Hi,

We are through the 1st week of June already, can you believe it??

Any how, I've been enjoying reading about everyone's surgery experience, but it's hard to find them, some start a new thread, some post in the June Line Up etc. I thought it would help to have a centralized place to post our stories.

My sugery was Thurs. June 5th, scheduled at 1pm. They wanted me there by 10 to get ready and sometimes the surgeon is ahead of schedule. I did get in early but only 30 min. early. I was not nervous at all the morning of surgery, the day before I was scared to death and wondered if I was doing the right thing. I arrived at the hospital at 10, and had to sit in the waiting room til about 1030, at which time they came and got me. I had to weigh on this huge scale in the hall, I was down 3 from the surgeons office the day before, not sure if that was a real loss or just different scales. My vitals were taken, and then I was to change into my lovely hospital gown. Mine had a big rip across the boobs, good thing it was so big I sortta wrapped it around. Then they came and got my IV going. My surgeon came in to see if I had any last minute questions and to sign off on my chart, he was on his way into the surgery before me and said he'd be sending for me shortly. Then the anestesiologist came and checked somethings over and signed off on something. Next thing you know the OR nurse is there to get me. At that point I sortta got emotional and started crying saying good bye to my husband and daughter. To calm me the nurse had me describe my most favorite place on earth, I picked Hawaii. I had to say what I was wearing, what the weather was like etc. As I entered the OR I said I was drinking a Lava Flow, Dr. S said it better be a low carb one. Then they scooted me onto the OR table, all sorts of folks were surrounding me. Dr. S asked how I was doing and I said okay but more importantly how are you doing? Always the jokester, he said fine but I'm a little shakey and hung over. That was the last thing I remembered until waking in recovery. My first thoughts upon awakening were: 1) should I be waking up or am I still in surgery and 2) it's done! They sure don't let you come out of the anestesia slowly, the nurse had me sitting up right away and walk with assistance to the bathroom. She then put me in a wheelchair to await transport to radiology for the swallow test. Well there was miscommunication there and Isat there for about 30 min. I got really whoozy and nauseaus. I called for a nurse and they promptly put me in a recliner where the rest of my recovery was going to be and rehooked up my IVs. She said it was from sitting there too long and with no IV. Finally they came from radiologoy, that wasn't real pleasant but not painful. I was still too much in zombie land. After that I go back to my recliner and my husband and daughter meet me there. I got the shivers/shakes real bad and they kept piling warm blankets on me and then put some demerol in my IV. She told me to remember that for next time I ever have surgery that I react that way. She said it was fairly common to get the shakes. Then my 1 oz every 15 min of liquids started and had to do that for 2 hours before being considered to go home. 1 oz every hour was Protein. After a short nap (probably from the Demerol) I felt much better and was heading for home about 630pm. Today is day 3 and I've not taken any pain pills and am feeling pretty good. Have a weird pressure type feeling by my port and a really growly tummy and a little bit of diarrhea. I am nervous for when I start having mushies. So far I can pretty much drink anything. I carry a Water bottle with me and try to get in 70 to 80oz water a day. I never needed the gas-x strips nor the toilet tongs! Never got the shoulder pain either, he said he tries to suck most of it out before closing up after surgery.

That's my experience, next???

Angelco!! Good for you. I heard the port side is dependent on if the surgeon is right or left handed. Not sure there's any truth to that or not. Also I did weigh before my surgery and was down about 4 lbs. since my pre op a day before. However, when I got home and weighed I was up 8!!! That was gone in a day or two!

Today was my first big challenge. We went out to lunch with some friends. We went to the Islamorada Fish Company inside Bass Pro Shops. I thought that would be a good choice as today I could add soft foods and fish was highly recommended. I did great, but all the other food looked so good. Tonight they are having a poker party here and my daughter is making up all the goodies. They look good but yet not that appealing. So maybe that is a good thing.

I just tried putting on my jeans as I hadn't worn them in a week for fear of rubbing the incisions. They are so big already!!! I am down 30 lbs already (10 was before my first consult with my dr.)

Here is my experience for everyone.......I had surgery yesterday around noon. I woke up in recovery, and they took me to do an X-ray to make sure they didn't completely block my stomach so I had to drink that yucky stuff first thing (no water or pain meds until the X-ray was checked). Then I was wheeled into a cubicle and my husband was called. My surgeon came by and said my X-ray was clear, so I finally got to have some water and pain meds. My stomach, upper back, neck, and chest hurt, which they said was gas. They told me not to bother with GasX, that the gas has to be absorbed by your body. After that, I got to go home and some of the pain went away, and I thought I could get by without taking anymore until I laid down to go to bed at midnight.....it hurt! I took the Lortab and immediately felt better. I was awake at three thirty, my four year old threw up in her bed so I changed her sheets, cleaned her up, and got her some meds and water. I felt good enough to do it too! My husband and parents were here to help, but I didn't even wake them up. Then this morning I got up and made breakfast for my parents and family and did the dishes afterward. Most of the gas pain is gone, my neck still has a little pain once in a while, and my stomach is still sore but other than that I'm good. I'm even planning on taking my daughter to a birthday party tomorrow and then she, my husband, and I are going to poker night at a friend's house. I'm just so glad it's over, I don't even care about eating anymore! Oh yeah, and they never even weighed me either......I had to do the two week liquid protein diet and I don't even know how much my hard work paid off. Oh well, I have a post op appointment in two weeks so I guess I can be even more suprised! Good luck to all of you who go next!

Edited June 14, 200818 yr by gina s.
errors

I went in for surgery June 10th at 6am (surgery at 8am). The wait did not take too long before they had me in a room and changed. The nurses came through and asked all the same questions and took vitals, then started the IV. Then the anesthesiologists came through and each asked a few questions and then a visit from the bariatric nurse. She really was helpful in explaining everything I would be going through during my stay (she also added I would be staying overnight, something I was not originally supposed to do, but apparently Aetna required it- I guess that is actually a good thing). My husband stayed with me until it was time to go in the OR. Dr. Davis showed up on schedule and asked if we had any questions and answered a few. I went in a little after 8am and they put the oxygen mask on and I was out! I was woken up at 10:10a in a recovery room. I was really groggy and disoriented and my husband was already with me. My stomach looks like an Edward Scissorhands project! I then was taken for the swallow test and chest xrays and then to my room. After about 1 hour, I was asked to walk around the floor and that it would help with the gas. Drymouth and the air pressure was the worst. The larger incision is the only one that was really sore and made it hard to get comfortable. I met with respiratory for spirometer exercises. I was brought lunch at about 5pm and took down a couple spoonfuls of broth, but that was it. After making sure I was using the restroom regularly and speaking with the dietician, respiratory tech, and bariatric nurse, and Dr. Davis' PCA, I was cut loose the next afternoon. I am still sore, but feel best when I am walking around. The gas pains have pretty much went away, but I tire easily. I haven't had any shoulder or back pain, but the incisions are sore and itchy. I am down 14 lbs. since my pre-op appt. on June 2. I go back to work Monday so I hope this weekend goes well!

Good morning to all! It's 3 days post-op for me and I am feeling fine. I stayed overnight in the hospital - I was glad cuz I have never had surgery and I would not have known what to do with all the pains - gotta love a morphine drip! 4 outta 5 of my incisions are pretty small (less than 1/2 inch), so there's pain but minimal. The morning after my bariatric nurse, the surgeon, and bariatric nutritionist all checked in on me - at that point the pain had subsided and I was ready to go home. I was tired of pulling myself in/out of that hospital bed.

I am on a full liquids, of course. My nutritionist's diet is 1 oz of liquid every 15 min. for 2 wks - so I am never far from the kitchen. I took four 10 min. walks yesterday - which was nice. I have been peeing like a madman, but yesterday the diarrhea came in. I'm not far from the kitchen or the bathroom now. Everything gurgles in my body now - I can't figure out if that is all the liquids talkin' or if I am actually hungry. I did figure out yesterday that "full" doesn't feel the same anymore. Before surgery, "full" mean a bloated feeling, now it means a tightness.

