Banded yesterday

[pinkdots410 1]

Hey May Bandsters! I was banded yesterday morning. My husband and I arrived at the hospital at 5:45 am...I was a nervous wreck. I got admitted, signed more paperwork and went into pre-op to prep. The nurse there was really nice, we chatted to take my mind off the surgery, I guess she could tell I was nervous.

I met with the surgeon, who was so sweet. She gave me a hug and had me sign the release forms. She assured me that I was in good hands, made me feel really comfortable! The anesthesiologist then came in and met with me. Had me sign release forms and explained that I was only going to be out for an hour and a half and that he would administer the medicine through my IV and oxygen mask. They wheeled me off to the OR. It was about 8:30.

On the way, he gave me a nice relaxing IV shot - which made me smile ear to ear, LOL! The last thing I remembered was the nurse saying, "you are going to smell something sweet through your oxygen mask, it's going to put you to sleep"....and I woke up in the recovery room, at about 10:30. I remember the room being a blur since they made me take my contacts out before surgery. That freaked me out a little when I woke up. I also remember my left side of my stomach being on fire in pain! They gave me morphine through the IV, which made things better - but not good. I was wheeled into my room. I was greeted by my husband which made me cry - I guess it all hit me what I had done. He came over and asked how I was, holding my hand, which was comforting.

Then the work began. I immediately had to begin my breathing exercised and coughs which was soooo painful! The medicine had worn off (the morphine) so they gave me another dose. It helped, but again, I wasn't pain-free which for some reason I thought I would be. :cursing:

At 1 pm, I had to go down and get an x-ray of the band. They tried to make me walk, but as soon as I stood up, I got faint and nauseous - which made me cry again - I DID NOT want to throw up! The nurse got a wheelchair and wheeled me down to get the x-ray - thank god! After swallowing the barium (YUCK) and having to stand up for the x-ray, I got nauseous again!! :cryin: They were done and had me go back up to my room. When I got up to my room, they gave me something to take the nausea away - which helped. They also started me on the liquid pain meds Lortab, which was a little better and I finally began to be comfortable. I did not get to rest at all, I was either walking, do breathing excerises or getting poked, and having my vitals taken. This continued all night! Up until I was relased today at noon.

All in all, it was a much painful experience than I had imagined. I was in more pain than when I had my C-Section, I guess because I was not given a morphine pump this time...I dunno. I am just happy to be home. My surgeon gave me a Lortab prescription, which I started and am still very soooooooore!!! And GASSY beyond belief :sad: I am sipping and walking and breathing and repeating the cycle...not fun...but hey - I will do it - I WANT TO BE SUCCESSFUL!

Wishing us all continued recovery and success!

sorry for the typos.

Edited May 20, 2008 by .lexy.

[beanbean 1]

girl congrats on your surgery. i'm not being banded until may 29th but i can understand your statement about the pain. i'm not really focusing on being in pain after the surgery, right now i'm more concerned about just making it through surgery. i'm happy you are home. please keep us posted and thanks for sharing your story here and on your blog

[Miss Michelle 1]

I know that you must be in pain, but just think of it this way-you made it! I am gonna be banded on 5/23, this Friday and cant even begin thinking about the pain. I am just praying to God that I make it through the surgery. I will worry about the rest later. Just take it one day at a time. Pretty soon you'll be feeling better and the weight will be falling off!

[massa36 2]

CONGRATULATIONS:thumbup:!!!!! Wishing you continued success! Keep us updated! And remember to be easy:thumbup:, its just the beginning!

[tmfritts 0]

Congrats Lexy - you did it!!! :cursing:

I'm going on Thursday :cryin:!!!

Terri

[caminco 0]

Way to go Lexy!!!!

The worst part is over. Yes the pain is a little shocking at first but it gets much better. I am 10 days out now and feeling great.

Colleen

[kellygirl0520 0]

Hey Lexi, sorry you had such a rough time on surgery day. Things will get better and better by the day. Keep up the good work and congratulations!!!

[tmfritts 0]

Hey lexy - how are you doing?

By now hopefully you are feeling much better than banding day!

Take care - :biggrin2:

Terri

[mominlv13 1]

WAY TO GO LEXY!!! I was banded on the 19th and had my bouts with GAS!!! Just keep walking as much as you can. I thought I was going to die with the pains in my shoulders and chest but once I started walking more and more they have subsided tremendously. WELCOME TO BANDSTER LAND!!!....LOL. WE WILL DO THIS!!!

FRAN:thumbup:

[Bizzy Bee 1]

Congrats Lex!!! I am going in tomorrow morning!

[jazzyywan 0]

Congratulations on your surgery Lexi, My surgery was on the 21st of May. I know what your talking about when you talk about that gas pain. I'm feelin much better today, My husband took me to Walmart, it wasn't that bad, but as soon as I got home I was in the bed. Well again congrats.

[tmfritts 0]

Hey Buzy Bee -

Good luck tomorrow!!! We'll be thinking about you!!

Terri