BeeBlueHeron

Do all patients have a drain or port after surgery? I had my band out six months ago, so I'm required to stay a little longer than most straight VSG patients. How long does the drain stay in?

I'm really most curious about the three or four days I'm going to be "stuck" at the Marriott following surgery. And should I bring an abdominal binder? It was very helpful after the band surgery.

Thanks in advance!

HI All!

I also had a band in 2012 at OCC, loved it, but had to have it removed this July due to a different issue. Wow, it was weird not to have my "little buddy" anymore. I swear I experienced actual grief! Anyway, have regained a small amount of weight, but enough to scare me. Heading back to OCC in January for the sleeve. Very excited and look forward to hearing from everyone about their successes! 

Had my band out in July -- scheduled for sleeve on 1/17/2018. 

Hi! I had the lap band surgery in 2012. No complications. I recently had a fill, which seems, by day, to do its job. But no matter when I eat and drink (today the last thing I ate/drank was at 4 p.m., it's now almost midnight), as soon as I fall asleep, I wake up with liquid flooding my throat. It's not acidic, it's like it's my saliva. It doesn't burn. It also doesn't matter what position I'm in -- this has happened when I've fallen asleep sitting up. It happens EVERY time I fall asleep -- maybe five or six times within a couple of hours. It's like as soon as I relax, it comes up, although when I'm awake again, I feel fine, if a little grumpy and sleepy. Eventually, it clears up and I fall asleep (usually on my left side).

Does anyone else have this? Some advice? My sleep is highly interrupted and I hate the feeling of drowning I get...I'm also scared some of my saliva will get down into my lungs....

Thanks!

I'm getting super-excited....and a little nervous.

I have comfortable clothes, a small pillow to hug, passport, cashier's check, a therma-care shoulder heating pad, and a few bouillon cubes for the flight back that I can drop into hot water on the plane.

Any other suggestions? Words of wisdom or support? :-)

Getting both excited and nervous about my band being placed in 10 days. I probably have read a leeetle too much, so now my head is all filled with gas pain, slipped bands, stretched pouches, etc. LOL. I have a head cold and cough so am just knocking back the zinc, antibiotics, cough syrup, Tylenol, any- and everything I can to get rid of it by surgery date.

Post photos.....how are you doing this week?

Bridget

I HATED my return experience. It was so uncomfortable. It was my impression that we were going to drive thru on the way back and that walking across was only a once-in-a-while thing. The driver was so very nice but he told me I would be walking and that I could cut in front of the very long line of people. That made me so uncomfortable and I was by myself dragging my luggage. It was not the environment to be a trouble maker, ya know? Anywhoo, I told the guards on the other side of the fence that I had just had surgery and they reluctantly let me through. I felt like a jackass to be honest. And then I had to wait about 20 minutes on the other side for the driver to bring the van through and around. I'm so glad it didn't take so long because I was totally out of my element.

This was just my experience though and the only bad part about my trip. I am greatful I did it still. Not sure if I'll go back for my fill there. Maybe other people have had a better experience coming back, or it didn't bother them so much?

Well, thanks for the heads-up! I didn't know we might have to walk across the border -- yuck!! But now I stand warned.

doing it right now.....had a quiet day pre-op as I had to fly in sunday am for a monday surgery. Things I don't like about the marriott would be the same with/without a companion.

I am dying of thirst as I am on the two-day-liquid..and they provide two bottles of water. Small small counter/store off the lobby and water/tea/sodas are cheap at least. I am on the 1st floor and have a lovely view of a roof (the lobby level). (I will object after surgery if they put me in this again). Spent the afternoon at the pool; it is nice, security guards on duty, big wall, beautiful pool area.

your key only works for the floor you are on, and there is no ice machine on the 1st floor...that took several hours to figure out. (brain dead....). Everyone is very polite. The driver joel picked me up right at baggage claim outside...there was a little confusion (not his fault)(united changed my flight number)...but short drive. The border crossing was extremely easy. Stopped, hello from the border agent, we went. (didn't even have to show passport...(I guess it is getting back INTO the country that is longer).

SouthernOregon, let me know how it goes!!!!

You can do it! :-)

Hi all:

Having surgery August 27, very excited! The only thing that concerns me is that I'm flying to San Diego alone, staying at the Marriott alone, and having surgery alone. Did anyone else do this? I would love to hear about it. Most concerned about the night in the hotel alone after surgery....

Blue

Hi all:

I'm frankly getting a little scared about my pre- and post-op options. Seems like almost everything contains sucralose or aspartame (Nutrasweet). I doubt anyone else has this problem, but maybe there are some of you who have chosen a more organic route? I have two great, natural protein shakes with no artificial sweeteners or sugar, and I'm eating the Lean Cuisine for dinner, but I'm really worried about the few weeks post-op......suggestions?

Blue

Scheduled for August 27

I'm August 27.....anyone else?