My DH and I got out and about last night for a few little shopping trips. I am going to short concert this afternoon, so I shouldn't have cabin fever too bad. Just keepin' the Water bottle handy and staying close to the bathroom. So far, so good.

Thank you for sharing your story.. It wasn't too long at all.. not for us in PRE OP stage.. I am 'digesting' (no pun intended!!).. everything I can read about this surgery and post op.. so I am very grateful to you for sharing..

Congratualations! and keep up the good work!.. I will join you on the OTHER SIDE on Wednesday!!!!

Hey all! I am on day 6 post surgery and feeling SOOO much better than I did earlier this week. Like Cathy - my tummy wasn't so happy but I was allowed to take chewable immodium and it's been fine since. Thank God for chewables. I am so glad that there are so many chewable/liquid versions of things now!!! I am allowed to eat creamy Soups (I have been VERY satisfied having Campell's Fat Free Heart Healthy Cream of chicken with just Water added to it). I think I'm also allowed some thing others of you aren't yet - pudding, Jello, etc. I am feeling like there is def. more room for food now, but if I eat just a bit more than I think, I feel full for at least an hour or so. I actually bought Progresso fat free Clam Chowder yesterday that I'll cook and then hit with my stick blender to get rid of any real pieces. I've made sure to keep up with my Protein shakes and water so I "treat" myself when it comes to Soup. Still careful of carbs, though.

For those of you still pending surgery - I highly recommend getting access to a recliner for those first few days. I had a horrible time sleeping in a bed at first and ended up in my recliner every night. It was definitely better. A heating pad also helped the gas pains in my shoulder and if you can get access to a "vibrator" (ok, not all of them are for "fun" :cursing:) that actually helped work out A LOT of the gas in my shoulder and neck. I'm still getting gas in my tummy but my dr. wants me to take 2 tums a day for the Calcium so it's helping a lot. The Gas X strips really didn't help anything that I noticed. It was more body position and once I was able to get onto my sides more, the pressure in my stomach was relieved.

I already had a dr. appt. since my surgeon is out of town next week. He said everything looked good and I go back in 3 weeks for my first fill most likely. I start solids this Thurs. I'm also wondering why every commercial seems to be for Domino's pizza. I think I'm going to try to make my own version with possibly a matzo cracker, little sauce and some cheese. Has anyone seen something similar? I was also told to eat 5-6 meals a day since there will only be 1-2 oz. at a time and to keep up with protein above everything. Meals do include Protein Shakes, etc. I really want a scrambled egg. I did have a 15 lb. loss since my last visit there which just doesn't seem possible since I ate before my surgery except the day before. Is it most likely just water loss right now? Nothing seems particularly loose at all....

I've been able to watch food shows this week and not get upset or hungry. That was a nice change. I am limiting my access to Food Network but that's ok. :biggrin2: It was needed.

Good luck to you all!

Oh - does anyone have a good home scale that they use? Mine is SO old and I haven't personally used it for years so I wasn't sure if I should upgrade. Thanks!

A heating pad also helped the gas pains in my shoulder and if you can get access to a "vibrator" (ok, not all of them are for "fun" :cursing:) that actually helped work out A LOT of the gas in my shoulder and neck.

I laughed at that, but I think it's a great idea! I would just hate to have it on the coffee table and forget about it when Mom comes to see how I'm doing!

I start solids this Thurs. I'm also wondering why every commercial seems to be for Domino's pizza. I think I'm going to try to make my own version with possibly a matzo cracker, little sauce and some cheese. Has anyone seen something similar?

I'm not sure if this will work, but I used to use an English Muffin with tomato sauce and grated cheese on top. I'd microwave it for less than a minute. You can also get a jar of pizza sauce. I thought they were tasty and I know they make whole wheat English Muffins now.

Oh - does anyone have a good home scale that they use? Mine is SO old and I haven't personally used it for years so I wasn't sure if I should upgrade. Thanks!

I actually had hubby hide my scale. I'm totally going to go cold turkey. I figure that I'll reavaluate that decision after my 2 week follow-up. I'd like to be able to just base it after that on how my clothes feel.

