This is my first time posting, even though I've been reading other posts for a few months. I finally have a date for my band after following a long 6 month supervised diet with my physician. My surgeons office called the day before Thanksgiving to let me know my approval from UHC came in and that I am scheduled for 12/23. Finally!!! :smile2: This is my second week on the protein diet and some days are easy and others are very hard. I am starting to panic, now that it's only a few days away. I have never had any type of surgery before, so I don't know what to expect. I don't want to mention my anxiety to my husband or daughter because I don't want them to worry too. Reading all of these posts and seeing what everyone else has gone through helps a little, but then I go to bed at night and the worrying starts again.

Well congrats on the date! We are band date buddies :smile2:

I've been through several surgeries and even had a port in the past. Laprascopic is pretty easy and baring any unforseen complications (which are pretty rare) you go in, they prep you, they give you goofy juice and you wake up in recovery. Your throat will be ithcy and a bit sore (like you cheered to much at a ball game) you'll be alittle disoriented (from the meds). You jump through their hoops (whatever they may be) and then you go home.

Your tummy will be sore and you should take your pain meds religiously (you want to stay ahead of the pain, so that you can focus on healing) Siip Sip Sip Water constantly (from what I am hearing) walk when you can, and rest.

It is normal to be scared and nervous but when it is all done, you'll be asking yourself why you worried so much.

Now the shoulder pain is a real thing and if you are not ready for it, it can really knock you off your feet. That comes from the gas they blow your belly up with so they have room to operate. It is deferred pain from your diaphram and shows up in your shoulder (our bodies are kinda funny). Heating pad, walking around helps.

Good luck and I'll be thinking of all my "band buddies" when I go in on the 23rd!

Another band buddy here...December 23rd also. I'll be having my surgery at Alexian Brothers hospital in the NW suburbs of Chicago by Dr. Kane. I'm also anxious, scared,excited...all of the above. We'll do fine and what a way to start the new year! Good luck to us all!