Getting started

[Carol Annie 15]

I'm attending a seminar tonight--my paperwork is complete and I'm ready to get started. Any advice on questions I should ask or things I should listen for? I have taken note of some comments regarding "feeling herded" on surgery day--I got that feeling for both of my cataract surgeries. Sure don't want that experience in this situation. Many thanks to all of you who have shared your stories--I find myself checking in daily to gather info.

[Mikee57 699]

Carol Annie...congrats on your decision to have surgery. My day of surgery went really well no herding feelings at all. As for questions...maybe just think of a few things about after surgery. As for the surgery these seminars are really to the point, but know there are alot of us here waiting to help you through your ups and downs. You take care of yourself...and will be waiting to hear from you after your surgery...best wishes...prayers!!!

[lisacaron 5,075]

Hopefully the hospital you are going to won't make you feel herded along on your day of surgery. The biggest thing to do is try to relax when you get there and get ready to be brought in for surgery.

Many people let that Oh my God what the heck am I doing feeling get the best of them and cause them to be even more nervous right before surgery and that's never a good feeling when your already nervous.

If you have made this decision trust yourself and your surgical team.

I don't know if your spending the night, but if you do have a toothbrush and toothpaste with you, that will help you with the horrible dry mouth you have after surgery. Ice chips are great, but you will only have them every hour or so, when your able to get up to use the rest room brush your teeth. It really helps.

Keep the booties on while your in bed, they are annoying but they prevent blood clots so keep them on. Warm decaffeinated Tea was my best friend right after banding surgery. It helps to soothe your tummy and ease the gas. Frozen sugar free ice pops are also a great comfort to help ease internal swelling and keep your Fluid in take up.

You will want to have your prescription pain medication filled as soon as possible if you can even before surgery so it's at home waiting for you. liquid Tylenol works wonders as well.

Get a set of small medicine cups and sip from them in the first few days after surgery. It will help you not to gulp your liquids.

You may also want to have on hand an ice pack or two for incision sites especially around the port area as this can be very tender and the ice pack is a great relief.

What also is a big help is a heating pad or hot Water bottle for your back and shoulders to help ease the gas pain as well.

The best way to move the gas is to get up and Walk walk walk. Remedy's such as gas-ex and beano help but walking will really move things around. Get used to tooting your horn, it's part of the journey

Best of luck to you, that's all I can think of right now...

[lapper32014 42]

I agree with lisa... walk walk walk and the heating pad. I went back to work that Monday following my Thurs procedure and purchased a heating pad for work too. It was a life saver.