I can not believe that my surgery date is tomorrow. I have been a cool chick until a few minutes ago and the panic started to set in. I know that this procedure is for me, it's just the general surgery part that is making me nervous.

I work until 4:30 this afternoon and then go home to drink the magnesium citrate. Has anyone else had to drink this and if so, how bad is it and how bad are the effects after drinking it.

Thanks so much everyone. Being able to read your comments has been such a wonderful help. You're all so great! :biggrin:

Hello! First let me say that I think most of us felt exactly as you do now. I was freaking out at the thought that I was risking my life for an "elective" surgery, but then realized if I didn't go through with it I was risking my life too. Surgery is a big deal with big risks involved so it's natural to feel nervous about it. Once you're done with it and your nerves are settled, you'll hopefully feel good about your decision.

As far as the magnesium citrate, I didn't have to drink it for this surgery but have for others. It's a laxative to help clean your bowels. It can start working in as quickly as 30 minutes, or can take 6 hours. It is not the best tasting stuff in the world!! But your doctor feels it is necessary, so follow the instructions exactly as they were given to you. It's one of those things that suck but you gotta do it.

Good luck to you! I hope your surgery goes nice and smooth. Let us know how it goes when you're feeling up to it.

Good luck! I have to warn you...I had to drink DOUBLE the mag citrate to get any "action" (and no I don't usually have bowel issues! LOL) I guess it's because I had been on a really strict diet for about 3 weeks preop anyway; there wasn't much to move through! I had been braced for "action" and that was a big non-event! :biggrin:

It isn't GOOD but it isn't that bad either. I've heard of worse.

Good luck! Tomorrow this time you'll be a bandster!

When I was banded last year, I was 40 yrs old and had never had surgery before, so naturally I was terrified. Everything went well and I have never regretted my decision. If you are really nervous when you get there, have the anesthesiologist give you something to calm you.

As far as the magnesium citrate, I have never taken it, but people in my family have. Most recommend staying close to a bathroom. You never quite know how it will affect you until you take it. Good luck tomorrow and update when you feel up to it!

I can not believe that my surgery date is tomorrow. I have been a cool chick until a few minutes ago and the panic started to set in. I know that this procedure is for me, it's just the general surgery part that is making me nervous.

I work until 4:30 this afternoon and then go home to drink the magnesium citrate. Has anyone else had to drink this and if so, how bad is it and how bad are the effects after drinking it.

Thanks so much everyone. Being able to read your comments has been such a wonderful help. You're all so great!

I hope all is well, Keep us posted as your recovery begins.

I'm being banded tomorrow also and I can REALLY understand this post. I am positive that the band is for me but it does not get rid of the nerves that go along with the actual "surgery" aspect of things. And the fact that I am a registered nurse does not help either. Sometimes a little knowledge is "dangerous":eek:..But we will be fine!!! Enjoy tonight and get some rest because we start the ride of our lives tomorrow and I am READY FOR THE RIDE!!!!

Surgery went well and I had the nicest nurses ever. Each of them committed to my comfot an safety. I'm not in much discomfort, just a bit of pain where the port is but the pains not much worse than a sore or bruised muscle.

If any of you are in Des Moines and are thinking about getting the Lap Band I highly recommend Dr. Steve Cahalan. He's WONDERFUL! Even called me this afternoon to make sure I was comfortable.

I'm so excited for all of you who have upcoming dates scheduled, you're going to be just fine. Now two more weeks of liquids and then I get to graduate to mushies and I can't wait.

Just remember, YOU CAN DO THIS and I'm praying for each and everyone of you!:ohmy:

Surgery went well and I had the nicest nurses ever. Each of them committed to my comfot an safety. I'm not in much discomfort, just a bit of pain where the port is but the pains not much worse than a sore or bruised muscle.

If any of you are in Des Moines and are thinking about getting the Lap Band I highly recommend Dr. Steve Cahalan. He's WONDERFUL! Even called me this afternoon to make sure I was comfortable.

I'm so excited for all of you who have upcoming dates scheduled, you're going to be just fine. Now two more weeks of liquids and then I get to graduate to mushies and I can't wait.

Just remember, YOU CAN DO THIS and I'm praying for each and everyone of you!:ohmy:

I am glad to hear your surgery went well. Be sure to take you pain med IF you need it, and walk as much as possible to get the gas moving!

DoodleBunny

I was banded on Monday . . . and monday morning I woke up "What the hell have I gotten myself into". You will be fine. . . big HUGS to you! and let me know how you do.

I'm enjoying my lime green Jello. . . favorite and some grape juice. . . and I'm not the least bit hungery

I'm on day 4 post op and doing pretty well. I'm still have ab pain but that's to be expected. I'm not getting all of my Protein in and am struggling drinking anything at all as I have NO hunger.

Still sleeping in a recliner but can tell that I'm on my way to recovery. Today is the first day that I've felt pain in my left shoulder, I'm hoping that will go away fast!

I'm so excited to start this journey. Life is so good!

Hi, was I ever nervous. I had already backed out of this surgery at least 3 times. I was so afraid to do it. but even more afraid not to do it. It was health reasons for me. I had no complications in the hospital and was feeling really good. now the gas is taking over and im also sore on the left side. hopefully,this will all pass too. good luck to us!!!

I was banded on the 5th at 11am. I was home by 4pm. Gas pain was pretty intense the rest of the evening. I din't do much other than walk arou nd the house and up and down my stairs on the 6th. By the 7th, I was up walking at the outlet mall with my husband doing school shopping for the kids. Shopped for about 5 hours and then started to get a little tugging feeling in my belly so we went home and I took my pain meds and went to sleep. Did much of the same on the 8th and took it easy on the 9th cause I had to go back to work today (the 10th). My appetite came back a little on the 7th. I am able to eat about 4 ounces of frozen juice every 3 hours. I am trying to get water in starting today. I froze my water. For some reason, it feels better going down if it is frozen:unsure:.. i have lost 18 pounds since 7 29 09..So all in all I am happy.. I am sleeping on my belly again as of last night so my sleep has been much better..I am averaging about 4 ounces of juice every 3 hours and today I am going to start trying to incorporate my water with that trying to get my liquids up to atleast 64 ounces per day until i go on full liquids next week.. Hope everyone is doing well post op!!!:thumbup: