Getting banded 2/18 and scared to death! Please tell me about your experience?

[Natty19 0]

Hey guys! I'm new to this forum, as a matter of fact I've never joined a forum before! So I am getting banded on 2/18. I was scheduled for 2/15 but I came up with a terrible cold so we had to resch! Hopefully I'll get better on time!! I am 5/4 and weigh 235. I'm on my liquid diet and its killing me, I'm starving!! What did you guys eat (drink) on your one week pre op diet? How was your experience the day of surgery (before, during, after?) I'm scared to death of this operation, I've never had surgery before! Please share with me your experiences and how you would go about the procedure and preperation if you could do it again. Thanks!

[csolo 0]

Hey guys! I'm new to this forum, as a matter of fact I've never joined a forum before! So I am getting banded on 2/18. I was scheduled for 2/15 but I came up with a terrible cold so we had to resch! Hopefully I'll get better on time!! I am 5/4 and weigh 235. I'm on my liquid diet and its killing me, I'm starving!! What did you guys eat (drink) on your one week pre op diet? How was your experience the day of surgery (before, during, after?) I'm scared to death of this operation, I've never had surgery before! Please share with me your experiences and how you would go about the procedure and preperation if you could do it again. Thanks!

Honestly, it was a piece of cake. Seriously! The hardest part is what you are doing right now and that's the liquid diet. I couldn't do it and called off my surgery. The doctor found out (because I canceled it through his business office) and said that it was ok for me not to drink the bariatric stuff. Each doctor is different and has a different procedure for pre-op. I actually weighed more than you.

You may have discomfort in your shoulder but I didn't. You may have gas but I didn't. You may be a little uncomfortable and that I was. But only for a few days. I went back to work after five days. You won't want to eat. You will be drinking liquids. I found a great drink and that was Ocean Spray's Diet Cranberry and it only has five calories. I still drink it as it tastes so good!!! I also recommend going to Diet Direct and ordering their blueberry Protein pancakes. Easy to make - just add Water or skim milk (tastes better with the milk) and cook it in a pan with some butter spray like Pam. It's 15 grams of protein!!

Good luck!

[Natty19 0]

Honestly, it was a piece of cake. Seriously! The hardest part is what you are doing right now and that's the liquid diet. I couldn't do it and called off my surgery. The doctor found out (because I canceled it through his business office) and said that it was ok for me not to drink the bariatric stuff. Each doctor is different and has a different procedure for pre-op. I actually weighed more than you.

You may have discomfort in your shoulder but I didn't. You may have gas but I didn't. You may be a little uncomfortable and that I was. But only for a few days. I went back to work after five days. You won't want to eat. You will be drinking liquids. I found a great drink and that was Ocean Spray's Diet Cranberry and it only has five calories. I still drink it as it tastes so good!!! I also recommend going to Diet Direct and ordering their blueberry Protein pancakes. Easy to make - just add Water or skim milk (tastes better with the milk) and cook it in a pan with some butter spray like Pam. It's 15 grams of protein!!

Good luck!

Wow that helps! Hopefully mine will go as smooth!! My doc is very very specific on the diet he wants me to do, I even have to do the liquids up to two weeks after surgery! ughh! I'm scheduled for surgery on Friday, and scheduled to go back to work on Monday, I have an office job, do you think that is sufficient time off?

[sunny2010 0]

