A nervous Aloha from Hawaii!!!!

scardycat · October 22, 2008

Hi all!

I'm excited to be apart of this forum. I am scheduled for surgery for next week and I am soooo extremely nervous, hence the name scardycat. One of my good friends just had her band put in a week and a half ago and she had a not so motivating experience. She told me that she was in pain and discomfort for a good week. She claims her heartburn and gas pressure were unbearable at times. I am hoping that my experience isn't as terrible. I know everyone said that "everyone is different" but my mind fills with doubt and I contemplate that what if my experience is worse than hers. I don't want to not do it and live the rest of my life wondering what would happen if I did. I don't know, please tell me that these nerves are normal and I am not being my over dramatic self.

I am also so deeply nervous about the anesthetics. I have never had a major operation before so I am totally new to all of this. I want to know what everyone experienced shortly before going into surgery and then immediately after their surgery and also how long it took to recover. Also any advice to make this journey a bit more bearable. I am definitely ready to work hard to progress with weight loss, it's just the initial surgical step that scares me. So sorry to be so inquisitive but I guess I'm just looking for information to calm my nerves. Thanks for all your time!:grouphug:

taosgal · October 22, 2008

I just had my surgery yesterday and have only some discomfort at the port site, not really any pain. No gas, either. The anesthesiology is important, of course, the skill of the dr. essential. My throat is a little sore from the intubation, but not anything serious, and I am a real wimp. The main worry about the post anesthesia is nausea, and my dr. prescribed emmend prior to surgery and a scopamine patch and compazine after surgery...so NO nausea.

All in all, this was entirely tolerable, and I am only 18 hrs. post surgery. Good luck and I hope my experience helps mitigate your worries.

GratefulHeart · October 22, 2008

I just had my surgery yesterday too. For me, I actually felt better after surgery than before because I had a HUGE hiatal hernia that had been causing me problems for a couple of months. All those symptoms have disappeared. I am experiencing some gas pain in my left shoulder, though, but if I keep moving (walk, walk, walk) it's not so bad. Plus I have a heating pad on it when I'm just sitting. The rest of the surgery effects are quite minor. I also have a tiny sore throat, but that's from the tube. None of my incisions hurt unless I push on them accidentally, but even then it's not bad. If it weren't for my shoulder pain and the lack of being hungry (and therefore energetic), I'd go back to work tomorrow. :grouphug: But then I just have a desk job.

The small amount of pain that you MIGHT feel after the surgery is minor compared to the benefits you'll gain from going through the weight loss process. Take heart - it's worth it!

9pdmnm5 · October 22, 2008

Hello! Nerves are to be expected. :laugh: I would be worried if you weren't concerned. I was extremely nervous for the anesthesia and surgery too and this was my 3rd surgery.:smile: I was having so much anxiety, I almost backed out the morning of surgery but I was self-pay and knew I wouldn't get my money back. Anyway, surgery went well. My surgery was scheduled @ 9 a.m. and I was on my way home by 1 p.m. I couldn't of asked for a better experience. You will probably be uncomfortable, but remember its only temporary. The gas pains were the worst for me and the gasX strips etc. did not help.:grouphug:

You will do fine! The week pre-op was the worst part for me. Try to focus on the positive. Good luck!!:pray2:

scardycat · October 22, 2008

A big thanks for those who helped to ease my nerves. I realize that this is a journey that I must take regardless of the anxiety and apprehension. I look up to ALL of you have had it done already and look forward to joining the special ranks of all of you. Please know that all of your thoughts and suggestions have helped me and I will remember them next week when it's my turn to get banded. Best wishes to all of you!

shortcake · October 22, 2008

Hello scardy-cat I can just imagine what your mind is going through. I have not had the surgery but I just wanted you to know I will be thinking of you. I will be having the same feelings and questions so you are not far off.... YOu hang in there and ask a way... the more info you gather the better you will feel!! Thinking of you in Hawaii!!! all the way for New Hampshire!!!