eatoandc

May 21st was a long day, but I think it went well.
We were supposed to get there at 7 a.m. for a 10 a.m. surgery slot. DH was worried about being late, so we got there at 6:30 a.m. We checked in, and were taken to a small walled-in room where the nurse went over my vitals with me. I changed into the ultra-fashionable gown, opening to the back, as well as the socks with the tread design. Once I laid down on the gurney, they put the massaging things on my legs, and connected the air.
A scopolamine patch was placed behind my ear for possible nausea. It's supposed to last three days.
The IV of saline was started, and we waited. Julie, Dr. Clark's Physician's Asst, came in to check on not long before 9, and said that they were getting ready to do a bypass, and that I was next after that. She also gave me a goody bag.
The goody bag had several items from On-Q, a pain moderating apparatus. I had it when I had my last intestinal surgery, and wondered if I would have it for this, since this was going to be laproscopic. She said no, it was just some goodies she wanted to give me. On-Q is an IV type set-up where thin lines are run on each side of an incision to deliver morphine right to the incision, instead of having the morphine affect the whole body. I really liked it how it worked, but I'm glad I didn't get it for this surgery, and I don't think I needed it at all.
The items in the goody bag were a pedometer/FM radio combination and a set of pens, and a Water bottle, all embossed with "On-Q".
The nurse gave me a shot of Heparin in the leg. That stuff burns going in! It's not unbearable, but it does sting.
The IV was turned up pretty high to really pump in the saline, and I got up at about 9:30 to pee. The nurse said that they do this so that the patients will void their bladders, since they want empty bladders for surgery. After I got up, they turned the drip rate down.
Dr. Wong, the anesthesiologist came in, introduced himself to me, and he told me what would happen once we got to the ER. I've been operated on before, so I wasn't worried about that part.
I ended up getting wheeled into surgery at 10:52 a.m. Dr. Wong put a strap over my forehead that held monitors for my sleep rate, and my arm was stretched out to the side. An injection was made in the IV, and I could smell the taste (if that makes sense). He said that most people just comment that they can taste something in their mouths once they get that injection, but I felt that I could actually smell what it tasted like since the taste seemed to be right up at the top front of my mouth.
The oxygen mask went on, I was instructed to take deep breaths, and the next thing I knew I was back in my little walled cubicle. I think I recall being in a recovery room, and getting my mouth swabbed, but I couldn't swear to anything that happened there.
After I was more awake, but still groggy, I was taken down to radiology for the barium swallow so they could check the placement of the band. Once we got there, I sat up on the edge of the gurney, and sat there for a while because I was light-headed and felt nauseated. The nurse waved an alcohol swab under my nose to help with the nausea. I finally felt ready to go in for the swallow, and they handed me a large glass full of thin barium. I almost dropped the cup, but was able to warn them before hand, so they took it from me, and gave me another minute to stand there. I finally managed to get a few drinks down, and they decided that it would be better to by-pass the standing x-rays.
They put the x-ray bed down, and I laid down on it. Then the meanie doctor made me roll over a couple times. I told him that I was going to moon him for revenge for making me roll, and he just laughed. The rolling was uncomfortable, but I managed. Everything looked good, and I even got to see the screen to see what the band looked like on an x-ray.
I was then taken back to the cubicle, and could definitely feel every bump when we crossed the elevator threshold or any doorway thresholds. I didn't feel them on the way down.
My throat was really dry, so I was able to have ice chips and a popsicle, and that really helped. I was also given a dose of the liquid lortab, and was really happy to have that popsicle as a chaser to get rid of the taste.
I was given my choice of what I wanted to try to eat. Out of the cream-of-wheat, scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, cream of chicken Soup, mashed potatoes, and pudding, I chose the eggs and potatoes. No problem getting that down. I was allowed 2 medicine cups full of food.
I was finally let go at about 4:30. As I was getting into the wheelchair, I told DH that I thought he should drive home. The nurse looked startled for a minute, and then she realized I was joking!
We're looking for a car for our daughter, and since we were in Indy where there are several car dealerships within a few miles of the hospital, we decided (I insisted) that we not waste the opportunity. DH stopped and got me a bottle of Fiji Water to sip on for the drive. He drove through several lots so we could see what was available. If we saw anything that looked like a possibility, he got the details from the salesman, but no test drives. We just wanted to see what kind of prices are being asked. I had no problems being in the car for that extra hour that we spent driving through the lots.
Anyway, I slept most of the way home. We stopped to fill my prescriptions on the way home. I was given liquid lortab, Ursodiol (to prevent gall stones), and Protonix (for acid reflux). The pharmacy had to make the liquid lortab, so that took a little while. Not that I really noticed, because I was asleep in the car.
Once I got home, I took another dose of lortab, and then rested a while. I went to bed at 11, and had to make a wedge to recline on using my pillows, since lying flat was not comfortable. I woke up at about 9:30 this morning.
I'm still sore, coughing hurts even with a pillow against my abdomen, and it's a bit painful to take deep breaths. It's definitely bearable though. I am planning on wearing my binder for at least one week, since it feels good to have that support.
Good luck to everyone else!

