What should I expect>

[mimi11209 0]

Hey guys!

For all of you who have been banded already, what should i expect the day of surgery? I've never had surgery before, so I don't know what's going to happen when I first get there. I'm just curious as to how they prepare you for surgery. Thanx! :thumbup:

[laurenica23 1]

I was browsing and noticed you got no reply! I was banded on Dec 20, so I'll tell you my experience. Hospitals can vary, but I think most will be similar.

In pre-op they got some blood for labs, gave me some anti-nausea meds, and got an IV started with some fluids. I met the anesthesiologist, talked to my doctor, and got in my gown and everything. After saying goodbye to my parents, they wheeled me to the operating room and had me get on the table. They covered me in warm towels since the room was freezing. My anesthesiologist had me close my eyes to do something (can't remember). Soon after she told me she was giving me some relaxing medicine in my IV and the next thing I knew I saw the oxygen mask coming down. What seemed like seconds later (but in reality was over an hour later), they were wheeling me into post-op and waking me up.

I was SO thirsty and kept asking for Water. I was also emotional from the anesthesia and kept crying! Eventually they gave me little Water soaked sponges to suck on because I kept asking. It made me nauseous, but I didn't care because I was finally not thirsty! They gave me more anti-nausea meds and a few minutes later, they wheeled me to my room. I rested for a couple hours, and after removing my catheter, I was up and walking.

I was nervous going in, mainly about being put under, but I found it to be as easy as it could be. I had a wonderful team. My pre-op nurses assured me I was in very capable hands, and I can attest to it!

[mimi11209 0]

thank you so much for responding. The only thing i didnt like was the catheter part...do u think i can ask not to have it? lol

[laurenica23 1]

Haha. I felt the same way going in, but it really wasn't that bad. I mean, they put it in while I was asleep, and it didn't hurt coming out at all. My mom said it might burn, but it didn't.

You could ask, though. I had so many fluids pumped into me, I know I couldn't have gone all that time without going. Also, I know I wouldn't have felt like trekking to the bathroom (a few feet away ) right after surgery. I needed that couple hours to rest.

[mimi11209 0]

yea thats true. thanx for the info!

[lindaloulynn 0]

I had surgery 11-20-08. My experience was good although I was very nervous. I am a nurse, so I know too much!!! I waited in a day surgery area and was taken to pre-op where they started my IV and gave me something to calm down, remember going into the operating room and the next thing I knew I was awake in the recovery room. Stayed in recovery about 1 hour, back to day surgery up out of bed shortly thereafter and walking the hallways. Up to bathroom and home by 4P, surgery was around 10AM.

[mimi11209 0]

thats sounds simple enough =) thanx...I'm very nervous too and i keep thinking about backing out. I know i'm going to be REALLY scared the day of. i hope they can give me something to calm down too

[doodleallday 0]

Honestly, it helped having gone thru everything up to the heparin shot in my belly before I was cancelled due to MRSA. So the 2nd go-round went a lot more smoothe.

There are a couple things you should be wary of:

+ they put in a breathing tube once you are asleep

+ when they took mine out, my throat was killing me (and still iritates me 4 days later)

+ I had also bitten my lip REALLY hard when they took it out and I read someone else on LBT had chipped a tooth the same way

+ not many ppl kno outside the medical field, but don't let the IV freak u out. Once they numb u and put it in, the needle retracts and a tiny plastic tube remains

+ also, walk that day and plenty thru recovery bc it helps break up the gas in your body cavity

+ make sure u take Colace or another stool softener so u don't put any pressure on the lesions

[amaltha 2]

Hi Mimi...go ahead and read the "my experience" blog of mine...right out of surgery I wrote it all down for anyone to read... Don't worry you will do amazing!

[sweetheart181 10]

I didn't have a catheter. My surgery went fairly well. but i guess my abs were really tough to get through so that hurt REALLY bad.