My Surgery Day

[robbynnoel]

((((((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))))))

Wow. I'm one of the banded now. I was not the first surgery, but I wasn't the last either. I'm spending the night at the OCC. I feel as if it's my first day on a reality show. We're hopping from room to room and having little mini parties, eating Otter Pops, drinking Capri Sun and drinking water.

The OCC has an internet area with desktops that we are using. We've all friended each other on Facebook. I'm having so much fun.

Here's a few highlights.

1. The Pickup

The OCC driver told me the pick up was between 7 and 7:30. We didn't know the driver was not going to be an OCC driver. It was a driver from the Marriott so we didn't get on the first shuttle because we didn't understand.

2. The Wait

The surgery was a few hours but I was first prepped for the IV and then taken to my room. My husband got to stay in my room while I was in surgery. Everyone told me they knew about my allergy to the general anestesia (sp) and they had a complete game plan and told me exactly what they would do if there was a problem.

3. The Surgery

At the OCC you wear designer thong panties (made of blue cloth, but hey), not the mesh underware I've seen used in the US...lol

Okay, it's not a thong, but it's close, a narrow narrow bikini cut.

I was taken to the operating room in a wheel chair and asked to go to the bathroom prior. While in my room I was given meds for the allergic reation they were hoping to avoid and some other things for dizzyness etc. Under my tounge they placed a heart med and something else, but I can't remember. They disolved in my mouth.

The anesteisiaoligst (sorry about the spelling tonight) walked me through each med they added to the IV while I was in surgery. I remember him saying "Robbyn, we've finished with all of the meds and we can see by your arms there will not be any problems. You're going to sleep in 20 seconds." I woke up, they removed the tube (it wasn't scary) and they placed me on a hospital bed and wheeled me back to the room.

I actually cried because it was hard to believe I had the surgery.

3. The Pain

Okay, brutal honesty. I feel like the wind has been knocked out of me, almost the way you feel if you're short of breath. It's liveable, but I still have that now. The staff says that the pain I feel is gas and I'll eventually be able to walk it off.

Also, right after surgery my throat was massively sour. They gave me ice cubes to suck on.

4. What I've Eaten Today

4 Otter Pops

16 oz Water

1 Capri Sun

xo

More tomorrow.

[arianna]

congrats! you're officially banded. I am so glad everything went well. I've been thinking about you and I'm sure this past week's been crazy for you emotionally. The pain does go away and a lot of it is from the gas. You'll feel it in your left shoulder pain as well. that was the worst for me, but it's all temporary.

Thanks for keeping us posted every step of the way.

Sending you hugs for a quick recovey.

Arianna

[minderella]

Thanks so much for the details of your day. My surgery is in a couple of weeks, and it feels good to know what to expect on the big day. I am flying in with a friend on Jn 4th. We hope to stay at the Marriot, so we will watch for the shuttle.

Good luck with your new band.

Mindy

[ksk]

YAY!!!! I'm so happy for you! Especially with the emotional roller coastering you've been doing!!!! I'll be there next week. Should I be bringing the pops, juice...etc. that you mentioned you were having? Or do they (OCC) give that to you???

Congrats again!!!! =D>

[shrty835]

I am so very happy that it is all well with you. Welcome to Bandland.

[nicolek]

Hi

I'm glad everything went well with the surgery.

[ValleyGirl]

Can you hear the huge sigh of relief??? I think we were all worried about you because of the complications you had the first time so PHEW!!! So glad to hear it all went well. See if you can get an in-room massage at teh hotel. It seemed to help with my gas. Walk as much as you can too.

Sabrina:)

[DeannaMiller]

Hi they give you water, pops, and capri suns so just bring what you want for your hotel stay. If you do a search for items to bring people have great suggestions. One thing I would add is when you arrive they will be taking you to different offices to get dental check,cardiologist,bloodwork,nutritionist, you can leave your bags in waiting area because you will come back there after each. When they call you in to the door on the right next to the restroom they will take you to your room to prepare for surgery so bring your stuff. Also like Robbyn said bring snacks or order food for your support person beacause it takes most of the day. I had mine the same day because they had room for me so I decided to get it over with. Im a little sore but we did a lot of walking the next day and it only hurts where the cuts are for the most part. The marriott has maps of TJ and can suggest places to go if you need or want something. We paid about $7 for a cab ride all the way to other side of town. Hope that helps.

[tootsie_lou]

So glad all went well!!

[BandDiva]

YAY!! Congrats Robbyn! Can't wait till you move to Dallas! You will love Dr. Jay (if you want a local fill doc). I am jumping with joy for you! So glad it was smoothe sailing!

[Lindsay]

so glad you made it through just fine!

i had tears in my eyes when I was finished too - just very emotionally overwhelming!

xo

[jhawkchick75]

Sorry this is late I just got back into town, but congrats!!! I knew it would all go well. Congrats and keep us up to date on your progress!

[AngieB]

I am so glad your surgery went well! Congrats on getting the lap band. I think you have a special place in several of our hears. I know I have been thinking and pulling for you myself. I joined this forum it was after or around your first sugery. So gald to know you where in good hands!