jthelwell

I made it through and I can honestly say that I worried for nothing. Arrived at Surgical Center on May 1st at 5am (surgery was for 7am and didn't need to arrive until 6am;-)) SSM St Louis Surgical staff was awesome and made me so comfortable. Completed remaining paperwork and was called in to get ready within 10 minutes. Met each personnel that was going to be in the surgery room and they explained what role they were playing in my surgery. I had an excellent nurse - can't remember her name but she knows who she is - Top Nurse of the Year Award to her. My husband came into prep room once I was hooked up - so good to have support and a loving spouse. Dr.Darin Minkin and Dr. David (assisting physician) came in and explained what they were going to do again and gave me reassurance. I've also asked that the band not be placed too tight and to PLEASE get as much gas out as possible.......oh, and I did apologize ahead of time in case I snored or snorted on them...Lol Two anesthesiologist came in and started explaining what they were going to do. I smiled at my husband and that's all that I remember until I woke up 1 hour later. During surgery, Dr. noticed that my stomach had started moving up closer to my esophagus so he slid it down and thinned it out. Found out this is why I had acid reflex.....go figure. Came out of surgery with no issues. Felt really good from the meds, walked a little and then went home within 45 minutes later. Home Arrival Was a little nauseous from the ride home - dry heaved but that was it. Made it to my bed, took a pill for nauseous, pain med, GasX strip and ate a few ice chips (throat a little sore). Went to sleep Husband got me up every 2 hours and I walked around the house for a few moments and took deep breaths - this really got rid of the gas build up in my stomach and chest/shoulder pain quickly. Lots of Fluid in my bladder so had to go to the bathroom quite a few times but it relieved the pressure on my stomach immensely. Very little soreness around the surgery area (5 cuts) - they used dissolvable stitches and a type of glue to seal them. I do not need to remove stitches or tape - oh happy day! I've been resting, resting, resting. Didn't realize how much it takes out of you. Was watching tv and next thing you know the show is over and I'm chilling with the remote in my hand. Drank a little Protein, ice chips and had a little Jello - (2 tablespoons altogether) no problems Cannot stress it enough about getting up and walking around for a few moments (might be a little painful to roll out of bed) every few hours. Now on to Day 2.......

I'm so excited\0/! My day is almost here - May 1, 2015 and I can't wait to start my new adventure. I've read many of the comments on this site and while some were a little disheartening to read, the majority have been great and positive supporters of this procedure. I know there will be pain (some inexplainable)as with all surgery but I'm going to take it one day at a time and going to make it fun - remember, I'M DOING THIS FOR ME! 3 Days before Band 1) Taking 2 weeks leave time from work (giving myself ample time to get a handle on the "New" me) 2) Started the process of eating smaller bites and sipping my drinks - harder than I thought but getting the hang of it. 3) Decided to go with EAS shakes, Slim-Fast shakes, Chicken/Turkey broth and sugar-free Popsicles & Jell-O (I'm a Jell-O person) 4) I have the following items ready: Vitamins (as required by Dr.), heating pad, GasX, good pair of walking shoes, etc. 5) These are my required items: scented candles, massage oils, action and comedy movies, online games (these make me feel good) 6) Designated a (Queen Diva) small plate and silverware "just for me'. This will help me with my meals and easy take-along when eating out. 7) Cleared out all processed and junk foods from house - replaced with "My Power" foods - So proud of myself! Here's how I will handle these items 1) Flatulation - while I know it might be a constant thing until I get into my zone, I will sing the Frozen song: Let It Go, Let It Go...... 2) Chest pain - husband, come on down - karate chop my back and Rocky my way up and down the stairs a few times 3) Pain meds - I'm not going to be Rambo and try to macho my way through - they're there so I'll use them when needed. 4) Head Hunger - as the song says, I'm going to get Physical, physical.....then have some flavored Water with either cucumbers or lemon and lime floating around in it. It's all about the visual - you see substance and your mind believes you're actually eating.......hunger gone. 5) Tiredness - REST, my body knows me better than I do. Nothing wrong with catching a few winks. If at work, then I'll walk away from my desk and step outside for a few moments of fresh air. Make sure I'm hydrated and have eaten the appropriate meal/snack. Now, as Arnold said in the Terminator - I'll Be Back to share more of my adventure shortly.

I LOVE IT! Congrats on the new you! Life is what you make it and being true to you is how you will succeed. I'm so proud of you and your accomplishments. You've motivated yourself to another level and did away with the mind telling you that you can't do it. You are a true example of Yes, I Can!