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Jamie
04-28-2008, 06:24 AM
Hi everyone,

I have had a couple of prospective lapbanders recently ask me about what to expect when they get to the hospital. I posted this quite a while ago and I thought it was important enough to re-post for anyone that has questions to see for themselves, and maybe take some anxiety out of it for them.

I know what you are going through right now, the fears of the unknown really play a lot of tricks on your mind. I know me telling you not to worry doesn't do much to calm you down, but it really isn't bad.

In the morning you check into the hospital and they have you go into this small room until you are called to the operating holding area. You will lie there until a space opens up in an operating suite. Everyone is nice, and you have a couple of people ask you questions, and you wait. It seems like forever, but your time will soon come. I think Dr. Allam stops by to say hi, but he is all business at that point. I also think the anesthesiologist stops by to see if you have any questions. After a while they wheel your gurney into the operating room and get you prepared. Everyone is busy in the operating room doing what they are trained to do. They are nice and will talk to you and answer any questions you may have. Usually they seem to find a topic you are interested in and talk to you about that. They may wrap some things around your legs that compress every once in a while to keep your circulation going and prevent clots. As they are talking to you and telling you what they are doing, you just drift off slowly. Before you even realize it, you awaken in the recovery room and it is over with. Not bad, right?

They then wheel you to your room and you get to start your new life. Just remember to jot down any questions you have for the nurses or Dr.Allam, because many questions will pop up and you will want to remember them when they stop by. The nurse will help you into these support stockings to help with circulation, (actually, this is the worst part) ha ha ha, and you may ask her when you can start to walk. Don’t rush it but when you feel up to it, WALK, WALK, WALK.

The next day you will go down to x-ray to check everything and they will give you the OK to go home if all is fine.

The hospital nutrionist will stop by and give you a folder with some information and answer any questions you may have. Before you know it, you will be going home.

Again I want to stress that it really isn't that bad and you will be thinking that you really shouldn't have worried so much before, but it is only normal.

At this point you will be learning a lot of things for yourself and before you realize it, you have just become an experienced LAP BANDER. All the newbie’s will be coming to you for advice and I am sure you will carry the torch with pride.

Remember to ask Dr. Allam or Pat with any Medical or Nutrition questions you have, and don't be afraid to post questions on the website (www.hamptonbariatric.com), because there are a lot of experienced people just waiting to help with any situation, and they all speak from going through the procedure themselves.

Please, if there are any other questions, don't hesitate to post them, private message me, or ask Dr. Allam or Pat, because we are all here to help you.

If I have left anything out or anyone would like to add something please do so. This information may help somebody out there in need of some answers.

I hope this will help,

Jamie

Regina
04-28-2008, 07:06 AM
Great post Jamie. What you said is just about what happens to us Gastric Bypass patients as well.

The above information that you wrote should be very helpful to those who are getting either procedure.

Like Jamie said ask away we are all here to help.:D

connie
04-28-2008, 08:10 AM
Jaime, My procedure was exactly the same. I remember being very nervous but everything went smoothly. I got up and walked really quickly, I also sat in the chair by my bed and did leg work outs, moving my legs from side to side and flexing my feet. You're right the stockings were not very comfortable but I kept them on at home as well. Walking really helped to get rid of the gas. I also develped that shoulder pain (gas) I remember Carrie telling me to move my arms too. This helped alot. When I returned home, it was so nice to have this web site to go to and ask questions..everyone is so helpful and willing to offer great advise. Thank you to everyone. Connie (4 weeks today-Lap Band)

akhan16
04-28-2008, 10:57 AM
Great post Jamie.
I'm very happy you posted this. It's exactly what you told me before my surgery. Everything went great and what you said helped me a lot.
4 1/2 months out from surgery and doing great :-)

itsgone73
05-28-2008, 05:30 PM
Okay thanks Jamie I just found it!:p

Jamie
05-29-2008, 05:56 AM
Hi Marcia,

I hope this helps it is about the same for both operations and may take some of the edge off of the wondering.

Jamie

marybeth66
08-08-2008, 07:22 PM
Jamie

what a great post, I do have a question. Is there a pre surgery diet. Has anyone talked about starting a walking group? I know people live in all different areas, but maybe members who live closeto one another could start a walking program. Just a thought

thank you
marybeth

Jamie
08-08-2008, 09:02 PM
Hi Marybeth,

It is always good to check with Pat, our nutritionist, and I am sure she will fill you in on all of these types of questions when you see her. Dr. Allam will reinforce all of these items as you get closer to the operation. When I had mine a little over a year ago, you were on clear liquids the day before and that was just about it. You want your stomach to be relaxed and not stressed out when you're preparing for the BIG DAY. I don't think anything has changed since I had my operation, but you will get all of this info as you get closer.

That is a real bummer about your insurance, have you heard anything new about it yet? Just don't let it get you down, keep your chin up and everything will come together before you know it!!!

I haven't heard anything about a walking club, but there have been a few talk about walking partners, and Darby posted a map with trails on the North Fork, and we have some great ones in East Hampton and Sag Harbor. Maybe something can be started if there is enough interest.

Keep us posted,

Jamie

candiekisses68
08-09-2008, 12:23 AM
THAT SOUNDS GREAT,,,COUNT ME IN ON A WALKING CLUB!!!!