Today marks 3 months with Miss Pearlie and I have to say that I'm so glad to have her in my life. Since she's been with me:
I've lost 46 pounds
I've lost 40.5 inches
My blood pressure is normal - 120/80
My blood sugar is 94 (no longer in diabetic range)
My severe obstructive sleep apnea is gone
I don't snore loudly
I feel good
I look younger
I have several NSV's, but these are the things that matter the most to me and many other bandsters. Needless to say, I am thrilled at my progress and it has truly exceeded my expectations.
Good luck everyone!

I am in love with my fitbit flex and having the band helps. I am obsessed with going the extra mile or step just to watch it record. Does anybody else use it???

I'm hypothyroid as well and really feel that it's really going to affect my weight loss with the band as well as it is now. I'm paying out of pocket so I have to really make sure I'm doing the right thing.

yay!! it'll be the 10th for me... a lil weight already lifted off my shoulders!

October 7th and it can't come fast enough. have a real hard time with the pre diet before the 10 day liquid diet gained 6 lbs. I just hate myself right now and cant get myself to get the ball rolling. now that I'm finally here I am screwing it up big time. I wish I could kick myself in the butt. I try to talk myself into getting on with the walks or get on the treadmill. I'm not a lazy person at all, wish I had Chris Powell to train me! but I don't...how do I get in the game and start this right. I got to get these 6 lbs. back off before the 10 day diet. I just hate myself grrrr

Congrats. I am so happy for you. I am right behind you on the 10th and will be starting my pre op on the 24th. Am excited and anxious all at the same time. How did it go?

I'm finally banded. Woohooo. Got back around 12:30pm. So far so good. Just a little sore. Gas pains are not to bad yet very tolerable. Now on to a new chapter in my life :-)

Congrats!!! I'm 2days post op :-)

You need to get some Protein shots - they are Clear liquids, not full liquids like Protein shakes. If they are still too thick for you, then add them to Water to make it like a juice. You just had surgery, you're going to feel like crap that was run over by a Mack truck. It get's better and you'll love your band as much as I love my Miss Pearlie...she's helped me lose very well in the last 3 months we've been together.
Chin up...this is the toughest part of the journey, look for the light at the end of the tunnel...it's really close now.

