I am in Elgin and using the Kane Center. Dr. Rantis is my Surgeon. I was banded on July 31. Everything went smoothly for me also. No vomiting and very little pain/discomfort. I work at a school too, and thought I would go back to work after the week-end, but ended taking off the entire week. Glad I did and am ready to back on Monday.
After I finished my 6 months of MD appt.'s I had to go through a series of tests. Psychological, Pulmonary, and sleep Study along with another seminar. Once those were completed, I called and set up my date. To give you a better idea of my timeline, I began with my first seminar in October 2008 and was banded July 31, 2009. Listen carefully to the doctors and follow the protocol to the letter. I met several people who thought they should "call the shots" and they ended up being postponed over and over. One lady in particular was very frustrated and blamed everyone but herself. Also was quite a Debbie Downer to talk with at the seminar. Protein shakes were the diet of choice for two weeks prior to surgery. I won't lie...that was really tough for me. And mine ws extended an extra week due to a medical complication unrelated to this surgery. My surgery took place at Alexian Brothers. Surgery can be Day Surgery-Out Patient if you're scheduled early enough in the morning. That is what I was originally hoping for. I ended up staying overnight and glad I did. The staff there was marvelous and the extra time at the hospital gave me the opportunity to get up and walk frequently. I believe that early walking on the floor made the transition to home a smooth one. I was sent home on modified liquids and with a prescription for Tylenol with Codine. All medications for the next month must be taken in liquid form or crushed. Talk to your primary physican to arrange this. I did need to change a couple of meds to accomodate this. You will also need a liquid "complete" Vitamin. I bought mine at Walgreens. I also bought a bottle of liquid Tylenol. I found it did the trick and I didn't need the codine. When you have your Pulmonology appt. they will give you a prescription for Lovenox. This is a blood thinner that is given by injection. You will need to get this filled before you go to the hospital. I was taught how to give the injection at their office...but the best education was given to me by the nurse at the hospital. She had me do this last Saturday before I left. It doesn't hurt, but there is someting about jabbing a needle into your abdomen that just doesn't sit right...so the practice at the hospital was a plus. Ask them to do this for you! Mushie foods start today! WooHoo! I could go on about this very positive experience. If you would like to get together and talk, I would be happy to meet you. Perhaps at a local restaurant for a bowl of soup!!! Otherwise...keep posting questions and I will be happy to answer whenever I can! Good Luck...I believe this is the best gift anyone can give themself! Linda