My surgery was on May 15th.
The day had finally arrived. I can't say I got a lot of sleep the
night before, but why would I need it? It's not like I will be performing
the surgery; I'll be in the wonderful
care of the team at Palms of Pasadena Hospital and the skilled surgeon team
lead by Dr. Jessee. I should get plenty
of rest while I'm on the table and in recovery.
Yes I was nervous. It's
normal. Selecting elective surgery no
matter how minimally invasive it may be such as with the Lap Band, is still not
a natural act, you really need to have done some soul searching and be
committed to the lifestyle change and believe in the process. Again there are risks in having the surgery,
but I felt there are far more in being obese; my diabetes for example would
certainly get me in the long run if I didn't make a change. Of course the
usual questions will come to mind of whether I'm doing the right thing, etc.
The point is that is normal and you just need the fortitude to be
confident in your decision and push forward with the change. It's time
for a new me!
I had plenty of time to stew in my nerves on the way over as it's an hour drive to the Palms of Pasadena Hospital from my home. It was nice to break my mind's tension with some reassuring chit chat with my wife. She's been a rock for me through the whole process that's for sure! I'm getting ahead of myself here. I started the day with a walk. Figured I don't know how long before I am able to get out there I should take advantage. It may have been a mistake. You are not allowed anything after midnight including water, so partaking in any kind of exercise even walking will make you even more thirsty than you already are. I don't regret it; felt the walk did me some good, but there was a downside to it. Next was my shower... I went through my normal routine until the end when I had to use the Hibiclense, which is a strong antibacterial solution they give you to use before the surgery. It comes in a small bluish green bottle and the solution is of a reddish hue. I used a wash cloth and repeatedly scrubbed my stomach area and then I had to let it sit for five minutes before rinsing. I guess the idea is to eliminate as much bacteria from that area before they start poking holes in you as they can. I got dressed(no deodorant). You aren't allowed any lotions of perfumes or anything like that. I took off my wedding ring, which was hard as I hadn't taken it off yet, but jewelry wasn't allowed either and certainly didn't want to take a chance on losing it. We had already packed a small bag of a few items just in case, such a s a book in case I had some down time(not needed), slippers(not needed), etc. The biggest thing was the anti nausea medication called Emend. It was to be taken two hours prior to surgery, which would be approximately on our arrival at the hospital. We brought a bottle of water and I was allowed just a swallow to get the pill down. For a single pill the cost was $30 and that was with insurance; expensive but it worked as I never felt any nausea. Time to walk in and face my future!
The facility is very nice and enjoyably located near the water in St. Petersburg, Florida. Once you pass the information desk, there is a waiting area next to registration. During the short wait I took advantage of the facilities down the hall. Not sure how I had anything to pass with so few liquids, but I've always been a nervous pee-er. Oddly enough I must have a large bladder as I can often go most of the day before needing to go, but when I'm nervous, feels like every 10 minutes I need to find somewhere for a squirt! It was a very short wait and they were calling me to register. The process was quick and painless and resulted in a wrist band identifying myself and my doctor. Someone came and got me from there immediately to bring me down the hall to the pre-op area. On the way we passed the waiting room for family where I had to drop off my wife. I would have rather keep her with me(remember she is my rock and my courage), but I guess they needed to go through the next few steps alone. She would come back and see me prior to me getting moved to the actual operating area, so knowing that made it not feel too bad.
The pre-op area is large with many semi private partitioned(via curtains) areas each containing a bed. Each area is numbered and I don't remember which one I had. The area has nurses and orderlies moving around managing their patients. First thing I had to do was get a weigh in around the corner. Next I sat in the chair by the bed and filled out a bunch of medical forms. The usual what are you allergic to, family history, and release forms. Some of the wording can be alarming, but I suppose they need to make you aware of all possibilities. Again I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel the benefits of the surgery weren't well worth any usual risks that any surgery and being under anesthesia involve. I mention this mainly to hopefully reduce the shock value anyone may experience on reading such forms and are standard in any medical facility. After the nurse went over everything with me, it was time to get naked. They didn't waste any time; so much for my comfortable clothes. I was provided with a pair of non slip socks and the customary hospital gown, which I almost choked myself trying to tie in the back, but the nurse was nice enough to help me with after I gave her the all clear to open the curtain. All my stuff went into a bag until later. I got in the bed and under the blanket; more for modesty than warmth. Everyone was very polite and concerned that I was cold, so was often offered more blankets including some that were already warmed. I am rarely chilly, so politely declined. While I was waiting for the inevitable next steps of pokes and prods, I took a look around and there were a number of other patients in the same boat I was in. This was kind of comforting in a way as I didn't feel alone in my predicament.
