Just banded, and want to share my exp.

gochevy3 · July 20, 2006

Hi all. I am a frequent lurker here, and I appreciate all the good information that can be found on the site. It seems like we see so many comments about problems pre or post op, I wanted to share my so far great experience.

I was banded on Monday 7/17. I was on the pre-op diet for 17 days during which I managed to lose 15lbs. This part was really not as bad as i expected it to be. i was seldom hungry, and believe it or not, I became kind of indifferent to eating....wierd. Surgery day itself was a fast day. did my little preop check in stuff, changed, and off to surgery. i was put under before I knew it. I had never been under anastesia before so when i came out of it in the recovery room it was wierd. kind of an out of body experience if you will. Once we were home, i took only one dose of the prescription pain killer, and switched to the liquid tylenol as it seemed to do every bit as well.

Tuesday was a decent day. i hurt a little more that I thought I would, but it really was not bad. Ive had very little gas pain as many complain of, and on a scale of 1-10, i'd say my pain was a 2-3 at most. getting around was a little gingerly, but certainly manageable.

Wednesday was an even better day. i felt quite good, with my pain only at about a 2 on a scale of 10. More of an annoyance than anything else. Also had a fellow band buddy over for dinner. My wife made chicken Soup, so i had some broth, while she and my wife had the Soup.< /p>

Today, Thursday I would put my pain at maybe a 1 out of 10. I feel the band today on my stomach, but there is no other pain or discomfort at all. Now I just need to be careful to not overdo it.

Since surgery on Monday, i've managed to lose an additional 6lbs. im sure it is due to the incredible lack of calorie intake....Im still not interested in eating.

All in all its been a very positive experience that many of the soon to be bandsters need to see. i can only hope that everyone else has as positive of an experience as I have had.

Thanks again to all on the site for the information I gathered as I lurker fir the last 2 months

Steve

unclmdtrsure · July 20, 2006

Gochevy3,

I am new to the site and will have my consultation appt today. I noticed you live about 45 minutes from me here in Dallas. I go through Decatur all the time on my way to Wichita Falls, where I am originally from. Glad to hear you are doing well after a few days. I really want this surgery for various reasons (obesity and high blood pressure at 35) and have been reading on this site for about a month now and it has been a blessing to get the reality dose I needed regarding the band. Who was your doctor if I may ask? I am seeing Dr. Jayaseelan today. Hope you have continued success!

unclmdtrsure · July 20, 2006

Never mind about the doc's name...reading is fundamental...lol

TexasTerry · July 20, 2006

Steve - welcome to the site. Sounds like your off to a great start. Let us know how your path to Ironman 2008 progresses. That is an awesome goal!

Terry

sallyjo · July 20, 2006

Hey Steve, Welcome from Houston. Glad to see someone else had it as good as I did except I never had to take anything for pain. Started walking the day after surgery. I am about three months out and doing great. Wish you continued sucess on your journey.

Devana · July 20, 2006

Steve, congratulations. I'm glad all went well. Wonderful life changes are in store for you.

And uncle, good luck on your band Quest.

Devana

Baylor Mom · July 21, 2006

I am new too. I had my surgery on the 12th. It seems like a long time ago. I had some pain but now it is mostly in my back and port site. I do feel hungry sometimes but I hope that is from just eating liquids. I think I am eating too much but I hope I won't when I can eat soft foods. I am from Fort Worth, Texas. My doctor's name was Dr. Barnes. I hope to get to know more of you guys and maybe become buddies.

Beth