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surgery day experience

Wow! My experience was quite different from most who blogged. I was banded on Friday, November 07 in Fresno, California. My doctor is Dr. Kevin Higa. I am a very, very phobic person with medical things, especially surgery. After decoding that I really needed this lap-band, I wa finally approved and waited anxiously for the surgery date to arrive. I almost backed out several times. My fear is on the 10+ + level:scared2:, but after several discussions with my husband, off we went on Thursday to Fresno - 2 hours away. I had a pre-op appt on Thursday and also a pre-op at the hospital, too. I told the intake doctor that I was really scared and he asked what they could do to help me be more comfortable. I asked to meet the anesthesiologist early so that I could know what was going to happen. On friday, I arrived at the hospital at 10:00 am for a noon operation, but things got backed up and I was kept waiting in pre-op for quite awhile. The nurses had me put on the gown, socks, and get on the gurney, then they started the IV. I was still very worried, so one kind nurse called a friend near to my age who had lap-band about 4 months ago. She talked to me and encouraged me . The nurses gave me a shot of Verced to calm me, but it didn't work, so they had to give me another. I never did calm down. When they took me up to the surgical floor, I don't remember anything after getting in the room. I woke up groggy and my left shoulder was in a LOT OF PAIN, but my incisions only hurt a little. I was in recovery for about an hour and a half, then wheeled to my room (all private suites) where my husband was allowed in. I had a PCA with morphine which I used as much as needed. They all (nurses and docs. told me it isn't addictive and I should relieve my pain as much as needed. They also put antibiotics and anti nausea meds in my IV. I got up about 2 hours later and went to the bathroom, then went for a walk with my hubby around the flor. We had a regular walkathon going! :angry_smile: I was in a bit of pain , especially when trying to move around, but the worst is shoulder pain from gas.:cursing: I stayed overnight with excellent care from everyone. I wnt home the next day and my shoulder still hurts, but it is better. I have rx's for pain and nausea (as needed) and also pepcid which they want me to take 2 x a day for about a month. I am on clear liquid diet, but I'm not too interested yet. I am getting plenty of water and diluted juices down, no problem. Broth is o.k., but it may be the temperature that bothers me. I finally took a shower today, and I am slowly getting better. I don't think I had the fluouroscope yet, but my first appt. back is next Monday, so maybe they are waiting until then?? I haven't read anyone else's story that didn't have it done before leaving the hospital. My doctor has patients who fly in from all over the country to do reconstructive surgery for both lap-band and gastric bypass - he's one of the best in the country, so I am happy with my choice. I have no idea if I've lost weight yet (although I'm sure I have, I just don't have a working scale now), but I'm just waiting to get healthy and feel better which is my goal for this whole journey.
kspapst

kspapst

3
 

Wondering about the holidays ?

I am a recent lap-bander - Nov. 7th. I go to the doctor for my 1st post-op visit on Tues (18th). He allowed soft foods on Friday 14th. Very small amounts of food. So far things are going pretty good. I'm not very hungry, no nausea, the pain is better from gas and incisions, etc. But, I have been home the whole time - I haven't been around other people, except my husband since I came home. I am starting to get a little hungrier, but I didn't go through this whole thing to blow it. How do you handle being around people, food, all the t.v. ads, alcohol, the grocery store with holiday stuff piled to the rafters, etc. ? I know I cannot have very much food during the holidays which I am fine with, BUT. . . . I also don't want to struggle with the sense of deprivation I used to have on diets in the past, even when it is just psychological in nature. I also do not want to be "on exhibit" when with others who know about the lap-band. Any suggestions?? Thanks
kspapst

kspapst

1
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