I started the process in November of 2008 and finally got approved by my insurance on 5/21/09 and was banded on 6/25/09.
I'm a middle of the road guy and my story is very similar to everyone else. I took my anti nausea pill as instructed and I arrived at the clinic at 5:45 and had to wait until the doors open at 6A. I filled out a few papers, showed my ID and insurance card and was taken to the recovery area.
The nurse came by and introduced themselves and asked me to strip down into a gown. They started an IV bag and gave me a shot in the stomach. I think it was heparol? for blood clotting and had me put pressure stockings on.
The anesthesiologist came by to ask a few questions and the doctor also stopped by.
I was rolled into the operating room and placed onto the operating table which made me nervous because it was so narrow.
People started adjusting and rearranging the wires on me and the anesthesiologist put something into the IV. I started to feel real sleepy and pleasant and asked him, "Did you put the pain medicine in already?"
The anesthesiologist smiled and said, "You tell me :)"
It was all over in the blink of an eye and I awoke in the recovery room. I distinctly remember having a real hard time waking up and was very groggy. As soon as I had my senses, I asked how everything went. I was in some pain, my throat was sore, and was thirsty.
I sucked on ice chips and it took a while to feel better. After an hour or two they got me up and walked me around. There was no upper GI xray and they let me go.
I'm healing rather quickly and once had my gall bladder taken out to gauge my progress. I thought the gall bladder operation was worse. However, I'm still very sore. I've been up a lot to walk around to get some exercise and try and get the gas out. I've been taking my liquid vicadin (nortab?) and managing the pain ok.
I've been very hungry and drinking the clear chicken broth doing well. It kills me seeing the kids walk around the house eating nachos, doritos, and other garbage. I snuck a spoon full of Peanut Butter.
I'm trying to take it slow and ride the wave of excitement as long as I can and shed some weight.
My recommendations:
Be prepared - get everything organized the night before. Meds?
Are the prescriptions filled?
Is the house ready when you get back?
Do you have the right foods ready to go?
Jump on the forum when you have a question and need motivation.
Good luck to all!