Surgery 3 days ago

[BandedMi 13]

Hi! I got banded on Friday. I thought I would write about my experience for those who are curious.

I was told to check in at the hospital at 10am. I got there and was escorted to a special waiting room for surgeries. We signed in there, left my husbands info so they could call him when surgery was over, or if there were any issues. I got called back, asked a bunch of questions, weight, allergies, previous surgeries, etc. etc. I was given a gown to change into. Blood pressure taken, vitals completed. At this point, you are in a holding room, with many others, separated by curtains, waiting to go in for surgery. The nurse checks all paperwork, asks more questions, you get totally naked, put a gown on, cap & booties. The anesthesiologist visited me, asked questions and so did the OR nurse & my surgeon. After this, I was wheeled into the operating room, they have you move over to another bed/table & put you to sleep. My anesthesiologist was kind of an ass, he simply said goodnight! And I was out.

Typically, you will wake up peacefully, someone saying your name, asking you to breathe or blink, etc. I had a bad reaction, so my wake-up was chaotic and scary. But, once they gave me pain meds, I was fine! I was wheeled to my room, I was not able to go home same day, as planned bc of the anesthesia. Get to your room, I got to rest a lot. It felt good. Usually nurses are bothersome, but this time it seemed like they were less disruptive. Blood pressure and vitals are monitored every half hour at first, then tapers off a bit, pending all is well. I was so tired, I asked my husband to leave and come back the next day. The next day, Saturday, I walked around at 5am. I was feeling good. Those pump meds are great! My doctor came around 3pm, said I could go ome. Discharge paperwork took a few hrs and I was unhooked from iv meds, etc. I had a 2 hr drive home, I felt a bit sick. Probably pain meds wearing off. The rest of that day I felt fine. Tired, but fine. Day 3, I felt awful! I was so sore, my thighs, arms, everything. I had pain that was moderate to severe, but much of it was a sore throat from being awake when they yanked the tube out. Day 4, Monday....I feel much better! I feel normal. Yes, it does hurt and itch a little where they cut, but pain wise, I feel the hump is over yay. I don't feel hungry much, gas is still trapped inside. When I eat, I don't know if it's the healing or the pouch, but I take a few sips and feel full. I was able to shower fine this morning, it was nice. I used a heating pad all day yesterday. I suggest it, it seemed to have helped. I'm no longer exhausted, but feel like I could maybe walk outside today. I have some energy. I made a broth today, it tasted so much better than canned Soup. sugar free Jello isn't as bad as I thought.

I dream about food! I wonder if it's because I have a fear of accidentally eating solid food or if I'm hungry or mourning food, no clue! But I'm constantly dreaming of food. pizza, chocolate, etc. lol

Also, I don't recommend cheating on the Preop diet, bit I did a bit. If I was feeling ill, I ate some cherries or grapes. Instead of eating a lean cuisine, I ate a small amt of low fat foods. When I was in Preop, the nurse came to ask me questions. She asked me if I had luck with the Preop diet. I said I had. She said ok, well if you didn't, we will still operate, we just like you to try so it's easier, but it's not a big deal. I was like gee...sure wish I knew that all week as I gagged on those shakes. But I'm glad I did well on it, because I was worried about my liver.

Good luck to you guys who have surgeries coming up! It's not bad at all and if it's worse than you thought, be encouraged, after day 3 it got a ton better for me!

[2muchfun 8,927]

Not all surgeons are as forgiving as your nurse so it's good you were mostly good. And if someone does cheat, eating carbs should be the last thing you eat. The idea is to squeeze out as much Water out of your liver so the surgeon has access to your stomach.

[BandedMi 13]

Some carbs are not an issue.

[Crystal76 11]

Glad you are doing good. I was on a 2 week liquid Protein shake diet. I did great, I didn't cheat at all. My surgery was June 16th & I've been having a pretty hard time. I'm still on liquids only which sucks. Seems like everything makes me sick feeling or gag, but I'm not hungry so that's good! I hope you continue to do well! Take care.

[BandedMi 13]

I was allowed to put fruit in my shakes. Instead of doing that, I ate the fruit. It was the only thing that kept me from buying a pizza lol

For my shakes, PB2 was disgusting. I think it was my chocolate flavor with the pb2, not the pb2 itself.

I recommend, mixing Decaf coffee with your shake. Maybe even ice. That was the only way I could stomach the shakes!

[The Icy One 518]

I was also allowed to put frozen fruit in my Protein shakes during my pre op diet if I wanted it. I had it off and on. I had two Protein Shakes and one lean and green meal for three long weeks. I thought I was going to go out of my frakking mind.

My anesthesiologist was not only a total sweetie, he was also a total hottie!

[TimeforTanya 30]

I was also allowed to put frozen fruit in my Protein Shakes during my pre op diet if I wanted it. I had it off and on. I had two Protein shakes and one lean and green meal for three long weeks. I thought I was going to go out of my frakking mind. My anesthesiologist was not only a total sweetie, he was also a total hottie!

Hottie is always a plus!!!

[The Icy One 518]

I was also allowed to put frozen fruit in my Protein shakes during my pre op diet if I wanted it. I had it off and on. I had two Protein Shakes and one lean and green meal for three long weeks. I thought I was going to go out of my frakking mind. My anesthesiologist was not only a total sweetie, he was also a total hottie!

Hottie is always a plus!!!

WORD.