Maybe it's because I actually haven't had actual food in almost 48 hours or that my actual surgery is tomorrow, but I'm freaking out. I know that this is a great thing I am doing for my health but is this the best way to go? Will the surgery go well? will there be any issues???? sorry i'm babbling can anyone tell me other than what I read about the procedure is there anything else I should know or watch out for? Help!

I was banded on the 14th of this month and I had a little freak out myself right before. To make matters worse I developed an abscessed tooth 4 days before the surgery, then developed intractable vomiting 3 days before from a reaction to a medication prescribed by my dentist. I was really scared for my health and afraid that the surgeon would cancel the surgery. He didn't, thank goodness, but my stress level was about a 20 on a 1-10 scale before I went in.

I really think the wait in pre-op was the hardest. The anticipation and nervousness just feel like they are going to overwhelm you. Once I was wheeled back to the OR everything went super fast. I got onto the operating table, everyone was super nice, and the anesthesiologist put the mask over my face. He said "take some deep breaths for me" and literally after two deep inhales I was out. Woke up later in PACU groggy, nauseous, and in pain. The PACU nurse was very diligent though and got me medicated pretty quick and everything got a lot better. I ended up having to stay overnight because the anesthesia didn't clear my system fast enough. I was loopy and hallucinating almost all of the first night. Dilaudid and Zofran were my bestest friends that first night, lol.

The only time I felt true pain was anytime I used my stomach muscles to shift, or sit up, etc. You don't realize how often you flex your abdominals, but it became obvious then. Kind of felt like a combination of WAY too many crunches and a pulling sensation. The worst thing for me was the first pee after having the indwelling urinary catheter removed. My god. Felt like peeing little serrated knives. Second and thrid times werent as bad, though.

Adapting at home has been a journey in itself. I couldn't tolerate anything more than an ounce on my stomach at a time. I lost 9 pounds in 3 days. I made the mistake of trying to get out and go grocery shopping on one of these bad days. Almost passed out in Publix. I also wanted to hurry up and start eating solids but knew I couldn't stress my stomach. Now that I am on pureed it has been a challenge to find the happy medium between satiated and overstuffed. I'm either still hungry or about to burst. And hungry every hour or so. I am looking forward to a fill so I can feel the satisfied fullness earlier.

Even still, I do not regret having this done. Those first few days were full of discomfort, but the body adapts pretty quick and I was even able to sleep on my side/stomach by about day 4/5.

Jitters and nerves are normal. This is SURGERY for god's sake. I'm a nurse and even I was scared going in. What you are feeling is very normal. We are all rooting for you and know you will do great!

PS: I cannot stress enough finding a good small pillow for bracing your abdomen for coughing afterwards. I could have forgone everything else but my little pillow I brought from home.

Maybe it's because I actually haven't had actual food in almost 48 hours or that my actual surgery is tomorrow, but I'm freaking out. I know that this is a great thing I am doing for my health but is this the best way to go? Will the surgery go well? will there be any issues???? sorry i'm babbling can anyone tell me other than what I read about the procedure is there anything else I should know or watch out for? Help!

I freaked out also, but they put you out right away and then you wake up in the recovery room, and you'll say "really, that's it? It's really over?" And you'll be glad that you did it.

It's normal to feel jittery and start second guessing yourself. But just keep reiterating in your head all the reasons that brought you to this decision in the first place. It's disconcerting to have to experience a total shock reversal, going from "is it ever going to get here" to "it's about to happen" virtually overnight, so remember to breathe deep and slow, and remain as calm as possible. You're going to be fine!

Edited July 22, 201511 yr by The Candidate

Hope it went well and you're resting now. It gets better each day!

I had mine done on Monday the 20th now I'm 4 days post op. I felt good aside from my bowels being crazy. But my first appointment is this next Tuesday I'm pretty excited to find out if I've lost weight or if I can go to a full liquid diet yet

Well I am happy to say that surgery went well, thanks everyone for all of your support. I now just need to deal with gas pain and trying to keep up the schedule of liquids.

Just deff keep sipping water. It helped a little and Phillips milk of magnisia helped with the gas.

Happy to hear everything went well!

Hope you're feeling a little better by now, I remember my first 3 days as the most difficult . I remember it feeling like a really, really bad pulled muscle on one side, but by the 4th day I was feeling much much better ! Back to work a week after surgery with no problems. Hope yours goes as smoothly and you're feeling better soon ! Keep us posted !!

7 days out, was the worry worth it? or was it much better then anticipated. I survived mine with very little pain.