Here came the needles. I got a finger prick to check my sugar no big deal. I needed an epinephrine shot in my stomach to prevent blood clotting during surgery, which wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined in my mind. You feel the prick, but not much besides and was over in a couple seconds. The rougher experience was trying to get my IV in. They didn't like the looks of the veins in my arms, so even wrapped them in those heated blankets for a while to try and get them to pop. Those were nice I must say. Unfortunately it didn't seem to help. Despite her best efforts the nurse was unable to get the IV into either arm. I'm sure not being able to have any liquids since last night made my veins difficult targets. Since she could tell I was in some pain, she thankfully decided to let it wait for the anesthesiologist. Hopefully he would have better luck.
Shortly thereafter Susan Kay, who is head of the contest and the bariatric department of the hospital stopped by for a visit. She's been very nice and an inspiration as she is herself a success story. It was very nice of her to stop by and offer her support. When you are laying there you feel like you can use all the support you can get. Finally my wife was allowed to join me and help me pass the time until it's time for them to wheel me into the operating room. I was relaxed or at least as relaxed as anyone who is about to have surgery can be. I filled her in on the process up to date. To be honest I'm not quite sure why she couldn't have been with me that whole time? They have their procedures, and I'm sure they have their reasons. I was a little anxious due to the IV not being in yet and I hadn't seen Dr. Jessee yet. I know she had surgeries scheduled earlier at another facility and I was her first here at Palms of Pasadena, but still wanted to see her. She has this calming affect. I really get a sense that she knows what she is doing and I know I would feel better when I got to see her. It was time for the ride to the operating room, so here we go...
My wife was allowed to accompany me part way until we got to a turn where we went left and she had to continue down the hall back to the waiting room. That was tough, but I had to go the rest of the way on my own. There was another waiting area before the operating room itself. I thought of it kind of like being lined up on a runway waiting for your turn to take off. There were some OR nurses in gowns there and they were all very friendly. In fact they treated me like a celebrity and were very interested in my story as the contest winner. I really appreciate their time and attention. I started to have some heartburn and acid issues and I got to meet my anesthesiologist. He was a wonderful man with a kind disposition and ordered some antacid to be added to my IV. As for the IV or lack there of, he went ahead and put it in the top of my hand as was my expectation. To relax me he told me to think of my lovely wife and walla it went right in with ease. Thank you very much! Apparently I wasn't the only one with IV issues as there were at least a couple other patients with similar experiences in the queue next to me. Now all I was waiting for was Dr. Jessee and my antacid to come up from the pharmacy. Again the nurses went over my stats and I had more armbands indicating anything from my diabetes to my allergy to penicillin etc.
At this point I confess to being very nervous, but then I heard her voice. It was the voice of Dr. Jessee and somehow my nerves and anxiety just fell away. She came over and checked on me and her presence was very reassuring. I'm very grateful to have such a talented surgeon as Dr. Jessee. She discussed with me that she had planned to do as much as she could through the incision in the belly button as she knew I was disappointed that the Spider technique wasn't available with the contest. It was great that she was going to try and accommodate me as much as she could for as good a cosmetic result as possible. At that point they wheeled me in for takeoff and shortly there after the antacid arrived from the pharmacy, which was added to my IV. Suddenly I was feeling dizzy and I asked my buddy the anesthesiologist if he had given me anything and he confirmed that he had started something to relax me. I was groovy. Then they told me the good stuff was about to go in and I still heard the doctor's for several more seconds before becoming airborne....
