May 22nd Surgery Stories.

[missbinda 0]

Honey, I'm home! :mad:

I was banded yesterday (May 22nd) and had an absolutely fabulous surgery experience. I was originally supposed to have the procedure a few days ago, but my surgery was delayed as a number of surgeons and nurses from other hospitals wanted to observe. (I found out when I came out that I actually ended up with 12 medical staff clustered around the operating table- talk about being in good hands!)

I admitted myself to Figtree Private Hospital in NSW, Australia, I was feeling a little anxious and didn't want to worry any of my family or friends. I had a little time to unpack and settle into my room before changing into my gown and sexy (not!) compression stockings. The nurse also asked me to shave my stomach area before surgery, which I hadn't heard from anyone else and it's not like I had a 'happy trail' or anything! At about 1:30pm I was wheeled off into the surgical ward where I had a chat with my surgeon and mentioned to the anaethesist that I had been nauseous after the one other surgery I've had. He gave me a needle to 'relax' me, and wheeled me into surgery where I manouvered myself onto the operating table, got jabbed with needle, and was out like a light!

When I woke up it felt like seconds later and I asked "Are you finished already?" My voice was a bit raspy from the breathing tube, but other than that I felt pretty good- no nausea at all. My doc checked my vitals and sent me to the recovery area. I wasn't there long before they moved me back to my room- I looked at the time and it was 6:30pm. I was up and out of bed pretty much straight away- I was thirsty and took my drip for a 'walky' down the corridor to get some ice chips! I had a little snooze and watched the football- I did try to walk around in my room in circles for 15 mins every hour- luckily I was in a room on my own! I was SO thirsty but knew to take it easy as I could only drink 30ml an hour.

The night was pretty uneventful- I turned down morphine and pethidine as I wasn't in that much pain. The nurses woke me about every 3 hours to check my vitals and drip and to ask how I was feeling. I woke up at about 7:00am and my tummy was rumbling like mad! I was able to sit up and move about easily, I had some pain in my shoulder and stomach, but it felt more like I'd overdone it at the gym than anything else. I got fed at 8:00am- I ended up having about 1/2 cup of Tomato Soup and about 100ml of yoghurt- I did double check with the nurse that I could eat them as I thought I was only allowed Clear liquids. I tell you, they were heaven after 2 weeks on Optifast! I showered and my surgeon came to check on me just as I was coming out. He told me that my recovery was the best he'd ever seen (:party: hooray!) and that I was free to go home. Conveniently, my Mum and nephew arrived just then and, after a dressing change, I was outta there!

For all that I'd been dreading it, the operation was really smooth and straightforward. My surgical and aftercare were absolutely top-notch and now, less than 24 hours after being filleted like a fish, I actually feel really good!

My thanks to everyone on this board- I picked up some really good tips (don't wear underwire bra, take a U pillow etc.)

I'm actually really keen to get through the recovery process and to start back up at the gym.

Watch out world, here comes a healthier Missbinda! :thumbup:

[tulsarealtorgb 0]

Hi Binda, I had my surgery yesterday as well. It went along very smoothly. I am drowsy now, but probably because I was given 2 Lortabs this morning. The gas pain is pretty bad today. I really have walked a lot though, trying to help it subside. I wil take a nap now and write again later. GB