Let me apologize in advance if this doesn’t make sense and contains a bunch of grammar and spelling errors. I blame the drugs that are still coursing through my system!

I had my surgery today (Jan 7) and thought I’d pass along my experiences in case anyone is interested and doesn’t mind wading through a long post. My wife has been super supportive (as always) and by my side every step of the way and I so appreciate that! We arrived at the hospital at about 1045 this morning. I filled out a bunch (more) paperwork and learned that they were running about 20 minutes behind, so they expected to get things rolling around 1220. I was no. 3 of 4 bands being done today. An interesting aside—they had 5 planned, but evidently one fellow got cold feet and backed out after reading the informed consent. It is a scary document in some ways, especially for a self-pay such as myself who is liable not only for the band operation, but also for anything additional if problems arise.

We waited around for a little while after they weighed me and took my vitals. I really hadn’t been nervous at all up to that point. Eventually I went back to the preparation area, changed into a gown and some booties, and waited. Had to remove everything, even my wedding ring. The nurse had a little trouble getting my IV in, so the nurse/anesthetist got it done, and then added a bunch of drugs to the cocktail. My wife was allowed to come back and wait with me, and then my wonderful surgeon came by to say Hi and see if I had any questions. After she left we waited some more and something odd happened. I began to get really nervous and feel almost claustrophobic. It was really strange and I found I couldn’t lie still on the bed. Almost wanted to cut and run! We mentioned it to the nurse/anesthetist and he said that it’s rare, but about 1% of the people have a reaction like that to the drugs they put in the IV. He then added something FANTASTIC to the mix and I was A-OK! They took me to the OR, put an oxygen mask on me and the next thing I knew they were waking me up. I had NO pain at all at that point. The only thing that bothered me was a minor sore throat from the breathing tube. I have four small incisions and a medium sized one for the port. The whole surgery took 40 minutes and doc said it was “textbook.” She also said my liver was so small they had a hard time holding it with the retractors. Guess that’s a plug for the preop diet. I received the Allergan APL band.

We were on our way home by 2:30 PM. Since we got here, I’ve just been relaxing, napping, drinking Clear liquids and watching the football game. I get up and walk around (up and down stairs) every hour or so to avoid blood clots and do some deep breathing they want me to do to make sure my lungs are functioning well. Believe it or not, I felt hungry almost immediately, but that has dissipated as I have gotten hydrated. I’ve been taking my liquid pain-killers and plan to continue for at least a day or two. My throat is still a little sore and my stomach is somewhat tender, but that’s it so far. I am on clear liquids until I have my band study Wed. morning and then I get to progress to full liquids for three weeks. After that it’s three weeks of mushies leading to my first fill.

I feel so relieved to be through this and, so far, am very happy that I did it. YOU can do it too. God bless and wherever you are in this process, just take it one step at a time. Thanks so much for all the good wishes. Good evening.

Jim

Congradulations! I'm glad everything went smoothly for you. I can only imagine how much of a relief it is to be over in bandland finally.

Hi Jim, So glad every thing went well for you. I hope it stays that way even when you get off the drugs. I'm glad your wife is so supportive of you. That's what wives do isn't it? I'm a little biased though being one my self. Keep us up to date on how you are going, won't you? All the best.

Saleel22

Hey Jim,

Glad you were successful - I'm wondering why I ever did this! I'm starving! Apparently I am the 1 in 4 that is hungry after the surgery and I've had it with the Protein - you know EVERYTHING smells like that durn protein! I can't sleep because I'm hungry, the meds that I crush up in applesauce are absolutely raunchy and I'm just plain hungry. THe dietician tells me to eat some chicken broth with protein, etc. but I just can't have another protein ANYTHING!

Any advice from someone that has gone through the same thing? THose who have sailed right through this - congrats but I need help from those who haven't.

S

Congrats Jim. Isn't it amazing how relieved you feel once it is over? I second guess myself up until rolling into the OR but then once it's over you are so glad you did it. Can't wait to see your progress!

Jim, thank you for sharing your experience in such detail. It's very helpful. I'm ready but nerves are on edge. I'm just ready to move onto the next phase of this journey.

Congratulations & I hope your recovery continues so positive.

Carol

I am glad you are doing so well. Thank god for wives. We are good arent we. Good Luck. They probably gave you reglan preop for nausea, it makes alot of pt very anxious. We have stopped giving it to our c-section pt because of that.

I'm glad your wife is so supportive of you. That's what wives do isn't it? I'm a little biased though being one my self.

Thanks saleel22-- you are exactly right!

Hi All--

Jaymie- yes-- it was a major burden lifted, and a big relief!

Luvs-- I think your feelings are completely normal. You will do great!

Benson-- I do recall them saying something about a putting a med for my stomach in the IV. I'll bet you are exactly right. Thanks for the info!

I'm glad you described that in detail!

I've had a few surgeries, and that's pretty much how it goes, but I don't think I've ever had the tube down my throat.. at least, not that I know of.

Anyway, I'm glad everything went well!! :clap2:

LOL, yeah, that dose they give you when youare getting to the operating room is something else. Good times!

Jim..I am so happy for you! Also, thanks for the detailed report! I am getting my surgery in 2 days, and as it gets a little closer, my nerves are definietly picking up. Reading your report, and hearing how great you are doing helps to calm me down. Keep us updated..and congratulations!

Gwenn

I am so glad you did well. I was waiting to hear how you did. Now you are on the "other side" and will be getting smaller by the day. Good luck to you and the rest of us.

Keep the faith everyone because we all have different reactions but all want the same things. To get banded and get a control on our lives.

My experiences are probably more extreme than the main body of people here, and its uplifting to read so many positives you are all having with the banding experience.

Congrats on your successful surgery. It sounds like you are going to be doing fantastic. It's was good for me to read your story as I am being banded on Monday. I hope mine goes as smoothly as yours.

Regards,

Alfie

Hi Chrisann-- How are you doing? I've been thinking about you, knowing that you had some rocky times shortly after surgery. Is it getting any better? I'm sure it will soon! I'm pretty sore today, just laying around and taking it easy. Trying to drink a lot of liquids and go for a short walk every couple of hours. Our bodies are amazing creations and time will heal these wounds. Jim