Surgery - Never Had Before

[italianmama82 2]

Hello - I have my first consultation appointment for the surgery in a week. I've never had surgery before so I'm really nervous. Can anyone tell me what to expect? How is it during the surgery, after & when you get to go home.

Thanks for all your feedback

[Toddy 758]

It's different for everybody. For some, it's a breeze; for others it's hell. One thing I do enjoy when I have had surgery: I LOVE the fact that one second I'm awake and the next minute I'm waking up and it's all over. I've been an insomniac for years and to fall asleep like that is just heavenly!!!!

The worst pain I experienced from the lapband surgery was not the incisions... it was the gas pains felt up in my chest and shoulders. That's really the only thing I had to use pain meds for, that and a heating pad made it bearable.

[Cwalband 215]

Hey, first off welcome and congrats on making your first step! I'm a newbie here too! My Surgery is in just a few weeks. I'm pretty nervous as well, the good thing is during that consultation you can ask as many questions as you want... at least thats what I did! There is a lot of people here that can explain how the actual surgery is performed etc. My suggestion is write down all your concerns and basic questions and make them known during the actual consultation. I'm excited for you and hope you get all your questions answered! I know I'm getting close to my surgery and I still ask 1000 questions! haha xx best wishes!

[labwalker 1,177]

It will be over before you know it. I was scared silly to be put under, but I figured my options were limited. If you had the requisite stress tests, EKG, etc. performed and were cleared for surgery, you should do fine. The worst part was the soreness for the first week or so. I didn't need the liquid pain medication after the first day, but I was very, very sore from the surgery. All major surgeries carry some risks, but it is your decision.

To answer your questions, based on my experience...

you will check into the hospital for preop. They will go over your insurance, etc. Before surgery you will meet with both your doctor and the anesthesiologist. If you have any health issues like asthma or sleep apnea, make damn sure he knows about it!! The anesthesiologist is your lifeline during surgery!!! Before you go into surgery they will start an IV. Once you hop over to the operating table (that in itself was the most scary part!!!) you will be chatting with the staff... the next thing you will know will be popping awake in recovery... the surgery will be behind you, and you will wonder if it ever happened. Once the soreness starts you will realize it did!!

[Maddysgram 6,159]

It's different for everybody. For some, it's a breeze; for others it's hell. One thing I do enjoy when I have had surgery: I LOVE the fact that one second I'm awake and the next minute I'm waking up and it's all over. I've been an insomniac for years and to fall asleep like that is just heavenly!!!!

The worst pain I experienced from the lapband surgery was not the incisions... it was the gas pains felt up in my chest and shoulders. That's really the only thing I had to use pain meds for, that and a heating pad made it bearable.

LOL, my favorite part too. I've had so many surgeries and always enjoy the knocking out part.

My LBS and Hysterectomy was the only time I had to deal with gas and yes, the best thing to do is just walk.

[GoingforGoal 1,734]

Hi there and congrats on your decision to get the band. I empathize with your situation because having never undergone surgery before is certainly an additional anxiety to overcome. My first surgery was a cesarean section and it was nerve wrecking not knowing what was to come coupled with all the fears of hoping it all goes well. 5 surgeries later, I was much more prepared for the lapband. As a Registered Nurse, I'll give you a general walk through of the day of surgery. You will be admitted, information will be verified (ie insurance etc), you will be given an ID Bracelet as well as an IV. IVs are your access line to administer fluids and meds. Some people find them uncomfortable, but it's more of a nuisance than actual pain. You will consult with the nurse, surgeon and anesthesiologist who will summarize their parts in the procedure and ask you questions (ie allergies, hgt/wgt etc) that helps them prepare for your surgery). You will than be rolled into surgery. Unfortunately this can feel very sterile. Everyone runs around doing their jobs at hand and you can feel slightly ignored. This can be anxiety provoking for patience because your mind drifts, you see equipment you are unaware of and in reality you are just reminded that you are going into surgery. There's nothing you are required to do at this point, so try to focus on something to distract you. Next they'll ask you to verify your name/dob/and procedure. Anesthesia will give you a sedative and than.. you are out. You will be intubated and monitored for all vitals. This is where you trust your staff to do their job. What is new to you is routine for them. Even in crisis, there is a plan and your staff will execute those steps readily. After surgery you will be transferred to a post op care section where you will be monitored. Here is where you wake up and slowly become less groggy. Pain meds are already on board so you may feel discomfort but should not feel pain. Once you are stable you go to a recovery room (your room). Your new nurse will want you walking as soon as possible. Depending on time of surgery/dr/facility/insurance you will be discharged once you are stable, urinating and consuming fluids without complication or staying overnight. Your dr will give you a specific guideline on what to consume (liquids, mushies etc) and for how long. ABIDE by this guide. Your body needs to heal and your priorities should be to hydrate, allow swelling to subside and manage pain. First week is a doozy. Keep on top of your pain meds. As a first time surgery patient, you will probably be more sensitive to pain/recovery. Remember, it takes 30 mins for meds to take effect. Don't take it when pain is peaking, but as soon as you feel discomfort (because it only gets worse). You will slowly wean off your meds as you heal. Everyone has different experiences with pain. Soreness, sometimes acute sharp pains (that are typically intermittent not constant and usually due to positioning/straining), referred pain (as in shoulder/rib pain). Fluids, Walking, Heat, Pain Meds will be the routine for the first week. Don't neglect any one of them. As for eating..you usually start Clear Liquids, to full liquids to mushies to solids. Your surgeon/nutritionist should give you a guide on what to eat/when and examples of each. Seems like most people are so swollen that they don't suffer the first few weeks..but there are exceptions. Come to LBT to share your experiences and get advice on what to do if you feel you are struggling. Some advice: get your meals, utencils etc in low easy to reach areas for easy access, have others do mundane chores, and bring a pillow to hospital for ab compression. If you have to cough, compression on the ab w/ a pillow makes the pain bareable. good luck hon

[CHEZNOEL 4,061]

Congratulations!

[dawalsh 919]

It's not that bad, having multiple surgeries I would say the gas pain is the worst. Make sure you walk, walk and walk some more.

If you feel like you want to cough just hold a pillow to your stomach.

The best part is waking up in the recovery room and feeling like you've had a great sleep!

Good luck!

[italianmama82 2]

Thank you everyone for your advice & tips. Looking forward to this next journey. Hoping everything goes well at mt consultation appt next week