Scared To Death! My Banded Plication Journey 6/15/12

[Latrelljayden 4]

Hello Everyone,

I had the Banded Plication (In addition to the Band the Plication is where the stomach is folded and sewn instead of the Gastric Sleeve, where it is completely removed, it is supposed to have the same result of the sleeve, which is more initial rapid weight loss, but it is less invasive and can be reversed if needed) on Friday, June 15, 2012 and I was terrified. I used this forum as a way not only to help me deal with my fears, but to also research some concerns that I had, and I must say that is was nice to read what some of you had to say. I just wanted to share a little of my journey in hopes that it may help someone else. At my Pre-op appointment on June 6, 2012 I weighed 244.5lbs. I started my Pre-op diet that night which consisted of 30 grams of carbs a day. No restriction other than the carbs. 2 Days prior to surgery I started my clear liquid diet; this was of course because the Doctor wants the liver as small as possible for surgery. On the day of Surgery, 1 week later I weighed 234.5. While in surgery the Doctor found a hiatal hernia which he repaired, that made the surgery 3hrs as opposed to the normal 1 hour procedure time. I spent 5 1/2 hours in recovery because I was so wiped out and they wanted me to drink 2 cups of Water before leaving the surgery center. I only drank 1, but my husband made sure that I drank the other when we got home. I was in severe pain and to be honest had no idea where the pain was coming from. I was not sure if it was Gas, Incision pain or the hernia repair. I feel like I lost 2 days because I went to sleep that Friday when I got home, and slept all day Saturday most of the day Sunday due to Anesthesia and pain meds. It was a little miserable, because I had a hard time getting comfortable. Passing gas was a whole lot better than burping because burping actually hurt my chest. I only took 2 days off work Monday and Tuesday and I must say that I wish I had taken the whole week off, because driving and sitting up for long periods of time was very difficult. I ended up taking Wednesday off, left half day on Thursday and it looks like I am going to make it through my first full day today. My husband has been kind enough to adjust his schedule to drop me off and pick me up though. I stayed on my liquid diet 3 days more that needed, because I did not read my pre-op instructions carefully, but I had a small amount of an EAS Myoplex high Protein Shake on Wednesday evening which really gave me some strength. I do not think I was ready to have anything before then anyhow. Yesterday I boiled some broccoli and a small piece of steamed fish, put 2 teaspoons in my food processor and pureed them for dinner. It may sound nasty, but it was like a steak dinner after being on a liquid diet for 7 days. I took small bites and chewed each bit 30 times because I wanted it to stay down and not make me sick. It all worked out well in the end.

Being afraid is normal, but I must say that the hardest part was getting there. I prayed and asked God for strength, I was so scared the morning of surgery I had chest pains and they had to give me an EKG to make sure that my heart was ok. I did get some medication to calm me down before hand, so by the time they wheeled me back I was feeling ok, then the Anesthesiologist said it's time to go to sleep and I felt dizzy for a quick moment and was out, the next thing I remember if a straw being shoved in my face in recovery to drink water. Being scared is normal, but I was not going to let my fears cripple me. I knew I had to do this and that kept me going. Pray and ask the Lord to calm your fears and you will be fine.

Anyway, this morning I weighed 224.3, so I have lost a total of 20.2lbs in 2 weeks.

I hope that this was of some help to anyone getting ready to have surgery, or has already had it, because you guys have been so helpful to me.

God Bless

[pink dahlia 2,513]

Did anyone ever tell you how awesome you are ? Way to go on conquering your fears to get a start on a healthier life ! That took some courage !!! All i have to say is, i wish id known about the band 10 years ago, i would of saved my self some misery. I think it was a great decision for me, im very happy with my progress so far. (Down 45 lbs in 6 months ! Happy !) just follow your Drs orders, and it just keeps getting better and better ! good luck !

[☠carolinagirl☠ 18,721]

hi lat, i had that surgery also and so glad i did.

congrats on your story and positive attitude and mental toughness.

so proud of you. looking very forward to watching your success.

[electronicart 120]

You did it!!! The hard part is over, its time for the good stuff now

With your great attitude, you are going to do great on this journey!

[Sojourner 2,446]

We never know the extent of our inner strengths, until they get tested. It is only then that we discover we are capable of managing so much more than we believed.

The worst is behind you now...focus yourself on the future.

Best wishes for continuing success with your journey!

[Cazzy 725]

Just a small concern u seem to have moved onto mushies very quickly given u have a band and plication is this what your doctors guidelines were? and mushies shouldnt really need chewing to be honest.

Hopefully this post is redundant as you are following your doctors orders post -op

[shy2012 43]

Congrats on your loss! I'm sure a newbie would be grateful for this post. I too was banded with plication and I wish I would've done it sooner. Stay positive and focused- looking forward to hear your journey.

[kah1213 311]

Me too banded plication may 29. Congrats on your success!

[Latrelljayden 4]

Thank you all for your replies. There was so much more that I wanted to say, but my post was so long already that I tried to give the most pertinent information. I did not read my post op instructions properly and stayed on Clear Liquids 3 days longer than was ordered (if there is such a thing), I am sure it did not hurt, but I am really trying to make sure that I follow the doctors orders, so when I went back and read it said I should be on soft foods by day 7, I made the fish and broccoli, which I put in the food processor, so it still had some texture to it, that is why I had to chew so much.

I have my post-op appointment tomorrow and based on my scale as of this morning, I have lost 20.8lbs, since my pre-op appointment on June 6, 2012.

I wish you all well on your journey, and thanks for the positive feedback and the support.