| Re: what to expect
I was banded yesterday with the Realize band, and when I first woke up, I was very groggy. The pain was minimal, and 24 hours later, I still feel great. I've taken three pain-meds my doctor prescribed, and honestly, I really didn't need them. I do have a catheter of pain meds being pumped into the the main incision area, and I'm sure that's why I haven't really needed to other meds.
Here's a detailed account of my day. Thankfully I didn't spend the night in the hospital, because it would have been a waste of time and money.
From the September Surgery check-in thread in the September 08 forum:
At check-in (6 a.m.) my dh was escorted to the waiting area (about 6:15 a.m.), and I was prepped for surgery (everything off, and wore a robe and pressure stockings). I got a shot of blood thinner (stung a little), and an IV inserted (no stinging at all). I was given a drip of antibiotics and anti-nausea med, and at some point pain meds. I tend to get motion sick, so I also got a patch behind my ear to ward off nausea. All the normal stats were taken, and then I talked to my surgeon, anesthesiologist, the nurse anesthetist, and other various nurses. A catheter was inserted and removed while I was under. The trachea tube (not sure what it's called was done while I was under as well).
About two hours later, I woke up in recovery, with very little nausea (I've thrown up the other times I'd anesthesia, so I was very happy not to be very sick). I had a pulse and blood pressure cuffs on, and leg massagers to help ward off blood clots.I had a nasty sore throat that a throat lozenges took care of. Believe me, I kept that sucker between my teeth, in mortal fear that I would accidentally swallow it. The mostly ended my sore throat problem. I was given little med cups of crushed ice to chew on, and later, little med cups of water. My doctor checked in on me, and said my liver had been in great condition for the surgery, so the pre-op died must have done the trick.
I had to go for an MRI, and the nurse who was taking care of me left for break, (and this is the only glitch), the new nurse didn't give me the second shot of anti-nausea meds. I had to drink a normal sized drink of a bitter substance and a chalky substance for the MRI. After that, I was sent back to the recovery room to collect my things, and the nurse escorted me to the restroom. On the way, a wave of nausea took over, my ears started ringing, and I felt faint. The nurse got me the anti-nausea shot I was supposed to have right away. It worked within minutes. I also got one last shot in the stomach of blood thinner. The nurse warned me that the med might sting, but I didn't feel a thing from the needle or the med.
One thing that this doctor's office uses, that I haven't heard anyone else mention is an On-Q Catheter, which is a small tube placed near my two main incisions that is connected to an infusion pump. There's a balloon type pump filled with pain med. I have a small fanny pack to carry the pump. I took a Oxycone after I returned home, although, so far, I've had very little pain. I've taken the advice of veteran banders to stay ahead of the pain, so I'll take my prescribed dosage today, and possibly tomorrow. I have liquid Tylenol to take later too. | 
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