Banded April 20, 2012

[Fat Girl Slim 12]

I was banded 4/20/12, yesterday, and I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone on this website for all of your contributions. Before I was banded I read many posts both positive and negative and the information was soooooooooo beneficial to allow me to learn what I was getting myself into. I have already experienced many positive benefits from the start of this journey! 1) I lost 18 pounds on pre-op diet..went from 217 and weighed in at surgery yesterday at 199 pds., 2) on pre-op diet I had more time and energy on my hands to hang with my kids instead of stuffing my face and then going to sleep after work, 3) pre-op diet made me learn that I eat from boredom and sometimes my emotions, 4) and my legs are no longer swollen after work since I began the pre-op diet! Man! our food choices can really do a number on our bods!

Today I have slight pain and feel like I did a 1,000 sit ups......but I am able to walk or for the most part I am functional. I was prescribed pain meds, anti-nausea and am taking gas-x which has really helped. On a pain scale from 1 to 10 I am about a 5. This pain has been completely tolerable but my mom told me that day 3 from any surgery is usually the worst ......yikes! But for now I am okay. I have four incisions on my tummy and they are really no big deal. Basically they are four slits in four different places. My pre-op diet is puro 2 to 4 ozs of Protein shakes for every meal. I am also to consume lots of Water and broth if I'd like. I am becoming a connoisseur on broth! LOL! I still have not grown tired of it either.

So yesterday the surgery was a zip. I was in pre-op for a couple of hours due to docs running late......in pre-op the RN took my weight, reviewed my medical hx, answered any questions I had and started my IV gave me prevacid and some med to dry out any secretions in my throat/esophagus via IV. Then when surgeon and anesthesiologist arrived they reviewed my medical hx again and answered my questions. At that point the anesthesiologist rolled me to the operating room and gave me something via IV. He said,"This might make you dizzy." Whatever he gave me started to take affect and I was so scared I could hear my pulse on their monitor going 100 mph! The nurses comforted me and then I was out like a light! And then I woke up a chatter box in recovery ! This surgery was a breeze..........I was so scared though when they rolled me into the operating room. I HATE ! having surgery! And that is because I am afraid that I may not wake up or "they might find something".

I am looking so forward to moving along and staying healthy. My initial goal to weigh is 150 and then 130. Good luck to everyone considering the lap band. So far this has been worth every cent I spent. Stay positive and remember you did or are doing this for YOUR HEALTH. Your family and friends need you here! May God bless all of you !

[yellowrose88 43]

Sounds like you are doing wonderfully and welcome to the other side. Good luck!

[Sal58 4]

Congrats mih! I am on day 6 post op and must say things are looking really well. I am slowly getting back into the housewife routine. I think your Mom was right because it was day 3 that it hit me...LOL! No regrets on this end and like you, excited about the journey. Take care and I look forward to hearing about your healing and your success.

[LisaJane 1]

Good post I am getting banded on 4-25 and have been having jitters about surgery. Thank you!

[Lisa Renee Cook Pettit 19]

Im having my lapband done May 16th and i must say you are very good at telling how things went for you I am hoping things go welll for me also. I too, have the fear of not waking up after surgery.I know God has a pepose fo me here so i am trying not to worry about that.I start my pre-op diet May 2nd and need lots of help figuring out WHAT kind of Protein Shakes to use.My Dr requires me to do 2 shakes and a lean/green dinner.And of course lots of Water in between.Good luck on your new journey....

[Anume 937 314]

Good post I am getting banded on 4-25 and have been having jitters about surgery. Thank you!

Hey I'm also getting banded on April 25 I'm sooo nervous

[c945105 12]

I join the 4/20 band club too! All is very similar story. It was freaky wheeling into OR but then don't remember anything. I was thinking they should sort of make you go to sleep before wheeling in. It's like a bunch of waiting but when they are ready it's like zip bang boom wheeling you fast. Surgeon repaired an unexpected hernia so he said went with realize band as it's wider and less risk for slip due to hernia. The pain med after made me so tired I barely could keep my eyes open to talk to family and nurses. Was good for night though as slept well. Today much better and walking doesn't hurt. Getting up is the worst pain.. Waiting now to go home(been cleared) its been about 23 hours since surgery. Tired but happy to go home. Haven't eaten much and weighed myself and 5lb more then right before went in. Must be bloating and flluids. 219 was start, 210 going in...not counting what is now:). Looking forward to a healed journey. Feel free to add me to my fitness pal too .. User name cyndi_w.

Good luck to all and here's to smooth journey.

[Thamm 46]

Congrats!!! Welcome to band land!!! Mine was the 19th!! Wish u a speedy recovery

[c945105 12]

Congrats!!! Welcome to band land!!! Mine was the 19th!! Wish u a speedy recovery

Thanks and welcome too. How is day 2 post op for you?

[Thamm 46]

Sore left shoulder.. Still moving around slow! Trying to get in the necessary requirements for drinks but I take 2 swallows and I'm full. How is your post up???

[latisanava 12]

im april 24th for my band

[c945105 12]

Sore left shoulder.. Still moving around slow! Trying to get in the necessary requirements for drinks but I take 2 swallows and I'm full. How is your post up???

I was lucky and don't have the gas pains. Incisions are sore. Getting up is worst. Walking doesn't seem to hurt. I'm not hungry at all but trying to force a few swallows too and stay hydrated. Water and ice chips taste the best. I'm worried about nausea and they didn't give me medicine for which I'm pretty sure the night nurse said they would.. More of worry as don't really have it now.

[c945105 12]

im april 24th for my band

Yea you'll do great. Good luck

[Wheety3 5]

I am a 4/20 bandster as well. Your Mom is right in my case as well. Hardley had any pain but today (day 3) I now have the dreaded shoulder pain. And I m trying to walk a little more but it is wearing me out. But I am able to get around the house and do some chores and then rest. I know this pain will subside and will be better in no time. My pain rating is about a 4 and maybe a 5 as my pain meds wear out. So nothing unbearable. Good luck everyone.

[azhoselady 17]

Hi Everyone, I am so glad to read this post. I am so scared of going under. I have had 3 previous surgeries, (oral for wisdom teeth, cosmetic and female issue surgery) so it isn't my first time but, I am really worried about "not waking up:". I am glad to hear the pain is a 4-5 as I was so worried it would be a 10.75! Looking forward to hearing how you all do in the weeks ahead.