3/4 My surgery experience

Mar 04, 2009

Hi everyone!  Thanks so much for your prayers.  I went through surgery without any complications.  Here's my experience:

I arrived at my hospital (where I work) at 06:30 for a 08:00 surgery time.  I was given Pepcid and a nausea wonder drug that's normally used in oncology patients to decrease nausea post-op.  Apparently, this med was introduced to anesthesia groups for WLS about a year ago.  Anyway, I provided my advance directives to my nurse.  Yes, this is a necessary step...it gives your wishes should anything occur during hospitalization.  Then, I was taken to the holding area.  My husband was allowed to go with me, too...nice!  Here my surgeon and anesthesiologist met me and we discussed the procedure.  Lap band...5 tiny ports...one for where my band will be filled...subq stiches w/ dermabond and steri strips on the small incision.  Get it, got it, great!  The anesthesiologist started my IV and then XOXOXOXOs to the hubby.  Off I go to the OR...I could hear the Rocki theme in my mind...LOL  I believe the drugs were starting to work.  When I got to the OR, it felt like a subzero temp.  I had to transfer myself onto this narrow stretcher type bed...I thought they were joking.  Then, they put my arm with the IV into some type of metal trough and then the MASK....pure oxygen...I think I was bit claustrophobic and just when I began to request a bigger mask..................................................a lady asked me to rate my pain on a scale of 1-10...what, you're kidding....it's over....IT WAS OVER!!!!!!

The nausea wonder drug worked.  I'm home and if I could just get rid of this gas....whew...those pains...I would be a happy camper.  Otherwise, the experience was great!

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