feb09bandster

Hello - I was banded on February 12 in Royal Oak Michigan. Dr. Krause did my surgery. I am very happy with the recovery so far. The surgery day was a blur. I had to report at 6:00 a.m. for a 7:30 surgery. I got my gown on and had blood drawn, peed in a cup, got weighed, and had my IV put in. The pre-op rooms had flat screen tv's so it was nice to be able to watch tv to keep my mind off what was about to happen. Pretty soon the happy drug came through my iv and I was being wheeled off to surgery. I recall getting myself moved over to the operating table and being told the infamous "take deep breaths...this is only oxygen". After that I was out. I woke up in recovery and was there probably an hour before being taken to my room. My surgeon requires an overnight stay which I was grateful for. My biggest complaint when I woke up was the dry mouth I had. I was not allowed any water or ice chips until later so I could not even clear my throat from the breathing tube. I sounded very rough but did not feel bad. They kept the pain under control very well. Once I was in my room they gave me a couple of hours before they came in and wanted me to get up and walk around. I was able to get up on my own and walk around. I was a bit woozy but ok. My mom walked the halls with me. I had a catheter during surgery but never knew it. I did not have to urinate until later in the day. They kept wanting me to go and I didn't have to. Getting up was a bit painful due to the stomach muscles used in this process but not unbearable. I got pain meds whenever I needed them so don't be afraid to ask...especially while you are in the hospital. I did not sleep well at the hospital. The next day I was taken down for a barium swallow test where I had to stand in front of an x-ray machine and swallow some liquid that was very bitter. My surgeon happened to be down there and looked at the results. Everything looked good and I was sent back upstairs to begin eating clear liquids. My first meal was strained cream of chicken soup with fat free milk powder (for added protein). I thought this was a bit much for my first meal but since that is what they ordered I ate it. My face got all flushed and I had a full feeling. It was odd. It passed ok though and I was allowed to go home. The overall experience was great. I am now 5 days out and feeling pretty good. Still sore but doing better. I opted to take a full week off of work and think that will be fine. I am more tired and had an episode this morning where I got light headed from going too long without eating. I went to bed around 9 and got up, did some work, took a shower. By this time it was 9:00 a.m. It seems like I am having to eat or drink "something" all the time. It is hard to get everything in that I am supposed to. I know this is a lengthy introduction but I wanted to include the things that I wanted to know beforehand. I welcome conversations with anyone!:thumbup::thumbup:

Tera my name is Heidi and I was banded on February 12. I, too, am 32 and have been working for the last 8 months to make this a reality. My insurance did pay for my procedure but I have to say that even if they wouldn't have, I would have done what I could to make this happen. The whole surgery day is a blur. I was scheduled for 7:30 a.m. and was in my room by noon. I wish you the best of luck on Thursday...remember this is the beginning of your new life.

February 12 was my day as well. Everything went great! So far I am just quite sore. :thumbup: