jczajkow

Hi everyone! I had my surgery two days ago and I think I'm doing pretty well. My chest hurts the most (like someone is pushing two fingers right where the centre gore of your bra goes) but I'm up and about and having full fluids. So my surgery day was so great! On June 8th at 11am I showed up at the clinic and the surgeries for the day were running ahead so I was taken in right away (my mom had to say bye to me almost right away!) They took me upstairs and sat me down in some really comfy, oversized chairs (awesome!) and just went over some basic questions (could you be pregnant, feeling well today etc.) I was then asked to change into a gown. I was completely naked except for keeping my underwear on. I was on my period, which randomly started during the pre-op diet, but the nurses said that was no problem and sometimes that happens to women. I was given some pain meds to swallow with the smallest amount of Water ever... The anesthetic doctor came in to talk to me and finally the surgeon came in to talk to me. I felt totally at ease, everyone was so nice and excited for me. They lead me to the operating room. It was pretty small with lots of monitors. I had to lay on the bed with my arms out in a "T". What I really appreciated was that I was totally covered the whole time I was still awake. I'm shy and I had gotten used to the idea that they would see my stretch marked tummy and boobs but they kept me covered as best they could while they started putting moniters and leg massagers on me. The anesthetic kicked in fairly quickly, I was lightheaded and then I was in recovery! In recovery I mostly just had pain in my throat and around the incisions. I didn't feel like I could feel anything different inside me. I was given some liquid codene for the pain. I had no shame when the nurse helped me back into my clothes. I had to wait a while with the IV in, the nurse wanted to get me some extra Fluid because it was a hot day. I went to the washroom, sipped some water and my mom came to pick me up! We were both shocked at how easy it had all seemed... I haven't had any nausea (thank goodness) but I've been dealing with chest and shoulder pain, still some pain in my throat and soreness around my incisions. Pretty average I think! I am so happy I decided to do this for myself, I almost can't believe that I'm already started on my lap band journey... I always could imagine myself doing something like this but now I've actually done it and there's no turning back! Looking forward to what the future brings! Jen

Hi everyone, My surgery date is a mere 2 weeks away! I'm starting to think about the little things to make sure I'm prepared. I'm wondering what people wore/plan to wear for their surgery date. My doctor said just "comfy clothing" and to bring a housecoat, slippers and extra socks... I figure I'll wear some yoga pants, t-shirt, sports bra, sandals. Also I'll bring a zip up hoodie for if it's cold. When I'm actually in surgery I understand that I'll be wearing a gown but will I keep my bra and underwear on? Thanks for the input! Jen

I'm in Canada too (Ontario) and my pre-op diet is protein shakes (Meditrim), steamed vegetables, black coffee/tea, spices/extracts. Day 1 is going ok so far!

Thank you all for replying! I'm starting to really get excited! June 8th is my day! woo hoo

I had my last supper last night: vegetable lasagna yum! Today is the first day of my pre-op diet and I'm planning to stick to it. I figure the more I can stick to the diet, the easier and safer I'm making my procedure.

Hello Everyone! My date is booked for June 8th! I start my pre-op diet on May 25th (3 Protein shakes/day plus some veggies?!) I warned my co-workers that I might be kind of grumpy! This date was kind of sprung on me, it was either June 8th or wait til August and I thought "no way! I could be 15 lbs lighter by then!" I've been scrambling to get all the paperwork together but everything is in order and I can just focus on planning for a new life! I haven't thought of a final meal yet.... I've actually never been that into bread, but I will miss cakes, pies and other baked goods!

Thanks for the input, I like to hear answers from people who actually live with the band. These forums are so full of supportive people. I really feel like I'm making the right decision. -als33- It would be awesome to stay in touch! Even if I booked tomorrow, I don't think my surgery would be until July/August so you can give me lots of tips!

Hi everyone! My name is Jen and I am currently living in Ottawa, ON. I am 24 years old and weigh in around 270lbs. I have pretty much decided that the lap band is the way to go for me, but I still have some questions floating around in my head. Here are two that are on my mind today: 1. Do you ever get the sensation that you can feel your band? Not the restrictive effect, but like there's actually something inside you that if you move a weird way you can feel it? 2. I am concerned that I will never feel normal again. I will always have to eat with focus and explain to people why I can only eat a small portion. I am trying to arrange my finances before going ahead a booking my date. I will be self-paying because I live in Ontario. Thanks for any insight! Jen