hi

please post your surgery stories here.

I was banded on06-19-09. I had to stay one night in the hospital. I went in at 0530am and was processed. I already had all of my pre-op done of course which consisted of EKG, chest X-ray, blood work, letter from doctor and cardio doctor. The nurse came in and put in my IV and began fluids. At about 0730 my surgeon came in to see me and talk to me for a minute. Then they took me to pre-surgery for my general anesthesia. The anesthesia doctor talked to me for a minute and they began the relaxing meds into my IV. At that time, I informed my anesthesia dr. that I get very sick after surgery unless he puts that stuff in with my anesthesia that helps with nausea. He said no problem and that is the last thing I remember. I woke up as I was being wheeled into the recovery room and was immediately hit with waves of nausea. They put zophran and morphene in my IV and it did not help. After 1 and half hours they took me to an intermediary ward before my room to try and stabalize my nausea. Finally they gave me phenergan and morphene and I was finally over the nausea. They took me up to my room where they continued my oxygen and IV. They finally took me off of oxygen and IV at about 0800pm. They just continued to monitor me throughout the night and made me use my breathing machine and I was gone from the hospital by 0800am the next morning. I continued to have nausea for three days after my surgery. But I found out I had the stomach flu which I am sure was part of that. After I got over the flu, all was well. Over all, it was good and the hospital I went to was great. My surgeon has been great as well. I have my first fill tomorrow and I am very excited.

hi greytz

im happy to hear that you had a safe surgery. we have recently kicked off our july banding so its good to hear stories from fellow banders to ease the nerves a little.

happy losing

daqui

Well, I am now banded! My surgery was at 2:15 yesterday. I had to show up at 11:45 (antsy all morning!). After the initial intake & check-in, they took me back at 1:15 to the holding area. There they started my IV and had the DR come talk with me for a minute as well as the anesthesiologist and tons of other people. Then they gave me a shot of 2 gin & tonics to relax me before going to the OR. (Seriously, the anesthesiologist said it would make me feel like I had 2 of them, and then called it that !) I remember going into the OR and getting a shot and seeing the oxygen mask going on & that was it until I woke up in recovery. After I was good & awake they gave me a shot of morphine & took me upstairs. I felt pretty good and did some walking with my husband, but I went ahead and took more morphine as a preventative measure around 8:30. I also hoped it would help me sleep. No such luck. All those tubes and stuff made it really hard to sleep. I probably slept about 2 hours. Anyway, this morning, the doc came in and gave me the once over and said I could go after my abdominal x-ray and once I was able to drink 2 oz of protein shake. All that went well and I left the hospital at noon. I am lounging in my bed getting ready to take a nap and get ready for a walk later. My dog needs me to take him walking! I am sore, but not in pain. I keep hearing about the gas I should be having, but not yet. I would say the experience was fairly easy. I hope you all have such an easy time of it!:smile2:

good for you Mary! Sounds like you are recovering nicely and without gas pains!

Good luck to all of you.

I was banded on July 3rd in Cancun by Dr.Ceron and Dr. Perez. Three other people from the states were getting banded by the same surgical team at the Amerimed Hospital in Cancun on the same day that I was. You definitely feel an immediate friendship towards your fellow bandsters going through the same thing you are! I think we were all impressed with how beautiful the hospital was and how wonderful the staff treated us. It was all in all a much better experience then I expected! I have had 3 surgeries in the states and I have to say I was treated better and not rushed out of the hospital in Mexico. The place was spotlessly clean and very modern.

I arrived at the hospital around 7:30am and by 4:40pm it was all over and I was in my private room with my husband waiting for me. I felt pretty good. I did have some gas but it wasn't that bad. I did get up and walk to the rest room and walk the halls about every two hours just to try and get rid of gas. Gas pain in the past after surgery has really been an issue for me - very painful. The next morning Dr.Ceron and Dr. Perez came in and talked to me about the procedure and gave me my medical records and test results, x-rays, the picture of the band and my stomach, the box the band came in with all the information on it including the size and serial number. He explained that he didn't think I would need a fill for two or three months but that I could get one once I started feeling hunger, To give it at least 6 weeks to heal. (I still haven't felt any hunger pains and I am going on day 5!)

Around 11 I was released from the hospital and we went back to the resort we were staying at. I spent most of the time lying around and walking about every two hours.The following day I did go to breakfast with my two daughters and husband. I had some caffeine free tea, had a beautiful view of the ocean and had a very relaxing time. Spent the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or in my room in bed.

