My Surgery Story....September 11, 2008
My DH & DS took me to the surgery center at 8am and we got all checked in. The nurse had me pee in a cup (for a PG test) and fill out lots of paperwork. We then went over the financials (meaning, she took the giant check that I had in my purse) and made post-op appointments...one for 3 weeks, one for 6 weeks and one for 6 months.
I waited around for a bit and then it was my turn to go back. The pre-op nurse had me change into a gown/socks/hat and then she weighed me (down 33lbs since first appointment in March!). As she was doing the IV, the patient advocate came by to talk to me and show me her "before" picture. I feel pretty well read on the subject of lap-band® so I didn't have too many questions for them. The anesteseolotist came and gave me a shot of versed in my IV and then they wisked me away to the OR. I recall scooting onto the table and commenting on how bright the room was....
and then I was waking up and being told that it was over and I was officially banded!
I'm generally slow to wake from anestesea, but I woke up quickly this time. I was quite nauseated so they gave me a shot of Zofran...then phenergan, and phenergan again...then the patch behind my ear. BTW, I was still dry heaving like crazy and getting penergan as soon as they could re-dose me. I got up and walked around the post op holding area and into my cubible. It had a giant recliner chair for me....so I sat down and my family was brought back.
I needed a barium swallow, so my family left to have lunch (it was past lunch time and they were starving...poor guys) and I waited my turn. I did the 5 second swallow...and it went down just fine.
After that I was allowed some cold water and ice chips....aaahhh!
I had to wait around for the surgeon to finish another patient and then he worked his way through the cubicles in the holding area (I was in the last one). After I spoke to him and he teased my DH a bit about when he was coming in for his band....I was released to go home.
I slept quite a bit that first afternoon and evening as I was on the phenergan plus pain meds. I walked around my house when I could and took sips of water. I did my sleeping in the recliner as the bed was far too painful (felt like I was suffocating).
Friday was rather painful as the gas was still with me......
Saturday I went to my cake decorating class for 2 hours and the walking was good. I definately felt a bit better after that, but I was tired.
Most of the gas pain is gone today, though I am still having some belches that seem to get stuck in the band
and some intestinal gas. I have terrible allergies and Ike has definately irritated them, so I have some excess phlegm that's getting stuck in my band as well. I'm trying some hot tea to "melt" it this morning...and also some mucinex to thin it a bit.
I've not had anything significant to "eat" yet. Just water/tea and one bottle of Isopure (yesterday). I have another Isopure for today and hopefully I'll feel up to the regular shakes tomorrow. My tummy is definatley growling this morning...
I know why I am doing this and it was the only thing that kept me hanging on. I think that is the worst torture that anyone could ever go through. To be STARVING and have to watch people eat all your favorite foods. Needless to say I made it through without caving in and I started my full liquids today so maybe I won't be as hungry. 
Good news though, I have already lost 12 pounds in a little over a week so I am on the right track. I just hope this little pain or pressure or whatever it is in my chest subsides pretty soon.... 
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