My surgical date was January 5, 2009. I arrived at the hospital at 5:45am for a 7:45am surgery time. Everything went according to schedule - taken to operating area, vitals taken, medical history reviewed, socks put on, IV attached, etc. Just then the anesthesiologist came in to introduce himself. He looked at my mouth and told me that he may have to put in the breathing tube while awake because my mouth area was too small. Now, I have had surgery in the past and never heard this before. (I told him that along with no way will the tube be put in while I am awake). He somewhat backed down, but still did not rule this out. The anesthesiologist assistant came in after and told me that she saw no problem as they perform around 15 lapbands per week and that she is the one that will be putting in the tube. Apparently, the first anesthesiologist was new. I was ready to get up and leave.
My surgery went well with the exception of having had a previous surgical scar that was in the exact spot the tube for fills would need to go. They had to dig a little deeper to open up the area, which took a little longer and no one told my boyfriend who was freaking out. The doctor had told both of us the surgery would take approximately 90 minutes, however they did not come out until 11:45am.
I got to my room and had another shot of Heparin(sp?). This would prove to be a problem later. I was told that I would probably be kept overnight. After my xray and other tests were performed, they decided to release me that evening.
I am home and doing well with the exception of the area of the Heparin shot. Apparently some gas got in the area and I started getting sharp spasms in the area. Pain medication did not stop this! I called the doctor and was told what had happened and how to treat it. I am doing much better and looking forward to getting out and walking in the fresh air.
Take Care!