My Band surgery - 10/14/10
I arrived at the hospital at 6 am for an 8 am surgery time. I was the second surgery of the day for my surgeon. I was weighed and was down 10 pounds due to liquid only diet for two weeks, . I got an iv (I'm a hard stick and rn put up high in my forearm), shot of heparin and a million questions (who are you? what are you having done? who is doing it?, etc.) Anesthesiologist came in and asked a ton of ?s too, and decided to do an EKG because I had previously had a heart arrythmia. EKG was perfect so off I went to surgery. I got antibiotics in my iv before I went back as well.
The last think I remember was the anes. nurse asking if I was feeling the drugs, I said no and I was out. The next thing, I knew, I woke up in recovery and it was 12:15 p.m. My surgery took two hours because I had to have a hernia repaired, then my band was installed. I was very sore, got immediate pain meds and zonked back out. Woke up about an hour later and they moved me to a different recovery area, where I had to sit, then stand then walk to a recliner. Felt a little woozy and sore, but not too bad. I sat in recliner, sipping water for about 30 minutes. They said if I wanted more pain meds, I could have them, so they gave me another shot in my iv. They said if I went to the bathroom, I could leave, so I got up, walked to bathroom and peed in the little hat on the toilet. 15 minutes later, I was rolled out of the hospital.
I have previously had 3 C-Sections, so I think it really helped me deal with the kind of pain I have been experiencing. I have stayed "ahead" of the pain and taken my meds every 6 hours so it has been tolerable. I have also chewed the Gas-X tablets, which has helped and walked frequently. Also, sitting/sleeping in a recliner is totally a God-send. I read that on here, I think, and it has really helped. I am on total liquids for a week because of the hernia repair/band, then mushies for a week then go back to doctor on 10/28. Good experience so far!