Leanne's Story: Surgery is near, and here's how I'm tackling anxiety

As the saying goes, sh*t is getting real! My surgery is a few short weeks away. And while I’m excited, I’m also nervous and anxious. Who wouldn’t be? This is major surgery.

I hope you’ve been following my journey as I approach my lower body lift surgery. After gastric surgery and resulting weight loss, I’ve decided to remove the large apron of skin that remains on my abdomen. It’s more than just aesthetic; it caused me a tremendous about of discomfort.

My pre-op appointment with my doctor went really well. I was able to ask all the questions I wanted and never felt rushed. Rachel (my nurse) was very forthright and was also able to alleviate my fears about pain management. Just two months ago, I was suffering the pain of kidney stones. If you know, you know. So, I really wanted to make sure that my medical team understood my concerns and took them seriously.

Rachel also took my before photos, one of which I shared on social media. I started a new public Instagram account: @fatbrokeandkindafunny. Showing my body like this publically isn’t easy. But, my thinking is if I can help one person by sharing this journey then it’ll be worth it.

For me personally, there’s no shame when I look at these pictures. What I see is someone who has come a very long way, and who deserves to be free of the aggravation and agony of abdominal sores. Focusing on that is a starting point for relieving my anxiety.

My editor asked me what I am doing for self-care right now, given that the weeks before surgery can be such an emotional time. Honestly, preparing my home and getting my life in order has been so good for my mental health. Ticking off all those boxes helps to put me at ease. Here are a few other things I’m doing to get myself in a good place for this life-changing experience, and I think they would apply for any plastic surgery:

• Focusing on realistic expectations. Do I think I’m going to be a Victoria’s Secret model? I mean, I hope so, but realistically I just hope I look like myself without all the discomfort of this extra skin. When I imagine myself post-op, I am careful not to let my imagination run wild.
• Feeling confident that I’ve chosen the right surgeon. Knowing that you feel comfortable with your surgeon, their expertise, and their communication with you will go a long way to easing your anxiety about this major surgery.
• Following any pre-op instructions carefully. Following instructions to take any medications, not to smoke, vape, or drink alcohol for example, give me a certain peace of mind that I’m doing all I can to minimize any chance of complications.
• Having all my post-op ducks in a row. Knowing who will take care of me, when and for how long, as well as putting things in place ahead of time so that I can simplify my life has been useful. Making sure that house cleaning, groceries and laundry is done before means that I won’t have to worry about those things, or burden (or pay!) someone else.

I have some appointments in the coming days where a level of pampering will be involved. I’ll get my hair cut, get my first pedicure in months, and I will go for a massage that focuses on lymphatic drainage. These massages, I am told, are essential both pre and post-surgery for reducing swelling and boosting the immune system.

The next time I write here I will have had my belt lipectomy! Feel free to follow my Instagram for more!