Surgery in 8 hours!

[faz1988 0]

I'm having surgery in about 8 hours, and I'm so excited!

I'm confident it will go well! I have never been under before, but it should be fine...

Is there anything I should take with me to the hospital? They said I should be home by mid-afternoon, so a change of clothes isn't really necessary.

I feel a little odd about being passed out naked on a table, but I guess that's what surgery is, right?

Looking forward to sharing my post-surgery recap with you guys! This forum is really a handy tool for bandsters, and tomorrow I'll be an official one!

[CheckYes 46]

Slippers or flip flops. You might be bloated after the surgery so just make sure you wear something comfy. I wore sweats and that was fine. Consider bringing a pillow for the car ride home.. Those speed bumps and stuff can be a bit painful if you don't have a pillow to hold against your tummy

[psychnurse79 2]

Two pillows, comfy clothes and ice chips for the ride home. It will be fine and you won't even know you were naked! Just a little sedative cocktail and good night! Best wishes!

[Chelle RN 0]

Comfortable cloths and slippers or flip flops....good luck

[Tamie2169 2]

My doctor told me to bring my blood pressure cuff and my breathing tool, which he gave me at his office. (sorry can't remember the proper terminology for the breathing item) Since you won't be at the hospital for long, just don't worry because I'm sure you'll do your best. Wear clothes that are NOT tight and can be slipped on and off. Other than that, you'll be fine. Good luck

[Catherine55 43]

You might want a heating pad for your shoulder after you get home! Also, if you haven't taken before photos and your measurements, you should do that as soon as you're back home (and the swelling from the gas has gone down)! Congratulations on your surgery and best wishes for an incredible year -- and more to come!!

Best,

Catherine

[Mommysmen 0]

Support hose to wear at night.. The breathing device is called a Incentive Spirometer. Walk you have to walk

[faz1988 0]

Thanks for all the advice and kind words everyone! Surgery went off without a hitch and I was home about 5 hours after.

The gas hasn't been too awful-- it mostly hurts in my shoulder when I sleep. I've been a lifelong side sleeper, so it's hard to get used to sleeping on my back.

Of my five incisions, four are covered with bandaids (I can see the white stich things underneath) and the fifth is covered with a big rectangular bandage (about the size of a credit card). Is this my port?

Whatever it is, this is the one that hurts the most. Whenever I move or do anything. I'm trying to avoid taking the vicodin during the day, but I might have to in order to be comfortable.

Either way, I'm sure this will all heal soon enough! So excited to finally be a bandster!

[Chelle RN 0]

Congrats.. the port is under the large incision....you will be able to feel it when swelling and gas is gone ....

[Mommysmen 0]

I cant that it was done as outpatient.. I had a 24 hour stay in the hospital. I dont think I could have went the same day.. The trip to getting is grab a pillow or a big Teddy Bear and hold against your stomach it eases the pain. Is your vicodin in liqiud form.

[Mommysmen 0]

Dont forget to walk and practice your breathing its important....

[faz1988 0]

I cant that it was done as outpatient.. I had a 24 hour stay in the hospital. I dont think I could have went the same day.. The trip to getting is grab a pillow or a big Teddy Bear and hold against your stomach it eases the pain. Is your vicodin in liqiud form.

I had a big pillow on the way home, but didn't really need it since it was mostly smooth highway driving. My vicodin is a liquid syrup-- it's disgusting but it works.

[Mommysmen 0]

How did you swallow a pill? That is crazy.. Everything is suppose to be in liquid form for the first month.. Get some rest and let me know how you feel in the morning

[tengles 0]

Congrats on the surgery and happy everything went well.

[Carolg903 0]

Yay! you made it! Glad your surgery went well. Don't worry about the naked on the table thing, I'm an OR nurse and believe me, you see one naked body, you've seen 'em all.

I'm 3 days post op and feel great.My advice is, FOLLOW YOUR SURGEON'S DIRECTIONS EXACTLY and Keep moving, don't stay too long in one position, I tend to get stiff and sore if I stay in one spot, then I walk like a hunchback, lol. I never had the shoulder pain everyone has talked about. Mine tends to be in my lower back on both sides, kinda like kidney pain, weird.

Welcome to the Banded Bunch!

carol

Thanks for all the advice and kind words everyone! Surgery went off without a hitch and I was home about 5 hours after.

The gas hasn't been too awful-- it mostly hurts in my shoulder when I sleep. I've been a lifelong side sleeper, so it's hard to get used to sleeping on my back.

Of my five incisions, four are covered with bandaids (I can see the white stich things underneath) and the fifth is covered with a big rectangular bandage (about the size of a credit card). Is this my port?

Whatever it is, this is the one that hurts the most. Whenever I move or do anything. I'm trying to avoid taking the vicodin during the day, but I might have to in order to be comfortable.

Either way, I'm sure this will all heal soon enough! So excited to finally be a bandster!