Hi there Natty,

I was just banded 2/8. I didnt have to go on a pre op diet. My Dr. said that we are on a liquid diet after surgery and does not like to do that before because he believes its too long and people may give in an sneak or fail. The morning for surgery I got up and headed to the hospital alone. I had to be there by 8:45. My boyfriend was going to get our little girl ready and meet me there before surg. When I got there I checked in. They took me to a waiting room with other people having surgery. After a short time they called me back and checked me in and asked me a bunch of questions about meds, when I ate/drank last ect. I went back to the waiting room and about 15 mins later they came and got me. I was takin to an area that is set up like ER but its you and other people waiting for surg. I then changed into my gown and stylish non skid socks they give you. They were running a little behind. Another gal came in and asked me the same questions about meds, food, water ect. My two loves had now shown up. They gave me a shot in the tummy to prevent clots and said it would sting but I didnt feel anything and also got my IV started. I felt very relaxed this whole time. This was something I had worked hard for. 13 months to be exact. My Dr. came in and said sorry that they were behind but I should be just a few more mins. The anesthesiologist came in next and explained that there was a student there with him that day and asked if he could put the breathing tube down my throat. He explained thats all the student would do if I said yes and he would not be in there for the procedure. After saying yes he told me he was going to give me something in my IV to relax me. He said since I take xanax that I might not feel much and he would give me more in a min. He asked how I was feeling when we got to the OP Room and I said I was ok. He intoduced me to the two ladies in there that would be assisting. After that he said I am going to give you some more now and thats all I remember. I woke up crying lol. I said I was sorry for crying to the nurse. I asked how everything went and she told me it went great. She asked if I was crying because of pain. I explained to her that I was crying because I was happy it was finally done and sad because I made it and my mom didnt. My mom was trying to have the band and before she ever got to being approved or getting close she passed shortly after her 46th bday in her sleep from heart failure. She was amazed that I came out of it and was talking like nothing had just happend. I was told I had to stay in recovery for 2 hrs but after about 30 mins I wanted to go pee so she brought the lovely bed side pot over and I laughed. She told me its this or a bed pan honey. I got up and went and then layed back down. She called up and told them I didnt need to be there for 2 hrs and was ready for my room. My Dr. wanted me to stay over night. Went to my room and got to see my two love. Couldnt have anything to drink. My mouth was so dry. I finally talked them into letting me swish Water around in my mouth and spit it out. Was givin the go on Clear Liquids by my DR but no more after midnight because of the swallow test. I stayed awake all night watching TV and playing on my phone. Did the test at 8 am. everything looked good so I was allowed to go back on clears. (I didnt mention that I was up walking around all night as well.) After surg I was up and walking within 30 mins of being in my room after the recovery area. Not much pain at all. I am now a week out and feeling great. I have already been going to the gym. My only complaint is that gas/ pressure in ur chest below ur breast and the water weight gain. Both of those lest day 5 post op. Sorry I shared such a long story lol. If I had to do it again I would no questions asked. I wish you the best of luck and I hope everything goes smooth for you. Ps. if you search surgery stories in the forum a thread will come up titled surgery day stories. I read from there non stop lol for 2 days before my surg.

[BlairE 1]

I was banded Jan. 28th and I was so surprised how easy it initially went. Trust me when I say that walking really helped. As soon as I got settled back in my room I got up and walked and continued to do so every 30 min or so. The hardest day for me was actually days 3 & 4, I seemed to feel the incisions more and I got the post surgery blues.... so going back to work that soon might not be a good idea. You could always try and at least get in a half day. Good luck and let us know how it goes....

[Natty19 0]