Yeah, my husband thought I'd lost it when I went to see if it would work. I thought for sure that I'd still feel horrible the next morning. But, I felt so much better which is why I am risking embarrassment to share it as a tip! All the shoulder rubs didn't do a thing. Just make sure to do it in private (HA HA!!!).

I think I'm going to try to make my own version with possibly a matzo cracker, little sauce and some cheese. Has anyone seen something similar?

While I realize many docs have different recommedations for diet, I wouldn't be allowed the cracker or anything like it for some time yet. HOpe you find something that works for your craving though.

Hi, I Was Banded On The 11th. Had A Swallow Test Next Day, Then An Xray To My Stomache, Had A Cath, Got Home About 5pm. Slept, Slept, Slept. I Have Been Trying To Get In The Shakes, But Feel Like Everything Is Sitting On My Chest. Top Of My Legs Are Still Numb, Generally Feel Weak. Anyone Else Feel Like This. Is It Normal???

The weight of the world on your chest is exactly how I felt for the first 2-3 days. It subsided and then I woke up this am with it again and also feel like I pulled all my upper stomach muscles. It hurts when I take a deep breath. I think I just over exerted myself this weekend. Hopefully, you'll start to feel better soon. I think the pressure just moves itself around the body for a while. Make sure you are still walking as much as you can. I kept my compression stockings on for 2 days after so maybe that helped my legs not feel so numb.

I hope you feel better soon!!!

Hooray finally my turn to announce that I am banded!! I went in yesterday and came home today, and I feel GREAT! I seriously only have a bit of tenderness in the middle of my belly. I only took one vicodin last night so I could fall asleep, and one again this afternoon so I could get good sleep in my bed. It was heaven to sleep in my bed! My surgeon said that I was his easiest patient yet!

Hello all. I had my surgery Tuesday morning. It went much easier than I expected. I arrived at 7 am, was rolled into surgery @ 8:56, Dr. Carter told my family I was done @ 9:56 and I got home @ 11:40. I kept an ice pack on my port site most of the day. Other than that I don't have much pain. I did have some heartburn in recovery that got a bit better when they sat me up. I was able to sleep in my bed last night instead of the chair as I had planned.

Today I'm feeling the "I've done a billion situps" discomfort in my stomach, but that is something I can deal with.

THanks for the soup info. The only problem is I have milk allergies, so I will have to add Water or soy. Will will try the other soups though! Thanks!

There is a brand called Imagine Soups and they are incredibly good and soy based. You can find them at some supermarkets and most natural stores. I stay away from dairy and they have been a godsend!

By th eway-Banded the 13th! Doing great. Walking has made the biggest difference in how I feel. i walk, then I crash for 2 hours.

Edited June 18, 200818 yr by KatW

Was banded yesterday. Everything went well with the exception of getting the damned IV's going. My veins are really tiny and they roll. After five tries I asked them to just put it in the crook of my arm. Other than that, pretty uneventful.

They took me in at exactly 1pm but didn't get done with me till 4pm because of a "monster" hernia plus the doc dealt with a bunch of adhesions. Actually, when I woke up the only place that I had pain was in my chest. Felt like an elephant was sitting there. They gave me a hypo and sent me home. That shot lasted way into the night. Took some liquid Tylenol and slept really well. My DH wedged a pillow behind me so that I could somewhat lay on my side. (Stomach sleeper and have NEVER slept on my back).

Swallowing is going good and have gotten in quite a bit of Water since I got home. I was told I could start with cream of wheat, Soups (non-chunky) tomato juice tomorrow. Thought that was quick but doc says with new band it's OK. Next Tuesday I can start with scrambled eggs, soft veggies, tuna, cottage cheese. July 1...onto real foods. Seems like a pretty fast transition to real foods but will test the waters as my doc gives me the OK.

I am so excited to think that there may be a chance that I no longer need to take medication for acid reflux. I took nothing last night and it went well. Will have to see what today brings.

That's it for now. Going for a walk and then back to the couch. Hope everyone else had as easy a day as I had yesterday.