape. Thankfully, I only have a nasty scar to show for my injury. I am walking normally 18 months later without any side effects. You will be just fine.


SimplyKendra

Take a breath and relax. YourAnesthesiologist has had many many years of schooling and is there simply to watch over you and adjust as necessary. You will most likely be very much fine. Every surgery for anyone is a risk, but this one is pretty straight forward. Let them know you are very scared and they can also give you something to calm your nerves. Talk to the anesthesiologist before you go in and they will take care of that. It’s going to be okay friend. Let us know how it goes okay?


Novel_Breakfast2769

I was afraid of this too cuz you always hear stories. I had to have an upper scope and colonoscopy done cuz if gi issues I was having due to extreme anxiety and stress I was going through at the time. Health and death anxiety was crippling me. My gastro could have done the scopes in his Health clinic but because of my bmi he did it at the hospital. Over a certain bmi needs to be done at the hospital to be safe. I was scared when they told me that cuz I was thinking omg I'm high risk, something is going to happen. The nurses assured me it was fine and they do that just in case something were to happen, the hospital us equipped to handle it. To bring me out of the anesthesia. They monitor you very closely while you're under and if something were to not look right they'd bring you out of it. It's really wild how it was though, they put a plastic piece in my mouth to keep it open for the scope and they said I'd start to get sleepy and all I could think about was that I was drooling from the piece holding my mouth open lol I asked the nurse "am I drooling?" But it came out "en I drooing?" She was like what? I tried again and it came out just as bad haha she was smiling and said what sweetie?? I tried again but was asleep before I even finished the sentence hahah next thing I knew I was waking up and my gastro was telling me everything was all good and to increase my fiber lol I made everything out to be so much scarier and worse than it was. I don't know if this helps at all, but I hope it can show you we make things out to be catastrophic based on things we've heard over time, which really aren't the norm. Good luck with everything, you'll be just fine! :)


tomspy77

I last weighed in at 372 at 6'5 and had surgery on my finger last month and was fine....


FattyAcid12

I had an accident that severed an artery in my arm. I had emergency surgery after almost bleeding to death. I was 6’4” and 500 lbs at the time of the surgery. Had no problems with GA.


RandomBeverly

I recently had surgery at 400lbs.. I was transferred to a hospital that was more experienced and equipped to handle the risks with a person my size. Everything went fine and I feel so much better!! I would express your concerns with your Dr and ensure they are prepared for the extra risk. Everything has risks you just have to educate yourself and be prepared! You got this!