Guess I forgot to say earlier that U will be mobile.
Ur legs and arms will work. U wont be completely bed/sofa ridden.
I needed no assistance gettn to the restroom for shower nor potty breaks.
Most of ur discomfort will be in the tummy areas.
Tummy soreness, gas, nauseasness (sp), etc

praying for you, try to relax and make sure your not uptight when you go in for surgery, he will be waiting for you when you get home, don't go in stressed, Gods got you covered, you will do great, I do understand you want your hubby but he is going to make that money so he can come home and take care of his queen ( you)

That's a bummer. I know the feeling. I am going in for some major cosmetic surgery and of all the surgeries I've had, this is the only one that puts me on edge (I think because it's a 8 hr surgery). Anyway, because of circumstance I am going alone and won't see my husband for 2 whole weeks. Stay strong, bring a picture or something that reminds you of him. And remember he'll be home soon
Congrats on your decision to become banded

The scale is finally being good to me this morning.. I had gained a few pounds while on vacation 3 weeks ago.. I lost those pounds now I am under what I was when I went to Colorado .. I really am so thrilled to have lost what I gained and then some more.. this is the first time I have ever lost weight after gaining... The band works....Side Note: Please keep my friends @ Sylvandale Guest Ranch in Loveland, Colorado in your prayers.. Their beautiful ranch has been devastated by the floods...

Hey everyone,
I woke up today and decided I would motivate myself to post a body shot 4 months post-op (surgery was May 6th) and almost 100 lbs lighter... intimidating but here it is

Happy to say I only have 32lbs to goal at a year!!

and counting!

Sharpie bc I was easily consuming 5-6000 calories in a day then literally overnight went into my preop diet which was about 8-900 calories a day plus the fact that I starting walking 45 mins everyday on top of working a 60 hour week and having a special needs son. I also already participated in my first 5k.Being that active and weighing as much as I do I'm buring calories like crazy I used the exact same scale wearing the exact same thing. The only time the # varies is at my drs office by about a lb or so and that is bc I'm not naked whem I weigh there. So anyway it is completely possible I was down 22 lbs b4 my surgery. And in the 2 weeks since have lost the other 18.4...anyway good night I have an early date with my headphones at the gym tomorrow

Add your tickers...they are good for inspiring people, even yourself sometimes!
Also take your measurements, they are as important as pounds on this journey.

I am 4 weeks post op today and have lost a total of 29 pounds. I am feeling so good, I have started on normal food today, a bit scary at first but it has gone so well. Today I had weetabix for Breakfast, 2 crackers and soft cheese for lunch with 2 plums and then fish fingers, potato wedges and baked Beans for tea followed by some peach slices. I can definitely feel the difference between eating mushy and firm food on my band, I felt fuller quicker. Just hope it continues so positively. :wub:

Had my surgery Nov 6,2012. I have lost 83 lbs and just went on a 5 day cruise and came hone only gaining 1 lb. Been overweight forever til surgery. Just follow guidelines. You will loose weight! No one ever comments on my posts but whatever! Good luck to all! Been where your at totally understand!

Surgery was a success. My doc requires his patients to stay over night for observation so I'm still here at the hospital. I've been in and out of consciousness and am just barely getting the strength to text back some well wishing friends and my siblings. My abdomen is sore and tender but since I haven't had any thing to eat or drink for almost 24 hours now I refuse to take any pain meds stronger then liquid Tylenol.
My mouth is way dry but I'm not too hungry just way thirsty. I will have another barium swallow test done tomorrow morning to make sure all is well inside then I will be free to start sipping my Clear liquids.
Other then that I feel ok and am so super excited to lose weight and get healthy.

I don't believe so. After my two week post-surgery check up I was encouraged to start exercising which included sit-ups if I so desired. Your question isn't weird, it's normal, the simplest things make us nervous of a slip. The first time I had sex four nights out of surgery I was SURE that my port was torn from my abdominal wall....LOL!!

Ok, you will literally be saying, "Did he really just ask that?" after you read my question, but I am completely serious. Can you experience slippage from pushing too hard when pooping? Or for that matter, from straining too hard while weight lifting?
Completed all insurance requirements, surgeon's office is submitting for approval next week. I love this site, tons of good information. I'm learning some of the downsides to being banded, which is great to know up front... like lots of gas, but then again, that wouldn't me much of a change from now
Anyone else who has experienced some of those odd side-effects of being banded, feel free to chime in with your experiences! Thanks again everyone for this fantastic community you've built