My May 1st Banding Story -

Freedom2008 · May 4, 2008

(I originally posted on the pre-op forum but I wanted to share with upcoming banders)

Hello all

I was just banded on May 1, 2008. I checked in at 5:30 am, was taken to pre-op @ 20 minutes later and here is how it went. I was assisted by a nurse and a nursing student. I was given my lovely robe and slippers and a numbing shot for my IV site. I met with the anesthesiologist and his nurse at this time also. I hit the bathroom one last time then I was wheeled off to the OR. I know this is TMI, but I gotta tell ya - try if at all possible to have a bm the morning of your surgery so that you will not have to do any pushing afterward.

I remember scooting from my bed to the operating table, taking a deep breath then waking up in post op ( recovery). Before surgery I made sure to tell the nursing student to watch my face when I woke up so that if I had any pain I could get my pain meds started asap. Well, as soon I started to become aware, before I even opened my eyes, I heard the nursing student say "she's frowning!". The post op nurse asked me to rate the pain and I was given the appropriate pain killer and back off to sleep I was. I woke up @ 10:00 am to get moved to the outpatient recovery room and was able to visit with my family and watch tv for a while. I took a swallowing x-ray test and met with my surgeon who said that he wished all his bandings were as easy as mine. I guess my pre-op liver shrinking diet was worth it afterall.

I have small kids so I stayed with family to be waited on while my hubbie took care of the kids at home. It was so nice - my family served me broth hot tea, Jello, Water and my pain meds. They also read all of the literature and talked about how proud they were of me for being so brave and making a healthy choice.

I slept well on my left side and woke up at 4:oo am for some pain meds then was up and about reading throughout the day. I took a nap from noon to 3:00 p.m and was rested enough to come home tonight. I am still using my pain meds - though not every four hours like I was at first. I took great care not to use my stomach muscles even when they were feeling ok as I didnt want to be sore later. I also walked up and down steps several times and I think that is making my recovery so much easier.

Some of my concerns: I was afraid of being aware of the breathing tube being taken out. - It was out before I becare aware of anything. I was scared about the whole naked thing - I was draped with blue paper sheets and the portion of my stomach that was operated on was the only thing showing. I was worried that my large chest would get in the way - The girls were taped up out of the way. YAY!!

All in all, do not fear the pain... it is so doable and the surgery is so worth it!

Update - Now two whole days out and still feeling great. I make sure to rest when needed and will not hesitate to knock back a pain killer when needed. I have not had to use all of the doses but its nice to know its there if necessary. I am also walking up and down my apartment stairs the keep the gas moving out:smile2:

i am also still sleeping on my right as the left is still uncomfortable.

Allison · May 4, 2008

I commented in your original post, but I just wanted to thank you again for such a positive story, really helps with the nerves!!

shannongetsslim · May 4, 2008

wow, sounds so great and encouraging! Thank you for sharing! I go May 30th!!

Allison · May 4, 2008

hey shannon your the day right after me!!!

miss meliss · May 4, 2008

Thank you Freedom!

I appreciate you sharing the details about your surgery. I do worry about those first waking moments and yours sounded very doable. I think the naps and reading sound like heaven! I have 2 boys & a job at an elementy school and while my life is wonderful there are few moments to myself. I will be banded on May 12th! I hope this week flies by!! Again.. thanks for sharing!:biggrin2:

oregonrose · May 4, 2008

Thanks for the posting - I like to know that you are telling us what is going on with you while it is happening! I appreciate it a lot. Will be banded on May 15. Hang in there and keep walking! :blush:

pinkdots410 · May 5, 2008

WOW! Thanks for a very positive story! I just said a prayer that my surgery goes as well as yours did!!

oregonrose · May 5, 2008

great blog, Lexy, good luck on yours!

sunflower00 · May 5, 2008

Thanks for sharing the story! So we usually stay for one night in the hospital? I didn't ask my doctor about that but the info he has on his website says that lapband patients are normally released on the evening of the op.

I'm scheduled for May 27th.