Hi there Natty,

I was just banded 2/8. I didnt have to go on a pre op diet. My Dr. said that we are on a liquid diet after surgery and does not like to do that before because he believes its too long and people may give in an sneak or fail. The morning for surgery I got up and headed to the hospital alone. I had to be there by 8:45. My boyfriend was going to get our little girl ready and meet me there before surg. When I got there I checked in. They took me to a waiting room with other people having surgery. After a short time they called me back and checked me in and asked me a bunch of questions about meds, when I ate/drank last ect. I went back to the waiting room and about 15 mins later they came and got me. I was takin to an area that is set up like ER but its you and other people waiting for surg. I then changed into my gown and stylish non skid socks they give you. They were running a little behind. Another gal came in and asked me the same questions about meds, food,Water ect. My two loves had now shown up. They gave me a shot in the tummy to prevent clots and said it would sting but I didnt feel anything and also got my IV started. I felt very relaxed this whole time. This was something I had worked hard for. 13 months to be exact. My Dr. came in and said sorry that they were behind but I should be just a few more mins. The anesthesiologist came in next and explained that there was a student there with him that day and asked if he could put the breathing tube down my throat. He explained thats all the student would do if I said yes and he would not be in there for the procedure. After saying yes he told me he was going to give me something in my IV to relax me. He said since I take xanax that I might not feel much and he would give me more in a min. He asked how I was feeling when we got to the OP Room and I said I was ok. He intoduced me to the two ladies in there that would be assisting. After that he said I am going to give you some more now and thats all I remember. I woke up crying lol. I said I was sorry for crying to the nurse. I asked how everything went and she told me it went great. She asked if I was crying because of pain. I explained to her that I was crying because I was happy it was finally done and sad because I made it and my mom didnt. My mom was trying to have the band and before she ever got to being approved or getting close she passed shortly after her 46th bday in her sleep from heart failure. She was amazed that I came out of it and was talking like nothing had just happend. I was told I had to stay in recovery for 2 hrs but after about 30 mins I wanted to go pee so she brought the lovely bed side pot over and I laughed. She told me its this or a bed pan honey. I got up and went and then layed back down. She called up and told them I didnt need to be there for 2 hrs and was ready for my room. My Dr. wanted me to stay over night. Went to my room and got to see my two love. Couldnt have anything to drink. My mouth was so dry. I finally talked them into letting me swish Water around in my mouth and spit it out. Was givin the go on clear liquids by my DR but no more after midnight because of the swallow test. I stayed awake all night watching TV and playing on my phone. Did the test at 8 am. everything looked good so I was allowed to go back on clears. (I didnt mention that I was up walking around all night as well.) After surg I was up and walking within 30 mins of being in my room after the recovery area. Not much pain at all. I am now a week out and feeling great. I have already been going to the gym. My only complaint is that gas/ pressure in ur chest below ur breast and the water weight gain. Both of those lest day 5 post op. Sorry I shared such a long story lol. If I had to do it again I would no questions asked. I wish you the best of luck and I hope everything goes smooth for you. Ps. if you search surgery stories in the forum a thread will come up titled surgery day stories. I read from there non stop lol for 2 days before my surg.

Wow Sunny!

Thank you so so much for taking the time out to share your story with me! For starters, I'm so sorry about your mother, but at the same time I'm sure she's so proud of you for going through with the lap band. I actually have a mental image of how everything will go and that's exactly what I needed. It's the unknown that scares me the most, and its not so "unknown" now! Your very inspiring! I hope all goes as smooth with me as well, I have to work soon after, I hope the gas wont be a problem lol =) I didn't know about the other threads I will be sure to read on it (for hours) lol

Natty

[Natty19 0]

I was banded Jan. 28th and I was so surprised how easy it initially went. Trust me when I say that walking really helped. As soon as I got settled back in my room I got up and walked and continued to do so every 30 min or so. The hardest day for me was actually days 3 & 4, I seemed to feel the incisions more and I got the post surgery blues.... so going back to work that soon might not be a good idea. You could always try and at least get in a half day. Good luck and let us know how it goes....

Thanks! Great advice with the walking, I had no idea! I will make sure to do that. I have no choice for work, I practically had to give up my life to get the two days off! (Friday, Saturday) So I'm just going to have to stick it out. Now I'm wondering if my regular (tight at the waist) slacks are not going to be a good idea after surgery.. eeeek. Thanks again =)

Natty

[ansoninc 16]

I agree with what the other posters have said. I was banded in 11/10 and my weight was a little more than yours. The surgery was very easy. But, don't push yourself the first couple of days. Walking is very important, it will help the gas dissipate. Bending over can be a problem depending on where you port is placed. I used a reacher for a few weeks. I have been very cautious with my food and i have not had a single problem. So far I have lost 40 big ones. Before you go to the hospital have some supplies ready at home. i suggest a box of Gas-X, Benefiber chewable to stave off Constipation and Isopure Zero Carb Protein drinks. They are a great way to get your fluids and Protein. Oh yes, don't forget the sugar free pudding. Never thought I would ever say that! It was chocolate chip ice cream before the band.

You will do great! Keep us posted.

