I was banded yesterday, March 2, at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair by Drs Fresco and Strom.
I was scheduled for 8:45 am and arrived at the same-day surgery area for check-in at 7pm. Not too long after, I saw Dr. Strom stroll through. Before long, I was taken to a prep room. They had a gown waiting and the nurse kindly asked if I would be more comfortable in a larger gown. I said yes and the one she brought was significantly larger with I loved because I could wrap it around me. Various people came in to start an IV (always fun since I have small veins and they have to go in through the back of my hand) and check my glucose levels etc. it felt like I was there for a long time. It was interesting to overhear all other other goings on in the other rooms. Finally, the anesthesiologist game briefly and soon after I was taken to the operating room.
When I arrived, I saw Dr. Fresco sitting on a check on her blackberry - a surreal moment) Then an oxygen mask was placed on my face while they put balloon pumps on my legs (instead of socks). I was concerned about a catheter but since nothing was ever said, I assumed that if they did it, it would be while I was asleep. However, I did make sure that I peed last things before going in. And since they started putting those heavy balloons on my legs, I assumed that they would not be doing a cath after all that. Although I did not get a warning before they put me under, I did know when the stuff went in because I could feel the warmth in my veins.
Next think I know, Im being asked questions and I wasn't sure at first If they were just starting but realized that they were finished when I felt a bit of discomfort. They were ask me about my pain levels and giving me the morphine button (sweet) that would only give me so much at a time. I really had to pee but they would not let me up in recovery. Since my surgeon's always keep patients over night and do the barium xray in the morning, I was wheeled to a private room and told them to please take the balloons off my legs so that I could pee. After that, I sat in a chair (more comfortable) with my hand on the morphine pen . It as an interesting thing to feel the quick comfort. I woke up a few hours later. I spent most of the day in the chair since it was easier to get up to pee (although now I realize I could have asked them to try to lower the bed). I was told that I hardly used the pain button and the next morning they woke me up at 6am, took out the iv's, took me down to xray and then gave me clearance to go home. They gave me "breakfast" My choice of 4 oz clear jello or broth or fruit ice. Even after 36 hours of no food, I was not very hungry.
I am now home and still a bit uncomfortable but looking forward to feeling back to normal and being able to chew food. Or at least swallow some puree