Hanging out with positive friends always works for me. Not totally, but being appreciated for who I am makes me realise I am not a failure, or a bad person. Anti-depressants help as a crutch until other methods can take over, so don't dismiss the drugs outright.
Do you have access to a psychologist? Learning new coping strategies is always good. Dreams of losing loved ones sounds like fear of that post-op, but if they love you they will be happy for you. Have you talked to the people involved lately? Might be good to catch up.
Just do go popping off the twig so close to your surgery okay?
Karen.