I finally moved into band-land!:tt1:

Monday I was scheduled for surgery at 1:30p. My hubby woke me up Monday morning around 8 and told me the hospital had had a cancellation, and wanted me to come in asap! YIKES! I showered and dressed and we headed to the hospital. It took me about 15 minutes to check in and suddenly I was in pre-op getting gowned and IV'ed. It was around 10 am. My potassium was perfect, so I knew it was a "go." I suddenly got really nervous! LOL!Twenty minutes later, I was prepped and the anesthesiologist was giving me this fantabulous little cocktail in my I.V. I remember waving goodbye to my Mom & Hubby and being wheeled away. The only thing I remember about the OR is being wheeled in, seeing a bunch of people standing around and cheering for me. My surgeon spoke to me, but I have no idea what he said! I vaguely remember moving onto the operating table, them strapping down my arms and a big mask being placed on my face. Next thing I remember is a nurse trying to wake me up in the recovery room. I remember exactly five seconds of that! Whee!

I woke up in my own private room with my Mom & Hubby by my side around 11: 30. I don't remember much pain. But I do remember begging for ice. I have never been so thirsty in my life!! That whole afternoon is kind of a blur. But I do remember them getting me up to walk shortly after my kids got there, around 3. That was not pleasant. But the more I got up to walk that afternoon, the easier it became.

Around six I told my hubby to take the kids to eat and get them home so they could do their homework. I figured I would be able to sleep, as I was really tired. But, I forgot, sleep isn't easy in a hospital! LOL!

They brought me dinner and I wasn't really that hungry, but I ate some jell-o. I was mostly interested in liquids. My throat was really sore from the surgery. I got up about three times to walk. Each time I walked a little further, and my nurse was teasing me about trying to keep up.

Around 11 my chest was feeling really heavy from what I assumed was the gas they used during surgery. I was having problems taking a deep breath. The nurse called my doc and he ordered an EKG, bloodwork and a chest x-ray to rule out heart attack. (really? Heart attack??) I complained that the pain wasn't that bad, but I guess my doc likes to be uber-thorough. So there I was at 2 in the morning laying on a gurney outside the x-ray room, pain meds worn off , and wondering what the hell I had gotten myself into.

Once I got back into my room, I got my pain meds and felt much better. I was even able to sleep about an hour before the nurse came back for another round of vitals. My blood pressure had been really low all evening so they stopped the IV for awhile to get it back up. Around five in the morning I was able to sleep for about two hours. And then my doc came in, told me my tests from the night before were all perfect. He checked my incisions and said they looked great. Strangely I've only felt pain from one incision. If it weren't for that I would have felt perfectly fine. I assumed that was the port location. NOPE! He told me where my port was and I hadn't even known there was an incision there!! LOL!

So, by 8am he was writing up my discharge paperwork! Hubby showed up a little later and I was able to pack up and head home!

Other than my puppies wanting to jump on my tummy, it has been pretty smooth sailing. I've been able to enjoy some yummy homemade broth my Mom made me, a few yummy sugar free popsicles and jell-o. I've been walking and moving as much as I can. I still have quite a bit of discomfort, but nothing the pain pills can't take care of. My plan today is to get in a shower and a longer walk outside. And hopefully a nap! LOL!

I must say I am quite excited to start my new life!!:thumbup:

Welcome. The view here is great!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

congratulations!!!! dr monash is wonderful , i see him tomorrow for my one week post op!!

Congratulations!! I loved reading your story. I am getting the band 1st week of March and am so nervous. Reading stories like yours helps put my mind at ease! Thanks and good luck!

Missy~ I was really nervous pre-op. I didn't sleep well for weeks. Looking back on it, there really wasn't anything to worry about. The hospital staff takes great care of you, the pain isn't near as bad as I thought. Just remember to walk as much as possible. It really helps alot! You will do great, I am sure of it! I know I have absolutely NO regrets!! Except, perhaps I wish I had done it sooner!!

GOOD LUCK!