The following day we returned to the states. The flight to Chicago is a 3 1/2 hour flight. It was delayed 1 and 1/2 hours. We had left the resort to go to the airport at 11am

and didn't take off until 3:10pm. We hit some turbulence that lasted about 20 minutes and I was really beginning to feel very nauseated....by the time we got to the baggage claim at the airport I couldn't hold on anymore and started throwing up.:wink2: I threw up three times in a row - saliva. I thought great, went through all this and now I have ruined my band or I am going to have to have another surgery. So I called Dr.Perez and asked if I should go to a Doctor here to get it checked out. He asked if I was able to swallow liquids ok and I said yes and he said if the band had slipped I wouldn't even be able to swallow my own saliva. He said I was ok.:wink:

So we get to my car and I have a dead battery! We call a tow truck and wait for a jump that takes another 40 minutes and finally get on our way back home to Mattoon which is another 3 hour drive. I start getting car sick. My husband has to stop and let me rest every 20 to 30 minutes or I know I am going to begin throwing up again! We finally get home after midnight! Whew!:smile2:

So apart from the trip home and some minor constipation and gas I think it went pretty well. All systems are a go now and I am feeling much better. Best of all I have lost 5 pounds post op.

This definitely is the best decision I could have made for my health - to get the band. Any of you out there second guessing yourself stay strong. You can do it!

Good luck to all of you already banded and all waiting to be banded. With encouragement from each other we can do this!

Any of you out there second guessing yourself stay strong. You can do it!

i got tears in my eyes when i read that. it might seem cheesy and im not usually so emotional. i just really needed to see that at that moment. sometimes something so simple can really help someone.

thx

almost forgot.....congrats on the sucessful surgery

Thanks so much Daqui and I know you can do this! You are so close to your date and I know that even though it is very exciting it is also a little scarry. You will do great and in a years time just think how wonderful you will feel. To have your hunger taken away is an amazing feeling. The surgery is worth the slight discomfort! Good Luck!

I was banded on 10 Feb 2009. The best part of my before surgery was this warn air blanket they put on you. It was so nice! So I go to surgery and it only takes 40 mins. Then they put me in recovery where I woke up and stayed for 5 hours while they tried to find a room for me. They assumed by my first name that I was a male and wanted to put me in a room with a man!!! So that being straightened out, I was put in a private room. I took a walk with my husband up and down the hall once, then back to bed. The next morning they took me down to xray and made me drink this aweful stuff that was just the worst. They found everything was ok and sent me back up to my room where I could enjoy a nice drink of the second worst thing I had drank all day, it was some protein thing that was so sweet it was like drinking jello, yuck. We left the hospital and as someone had suggested, I had a small pillow to put between me and the seat belt. Recovered in a couple of days and was ready to go by the 5th day when I went back to work. No gas pains, but the worst for me was not having anything to drink after the surgery. I was allowed these sticks to suck on and I have to admit I put them in tons of water and sucked the water out till they were dry. Anyway, it is not that bad and it goes by quickly. I am now 5 months out tomorrow, down 57 pounds and feeling like a kid again. I is the best thing I have ever done for me.

Well, its done and im so happy! As everyone else, my hospital experience was good--people were friendly, my doctor and anestologist (how ever you spell that) were great...the doctor came into see me at 10;45 - and i joked - oh are you taking me early??? He said the room was being cleaned (surgery was scheduled between 12/12:30) - but they came and took me at 11!

I dont remember anything except waking up in recovery. I could feel the pain/discomfort...nothing as bad as my gallbladder surgery - but defianately not fun..lol...then they wheeled me into recovery #2. My only complaint there is the recliners we were sitting in were NOT comfortable! Anyway, I was not an overnight stay--so by 4:45 they were ready to send me home...but realized i was in some pain and asked if i wanted a dose of the pain reliever for the ride-and i said "yes!". thank goodness! It took the "edge" off the drive home.

I got home saw my family and basically headed to bed. It was a little tough getting up, but i kept a crutch by my bed to help pull me up. I also had a little light and when i woke up at 1 and 5 (pain meds wearing off) i took more and went right back to bed. I figured "pain management" is just that and i knew for the first day or two i would be taking that elixir as often as i needed .