[sunny2010 0]

This may sound funny but I am an open person and even showed family and friends cause I thought it was funny. I wore my belly band. If you dont know what it is its something I bought when I was prego. It looks like a tube top but you wear it around your waist/ belly when your prego so you can leave your pants/jeans unbuttoned and unzipped and no one knows . saved alot of money on prego pants. Anyways that helped me instead of wearing tight jeans.

[sugarmoma 11]

hi i am 5'3 and started off at 247-250 i was banded sept 17, 2010 and it was not bad at all i just underestimated my time of recovery i thought i could return to work that monday didnt happen but a couple of days pass that i was able to reurn i wish u the best and i look foward to reading updates

[Natty19 0]

I agree with what the other posters have said. I was banded in 11/10 and my weight was a little more than yours. The surgery was very easy. But, don't push yourself the first couple of days. Walking is very important, it will help the gas dissipate. Bending over can be a problem depending on where you port is placed. I used a reacher for a few weeks. I have been very cautious with my food and i have not had a single problem. So far I have lost 40 big ones. Before you go to the hospital have some supplies ready at home. i suggest a box of Gas-X, Benefiber chewable to stave off Constipation and Isopure Zero Carb Protein drinks. They are a great way to get your fluids and Protein. Oh yes, don't forget the sugar free pudding. Never thought I would ever say that! It was chocolate chip ice cream before the band.

You will do great! Keep us posted.

Wow great advice again! I'll never say no to the sugar free pudding lol. I can't believe you lost 40 lbs! wow! thats so awesome. Where can I find the Isopure protien drinks? I'm in LA, I'm not sure i've seen it before, but then again I've never looked for a protien drink. Thanks again!

[Natty19 0]

This may sound funny but I am an open person and even showed family and friends cause I thought it was funny. I wore my belly band. If you dont know what it is its something I bought when I was prego. It looks like a tube top but you wear it around your waist/ belly when your prego so you can leave your pants/jeans unbuttoned and unzipped and no one knows . saved alot of money on prego pants. Anyways that helped me instead of wearing tight jeans.

Wow that IS very funny! but nonetheless a genious idea! Never been preggers but I think I might go grab myself one from target. How long did you end up using it after surgery?

[Natty19 0]

hi i am 5'3 and started off at 247-250 i was banded sept 17, 2010 and it was not bad at all i just underestimated my time of recovery i thought i could return to work that monday didnt happen but a couple of days pass that i was able to reurn i wish u the best and i look foward to reading updates

Uh-oh what kept you from going back to work? Was it the pain? Thanks for your reply I will be sure to keep y'all posted!! =)

[sunny2010 0]

im just about a week out from surgery and im still using it. Im pretty bloated and dont want pressure on my belly. It feels alot better than buttoning my pants. Mainly when sitting.

[Fossie Bear 1]

Hey guys! I'm new to this forum, as a matter of fact I've never joined a forum before! So I am getting banded on 2/18. I was scheduled for 2/15 but I came up with a terrible cold so we had to resch! Hopefully I'll get better on time!! I am 5/4 and weigh 235. I'm on my liquid diet and its killing me, I'm starving!! What did you guys eat (drink) on your one week pre op diet? How was your experience the day of surgery (before, during, after?) I'm scared to death of this operation, I've never had surgery before! Please share with me your experiences and how you would go about the procedure and preperation if you could do it again. Thanks!

I had my surgery Nov.30, 2010. I have lost 59 lbs. I haven't had any problems at all and in fact when I went back for my first fill I had lost 10 lbs.and they did't give it to me. I go back next Tues. to see if I will get one then. I am so glad I did this for myself. I feel like a new person. I am already down 2 pant sizes and 2 top sizes. I am still wearing a lot of my old clothes because I don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes I won't be able to wear for long. I did get a couple pair of jeans at a consignment store. The worse part for me was if I ate too big a bite or didn't chew it enough, or ate too fast. It is truly a new way of eating, not only the food, and the amount of food, but the way you eat. But if that is the only problem I have it is totally worth it. And you learn fairly fast that you don't want to do that again. It can be painful. I hope you have as easy a time as I did. Just follow the Dr.s instructions and you should be fine. Best of luck.