I had my AGB surgery yesterday. Whew, what a day! I wanted to document my experiences for others and myself when I reflect back on the day I got banded.

The surgery went well according to my doctor, Dr. Minkin. The pain was not as bad as I expected. Noticeable-yes. Unbearable with massive pain killers-no. The last thing I remembered as I was being wheeled into the operating room was looking up at the big light and how it felt like being in a mad scientist laboratory, then....nothing.....until I was in the recovery room. One thing they keep telling you is to take deep breaths. My throat was a little sore because of the breathing tube. I didn't feel hot or cold. I remember just looking at the wall clock and doing deep breaths in time. Inhale for 15 seconds, hold for 5 seconds, release slowly for 15 seconds. Did that I think for about an hour. I felt a sense of relief when they were ready to wheel me up to my room, meant to me that things were going good.

I don't like IVs. And I hate catheters. More about catheters later. They had trouble getting an IV started in me in admitting and later in pre-op, but I noticed I had two IVs started, but only one was connected when I got back to my room. The whole concept of being forced to ingest stuff just doesn't sit well with me, but I understand why it is necessary.

I knew it was important to get up and walking. So, I was constantly monitoring myself for when I felt okay to get up and start walking. I asked the nurse for something for nausea, and once I got that, I think it was around 4 or 5 hours later that I was asked to be helped up so I could walk around. No ill effects, I was able to walk pretty easily.

A word to the wise: make sure you bring someone with you to the hospital that will help you. I brought my mom, and she was a tremendous help. For example, shortly after I got back to my room, I wanted to start sucking on some ice chips. Obviously I couldn't ask a nurse to do this. My mom did a fine job helping me do that. You need to start taking in fluids. One, because your throat will be dry from the breathing tube. Two, because you need fluids in order to urinate, since you are essentially dehydrated.

If I have a a hate in my life, something I despise, its catheters. I don't think its as bad for women as it is for men. The fires of Hell were felt when I tried to urinate. I screamed like a little girl, I'll admit it. I think its because you are dehydrated as much as the fact that something foreign got inserted where nothing should be inserted. Men, you will know pain. I can tell you it will get better once you start urinating semi-regularly. Just go to that spot that tells you you are a man and by God you will take the pain, and go ahead and scream like a banshee. It will get better

I had five incisions. I think they're all healing well, no discharge. I took photos of mine.

I've heard some comments about the gas pain. And to be sure, it exists. I think the sure fire cure for this is to get walking. And walk. And walk. That's what worked for me. The more you walk, the less you'll have an issue.

Crushing pills is disgusting, they taste like crap. Have some decaf tea or protein shake while you are sipping them down, it won't be as bad.

My doc gave me suppository for nausea. I am not a fan of suppositories either, same as catheters, without the pain. Not fun sticking them in, but they work.

Well, that's about all I can think of for now, feel pretty darn good for having had a surgery under GA less than 24 hours ago. Isn't modern medicine great or what?