The 2nd day i was allowed Clear liquids, but to be honest, i wasnt really hungry..sipping Water was good for me...but by the 3rd day i was ready to sip on the Protein drink and a little (very little) Soup.

I'm feeling much better today and very glad that i'm on the road to recovery and this is done!

My ex came into town Wednesday and has been a big help...he had housecleaners come in to clean my house for me, he's taking care of the girls..its been great.

I'm glad i did this.i'm looking forward to a new emerging..and each of you waiting for this process...just know that a couple of days of discomfort will be very much worth a lifetime of self confidence, happiness and good health!

My best to all the "Freedom Fighters"..and beyond...will be looking forward to hearing success stories and before/after photos!:thumbup:

My surgery was on 7/6. I went in at 11:30. They did all the preop stuff, paperwork etc. I was given a patch behind my ear for nausea as well as a shot for nausea. It seemed to take forever before my surgery finally got started. All I remember is the anesthesiologist giving me a shot of something in the IV. He and the nurse kept talking to me all the way to the OR. I remember about 10 seconds in the OR and then I was in recovery.

I had very little pain, just difficulty breathing from the anesthesia. I can remember thinking my blood sugar feels so low I wish they would give me something to eat. I was taken up to my room and the nurse right away brought me sugar free jello and some broth. I was able to eat it right away and get up and walk. The night went pretty well. I did get regular pain shots because I wanted to keep feeling good instead of waiting until I didn't. I was released around 9:30 the next morning. I came home and pretty much stayed in bed and did a little bit of walking just inside the house. Sleep that night was a bit challenging without the hospital bed. The next day I felt completely fine. I have not been using the vicodin since the first day home. I actually went with my kids to chuck e cheese and then to the grocery store yesterday and then went to Mothers of Multiples last night. I already feel more energetic than ever and can't wait to really start seeing the weight fall off!! This went better than I thought it would, no gas pain, no nausea, very little pain at the incision. All of you waiting good luck!! I know I made the right decision.

Its great to hear abt all of the stories so far

love these threads.. thank you all so much for sharing your experiences!

My day is coming up on the 14th.. a week ago I was really dreading it.. wondering if I should push back surgery, etc.. But reading all the experiences here have helped greatly. I now am ready, and even excited to get it started and get the "grunt phase" over!

Thank you!

Edited July 10, 200917 yr by JustJoe

My surgery was scheduled for 8:00A.M., but I had to be at the hospital at 5. Since I live an hour away, that made for an early morning! I got up at 3:30 and took my shower. There was no need for extra time since I couldn’t do make up, fix my hair, or lotion up. We left the house at 4 and arrived about 5 minutes early. They had a problem with the machine that prints the arm bands, so it took a little while to get mine. They were actually ready for me before I got it! They weighed me (hadn’t lost as much as I’d hoped on pre-op diet), and I went into a little room where I had to disrobe, and I got my gown. I have never felt so small in my life. That gown was HUGE! I’m sure it was designed that way especially for bariatric patients, but it sure felt nice. Then, they took my BP and temp.

I had already forgotten about this wonderful service my hospital offers, but within just a few minutes, the hospital’s WLS surgery coordinator, Pat (I think that’s her title) came in to talk to me and my husband. She is a lady who had RNY about 8 years ago. She (and a girl I work with actually) started a local support group (local to the hospital, that is) anywhere that would let them meet (local churches, etc.) because there was nothing like that around here. Well, their group grew and grew, and the hospital got wind of it. They created a position for this lady, and now she conducts the pre and post op seminars/support groups for the local hospitals, and she comes to sit with all bariatric patients at the hospital on the day of their surgery. (I’m sure there is more to her job since it’s a full time position, but I don’t really know.) So when Pat arrived I was happy to see her. She came in and talked to me and my husband about what all to expect that day and for the next couple of weeks, and even vaguely forever. I knew most of the stuff already (thanks to LBT and my own research), but it was great for my husband. She probably talked to us for an hour, and then my transporter, Herby, came to take me to holding. My hubby got to go so far, and then I had to kiss him good-bye.

Pat stayed with me in holding, where I was very comfortable. I LOVED the nice warm blanket, but I didn’t love so much the pulsing booties. The holding nurse started my IV and introduced me to my anesthesiologist. Then I met my CRNA, and it was time to go to the OR. Pat stayed with me until I entered the OR!

Once in the OR, they put something in my IV that they warned would burn, and, MAN, it did! After that, the Dr. told me what I was breathing was just oxygen, but she lied! It was lights out! The next thing I knew, I was in my room. I don’t even remember being in recovery! My nephew was in PICU (only 6 weeks old…sick little baby…long story) , and the first thing I said when I woke up was, “How’s Eli?” He was having tests and ended up having his third surgery the day after mine. (Three surgeries in six weeks!) After getting an update on him, I felt better and began to wake. Shortly after that Pat was there again to check on me.

It took a while for transport to come and get me to take me for my swallow test. They finally did, though, and everything went fine. I was happy to get to see the x-rays of my band and port. It was really cool!

After I returned back to my room, it was time for me to eat, err drink. I was the first patient to be sent back down to Same Day Surgery before going home (instead of where, I don’t know) so the nurses there weren’t really trained about what/how I was supposed to eat. My nurse had a “cheat sheet” that she was using and brought me a cup of apple juice. I had to call my MIL who went to the nutrition class with me to tell me (and the nurse) how much I was supposed to have how fast. By the time I got off the phone, though, my nurse had found the answer. She measured my one ounce for 15 minutes, and as soon as I got that down, I was ready to go home. (She did call and order me another binder though so that I would have one to wear and one to wash, so we did wait on that to come.)

The ride home wasn’t bad at all. I put a pillow between my abdomen and my seat belt, and I was totally fine. I came home and went straight to bed, but I didn’t stay there too long. I found myself to be much more comfy in the recliner in our theater room. Needless to say, that is where I’ve been spending most of my time since.

The morning after surgery, I had a real scare! I got nauseas and actually ended up heaving three good times. Nearly nothing came out because there wasn’t much there, but I did puke some clear liquid and scare myself to death that I had hurt my band! I talked to the surgeon’s office though, and I think I’m fine.

The only other real issue I had the night of surgery and the next day was getting pain meds. The doctor originally prescribed me something (Loratab) to which I am allergic. By the time my husband got it to the pharmacy and called the surgeon, there was nothing he could do for the night. I had to call the next day and get the script changed. When that was done, UHC (my insurance) was having computer problems, so it was hours before my scripts could be filled. I went over 24 hours with nothing. Since then, though I’ve only had to have two doses of pain meds and one does of liquid Tylenol. That’s not too bad in my book.

The only other two issues I’ve had are getting in enough fluids and the gas pain in my shoulder and neck! I am afraid I will drink too much too quickly, and I really have no appetite or thirst at all.

Yesterday (Friday the 10th) I took my first shower, which I’m sure my family appreciated! I replaced my bandages, fixed my hair, and even put on makeup. My MIL and I went to a neighboring town about 30 miles away, and I got a stylish lunchbox in which to keep my liquid food cold, made copies for my graduate presentation (see next paragraph) and bought some stretchy clothes that won’t hurt my belly button incision for the next week or two. It was nice to get out of the house for a bit, but that was enough for me. When we got home, I crashed!

I had to go to class today (Saturday the 11th) because I’m in graduate school, and I had a presentation due. (My classmate drove me.) My presentation was early, and things went pretty well. I was allowed to sit during it, and I know that helped. However, I had to leave about 1:00 (class doesn’t end until 3:00) because I was just feeling really fatigued and a little nauseas. I will be docked a half a letter grade in my afternoon class for missing even part of one class. (I have a morning class and and afternoon class.) However, I’m okay with that. Getting an A- is so worth it. I’ll still have a 4.0, and I’ll still get the same degree! I am just thankful that my classmate felt the same way because, unfortunately, she will be docked too. She knew I didn’t feel well, and she really pushed me to leave, so I don’t feel too guilty, but I still feel a little bad. Oh, well, I guess that goes to show she’s a good friend! (I already knew that though!) When I came home, I crashed for about two hours. When I woke up, I had my first BM since Tuesday, and now I feel much better!

I just can’t wait for this healing process to be over. I’m ready to get up and get on with my new life! Overall, I feel great, and I have already lost three pounds since surgery. (Can’t get my ticker to update though…click on it and nothing happens)

If I had to decided again whether or not to do this, I would absolutely do it again in a minute. The discomfort will be nothing when I am on my feet again and losing weight! I wish everyone reading this as smooth a journey as I have had so far!

Best of luck to all!

P.S. If my computer will operate, I will post surgery day pics and pics of my incisions.