I woke up in recovery. Groggy is just a word, but apparently so much so that I quickly went back into sleep again and again. When consciousness finally returned I found myself in a large room with lots of beds, one of which I was in. I felt a little stifled with regards to my breathing, but quickly realized I needed to blow my nose badly. I tried to get the attention of the nurse who was circling around, but seemed unable to actually communicate audibly just yet, and apparently my ESP wasn't up to snuff. Finally I could actually hear myself speak instead of just thinking it and he brought me some tissues. I asked for ice chips and he said just a couple for now to keep from getting nausea. They were the most wonderful ice chips in the history of mankind. They must have been made with some fancy exotic waters or sprinkled with fairy dust or maybe I was just so dry I could gag after no liquids for virtually 16 hours. Oh yeah that's probably it. I kept asking for more and must confess decided to try and take it easy on them after a few as I did feel a slight stomach turn that quickly subsided when I slowed down a little. He checked with me a few more times to make sure I was alright before releasing me to the pre-op area from where I started. My wife came and joined me and she was like an angel. I went from dazed and confused to just plain sleepy, but was feeling some discomfort from my belly button area. There was another nice nurse there that brought me some Gatorade and kept checking on me to see how I was doing. Ironically enough just when I was feeling comfortable enough to really want to take a nap, he was starting to insist I get up and walk. They can't discharge you to go home until you walk, drink, and pee...not necessarily all at the same time or in that order, but they all need to be accomplished. I was a bit unsteady and slow at first, but felt pretty alert with a few laps around the room. I was given a portable container to capture my urine as I headed into the bathroom. I needed to produce evidence of the event. He said just a little bit would be enough, but before you knew it I had filled the container with some to spare. I guess check off the kidneys functioning off the list. Yeah!
I got some paperwork and instruction on what to do next, which luckily my wife was there to make note of, since I can't remember much of what was actually said. I also got a nice photo of my insides including the band with Allergan printed on it visibly. Thanks to them for donating the actual device, looked very shiny and new. In the picture you could see my liver and also my hiatal hernia before and after correction. It was a pretty foregone conclusion that I had one due to all of my acid reflux issues and it was very nice of Dr. Jessee to correct it free of charge while she was installing my band. I guess it's like changing the timing belt while you replace the water pump in a car. It's all close together so it makes sense. Like I said she is a world class surgeon. Kudos! It all seemed fine. I suppose a kind of memento of the occasion; maybe not quite like pictures of goofy at Disneyland, but my banded stomach could have passed for Pluto with a collar around his neck. ;-) I even got serial numbers associated with the band. Good to know just in case something happens down the line. All seemed pretty thoroughly documented and my wife signed off. Next she went to pull the car up to the door while I got the standard wheelchair ride out the door with my bag of goodies. Some where along the line I must have gotten dressed just not sure when at this point. I'm glad nobody let me roll out of there in a hospital gown!
I confess not to being very comfortable and I swear I felt every bump in the road on the way, but I was glad to be headed home. This whole process took place in a day and my life was changing. I have a lot of hopes for the future to which this may be a first...I may actually now have the arrows in my quiver to conquer my biggest foe; obesity was no longer going to control me or my life going forward. I was in charge now. But now I wanted to sleep. Not long after getting home I took some of the pain killers they had prescribed and had some more Gatorade they sent with me. To bed to sleep and per chance to dream of a bright new Banded Day. Goodnight obesity...Goodnight!
me
I had plenty of time to stew in my nerves on the way over as it's an hour drive to the Palms of Pasadena Hospital from my home. It was nice to break my mind's tension with some reassuring chit chat with my wife. She's been a rock for me through the whole process that's for sure! I'm getting ahead of myself here. I started the day with a walk. Figured I don't know how long before I am able to get out there I should take advantage. It may have been a mistake. You are not allowed anything after midnight including water, so partaking in any kind of exercise even walking will make you even more thirsty than you already are. I don't regret it; felt the walk did me some good, but there was a downside to it. Next was my shower... I went through my normal routine until the end when I had to use the Hibiclense, which is a strong antibacterial solution they give you to use before the surgery. It comes in a small bluish green bottle and the solution is of a reddish hue. I used a wash cloth and repeatedly scrubbed my stomach area and then I had to let it sit for five minutes before rinsing. I guess the idea is to eliminate as much bacteria from that area before they start poking holes in you as they can. I got dressed(no deodorant). You aren't allowed any lotions of perfumes or anything like that. I took off my wedding ring, which was hard as I hadn't taken it off yet, but jewelry wasn't allowed either and certainly didn't want to take a chance on losing it. We had already packed a small bag of a few items just in case, such a s a book in case I had some down time(not needed), slippers(not needed), etc. The biggest thing was the anti nausea medication called Emend. It was to be taken two hours prior to surgery, which would be approximately on our arrival at the hospital. We brought a bottle of water and I was allowed just a swallow to get the pill down. For a single pill the cost was $30 and that was with insurance; expensive but it worked as I never felt any nausea. Time to walk in and face my future!
