Hey all! I just wanted to check in. Here is my story....

I had my surgery yesterday. Wow what an experience. I got to the hospital at 7:45am, as instructed, and the waiting began. First they brought me back (leaving my hubby behind) and I got my gown and gorgeous booties and hat on. They started my IV, asked a million questions and then I laid there until 10am before they took me into OR. I was more anxious then nervous. They put a mask over my face and told me to take a couple deep breaths and next thing I knew, I woke up in recovery. The only thing I recall right away was that I had terrible left shoulder pain (the gas). After sitting there awhile and coming around the nurse let my hubby come back for a few minutes because they did not have a room ready for me. So, I waited and waited. At 3:30 they took me for my upper GI. Band looked great but let me tell you, that is some of the most horrible tasting stuff they make you drink! YUCK! Then they took me back to recovery. The nurse was joking around with me by this time. She said the first thing I said when I woke up from surgery was "I'm so excited!" haha Not a typical response from someone coming out of anesthesia, but at least I was thinking very positive! Finally they got me to my room at 5:30. I was in a room with 2 other ladies that also had a lapband placed yesterday. That was a hoot! We walked and talked and had a great time together.

I was sent home today about 11:00 am. All in all I am feeling pretty good. I still have a lot of left shoulder pain from the gas. Walking helps that alot so I am doing lots and lots of walking. Clear fluids are easiest for me to tolerate at this point. I have only gotten down about 8 oz of carnation instant Breakfast drink since last night. It really fills me up and gives me a tight feeling in my chest, so I am assuming that is the "full signal".

I am SO glad to have the surgery over. I am SO excited to start seeing the weight come off. It is so nice to have all of you here to come and share my thoughts and feelings with. Congrats to all of you other Jan. 7 "bandmates" as well as everyone else who has already received their band this month. Good luck to the rest of you who are still waiting for your turn. It's gonna go great and you will be so glad you did it!!!

Renee :whoo:

...just found your post! How cool is this...

Oh, I didn't experience the shoulder pain Renee had, so maybe you'll be lucky too. I'm so glad I didn't have that, sounds PAINFUL!!!

I didn't have the shoulder pain, just a feeling of having a rock in my chest. Walking definitely helped, not far, but a little way every half hour. My pain killers made me feel worse, so I stopped taking them.

I don't remember much of recovery. I do remember talking about my nursing colleagues to the staff - they knew some people I worked with. I also remember being asked to sit up in bed so they could take the theatre sheet out - that hurt and then they gave me some pethidine - next thing I woke up in my room with my husband looking at me.