The facility is very nice and enjoyably located near the water in St. Petersburg, Florida. Once you pass the information desk, there is a waiting area next to registration. During the short wait I took advantage of the facilities down the hall. Not sure how I had anything to pass with so few liquids, but I've always been a nervous pee-er. Oddly enough I must have a large bladder as I can often go most of the day before needing to go, but when I'm nervous, feels like every 10 minutes I need to find somewhere for a squirt! It was a very short wait and they were calling me to register. The process was quick and painless and resulted in a wrist band identifying myself and my doctor. Someone came and got me from there immediately to bring me down the hall to the pre-op area. On the way we passed the waiting room for family where I had to drop off my wife. I would have rather keep her with me(remember she is my rock and my courage), but I guess they needed to go through the next few steps alone. She would come back and see me prior to me getting moved to the actual operating area, so knowing that made it not feel too bad.
The pre-op area is large with many semi private partitioned(via curtains) areas each containing a bed. Each area is numbered and I don't remember which one I had. The area has nurses and orderlies moving around managing their patients. First thing I had to do was get a weigh in around the corner. Next I sat in the chair by the bed and filled out a bunch of medical forms. The usual what are you allergic to, family history, and release forms. Some of the wording can be alarming, but I suppose they need to make you aware of all possibilities. Again I wouldn't be here if I didn't feel the benefits of the surgery weren't well worth any usual risks that any surgery and being under anesthesia involve. I mention this mainly to hopefully reduce the shock value anyone may experience on reading such forms and are standard in any medical facility. After the nurse went over everything with me, it was time to get naked. They didn't waste any time; so much for my comfortable clothes. I was provided with a pair of non slip socks and the customary hospital gown, which I almost choked myself trying to tie in the back, but the nurse was nice enough to help me with after I gave her the all clear to open the curtain. All my stuff went into a bag until later. I got in the bed and under the blanket; more for modesty than warmth. Everyone was very polite and concerned that I was cold, so was often offered more blankets including some that were already warmed. I am rarely chilly, so politely declined. While I was waiting for the inevitable next steps of pokes and prods, I took a look around and there were a number of other patients in the same boat I was in. This was kind of comforting in a way as I didn't feel alone in my predicament.
Here came the needles. I got a finger prick to check my sugar no big deal. I needed an epinephrine shot in my stomach to prevent blood clotting during surgery, which wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined in my mind. You feel the prick, but not much besides and was over in a couple seconds. The rougher experience was trying to get my IV in. They didn't like the looks of the veins in my arms, so even wrapped them in those heated blankets for a while to try and get them to pop. Those were nice I must say. Unfortunately it didn't seem to help. Despite her best efforts the nurse was unable to get the IV into either arm. I'm sure not being able to have any liquids since last night made my veins difficult targets. Since she could tell I was in some pain, she thankfully decided to let it wait for the anesthesiologist. Hopefully he would have better luck.
Shortly thereafter Susan Kay, who is head of the contest and the bariatric department of the hospital stopped by for a visit. She's been very nice and an inspiration as she is herself a success story. It was very nice of her to stop by and offer her support. When you are laying there you feel like you can use all the support you can get. Finally my wife was allowed to join me and help me pass the time until it's time for them to wheel me into the operating room. I was relaxed or at least as relaxed as anyone who is about to have surgery can be. I filled her in on the process up to date. To be honest I'm not quite sure why she couldn't have been with me that whole time? They have their procedures, and I'm sure they have their reasons. I was a little anxious due to the IV not being in yet and I hadn't seen Dr. Jessee yet. I know she had surgeries scheduled earlier at another facility and I was her first here at Palms of Pasadena, but still wanted to see her. She has this calming affect. I really get a sense that she knows what she is doing and I know I would feel better when I got to see her. It was time for the ride to the operating room, so here we go...
My wife was allowed to accompany me part way until we got to a turn where we went left and she had to continue down the hall back to the waiting room. That was tough, but I had to go the rest of the way on my own. There was another waiting area before the operating room itself. I thought of it kind of like being lined up on a runway waiting for your turn to take off. There were some OR nurses in gowns there and they were all very friendly. In fact they treated me like a celebrity and were very interested in my story as the contest winner. I really appreciate their time and attention. I started to have some heartburn and acid issues and I got to meet my anesthesiologist. He was a wonderful man with a kind disposition and ordered some antacid to be added to my IV. As for the IV or lack there of, he went ahead and put it in the top of my hand as was my expectation. To relax me he told me to think of my lovely wife and walla it went right in with ease. Thank you very much! Apparently I wasn't the only one with IV issues as there were at least a couple other patients with similar experiences in the queue next to me. Now all I was waiting for was Dr. Jessee and my antacid to come up from the pharmacy. Again the nurses went over my stats and I had more armbands indicating anything from my diabetes to my allergy to penicillin etc.
At this point I confess to being very nervous, but then I heard her voice. It was the voice of Dr. Jessee and somehow my nerves and anxiety just fell away. She came over and checked on me and her presence was very reassuring. I'm very grateful to have such a talented surgeon as Dr. Jessee. She discussed with me that she had planned to do as much as she could through the incision in the belly button as she knew I was disappointed that the Spider technique wasn't available with the contest. It was great that she was going to try and accommodate me as much as she could for as good a cosmetic result as possible. At that point they wheeled me in for takeoff and shortly there after the antacid arrived from the pharmacy, which was added to my IV. Suddenly I was feeling dizzy and I asked my buddy the anesthesiologist if he had given me anything and he confirmed that he had started something to relax me. I was groovy. Then they told me the good stuff was about to go in and I still heard the doctor's for several more seconds before becoming airborne....
I woke up in recovery. Groggy is just a word, but apparently so much so that I quickly went back into sleep again and again. When consciousness finally returned I found myself in a large room with lots of beds, one of which I was in. I felt a little stifled with regards to my breathing, but quickly realized I needed to blow my nose badly. I tried to get the attention of the nurse who was circling around, but seemed unable to actually communicate audibly just yet, and apparently my ESP wasn't up to snuff. Finally I could actually hear myself speak instead of just thinking it and he brought me some tissues. I asked for ice chips and he said just a couple for now to keep from getting nausea. They were the most wonderful ice chips in the history of mankind. They must have been made with some fancy exotic waters or sprinkled with fairy dust or maybe I was just so dry I could gag after no liquids for virtually 16 hours. Oh yeah that's probably it. I kept asking for more and must confess decided to try and take it easy on them after a few as I did feel a slight stomach turn that quickly subsided when I slowed down a little. He checked with me a few more times to make sure I was alright before releasing me to the pre-op area from where I started. My wife came and joined me and she was like an angel. I went from dazed and confused to just plain sleepy, but was feeling some discomfort from my belly button area. There was another nice nurse there that brought me some Gatorade and kept checking on me to see how I was doing. Ironically enough just when I was feeling comfortable enough to really want to take a nap, he was starting to insist I get up and walk. They can't discharge you to go home until you walk, drink, and pee...not necessarily all at the same time or in that order, but they all need to be accomplished. I was a bit unsteady and slow at first, but felt pretty alert with a few laps around the room. I was given a portable container to capture my urine as I headed into the bathroom. I needed to produce evidence of the event. He said just a little bit would be enough, but before you knew it I had filled the container with some to spare. I guess check off the kidneys functioning off the list. Yeah!
I got some paperwork and instruction on what to do next, which luckily my wife was there to make note of, since I can't remember much of what was actually said. I also got a nice photo of my insides including the band with Allergan printed on it visibly. Thanks to them for donating the actual device, looked very shiny and new. In the picture you could see my liver and also my hiatal hernia before and after correction. It was a pretty foregone conclusion that I had one due to all of my acid reflux issues and it was very nice of Dr. Jessee to correct it free of charge while she was installing my band. I guess it's like changing the timing belt while you replace the water pump in a car. It's all close together so it makes sense. Like I said she is a world class surgeon. Kudos! It all seemed fine. I suppose a kind of memento of the occasion; maybe not quite like pictures of goofy at Disneyland, but my banded stomach could have passed for Pluto with a collar around his neck. ;-) I even got serial numbers associated with the band. Good to know just in case something happens down the line. All seemed pretty thoroughly documented and my wife signed off. Next she went to pull the car up to the door while I got the standard wheelchair ride out the door with my bag of goodies. Some where along the line I must have gotten dressed just not sure when at this point. I'm glad nobody let me roll out of there in a hospital gown!
I confess not to being very comfortable and I swear I felt every bump in the road on the way, but I was glad to be headed home. This whole process took place in a day and my life was changing. I have a lot of hopes for the future to which this may be a first...I may actually now have the arrows in my quiver to conquer my biggest foe; obesity was no longer going to control me or my life going forward. I was in charge now. But now I wanted to sleep. Not long after getting home I took some of the pain killers they had prescribed and had some more Gatorade they sent with me. To bed to sleep and per chance to dream of a bright new Banded Day. Goodnight obesity...Goodnight!
me
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