Question:
What to expect during/after Lap Band surgery
I was just recently informed that my Lap Band surgery date will be January 23rd 2009. It seems like time is going by so quickly now and I'm just getting a little anxious. I was told that typically people stay in the hospital overnight. Does anyone know how long the actual surgical procedure takes? Also, what would be some good things to bring with me to the hospital? I've never been in the hospital for any length of time before, so I really don't even know what to expect. If anyone has any tips for pre, during, or post hospital stay, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much in advance! -Kellie — kelbeth83 (posted on January 3, 2009)
January 3, 2009
Kellie,
Do not stress at all.... I just had my surgery on 12/22 ....
Went in at 5:30am to check in...
Finished that by 6:30
Was wheeled into the holding area by 7:30 ....
Was then seen by anesthesiologist and such and was in the operating room by
8:15 ...
8:20 I was in lala land and in recovery by 9:30....
Stayed in recovery until 11:30...
Was in my room at 11:45....
Basically slept some then got up around 3:30 to go for a walk.
I brought a bathrobe with me and a change of clothing. Went home the next
day... Had no pain at all.
If there is anything else you would like to know so that your stay and time
is easier please contact me. Soon I will be running a support group and
would love to hear from you....
Brett
[email protected]
— sciguy4u
January 3, 2009
Just another thought...many doctors don't even keep you over night anymore
for this surgery. They might say it's a possibility, but baring any delays
for medical reasons, they may let you go home the same day. Good luck!
— katiecakes
January 3, 2009
I had my lapband surgery at 11:30 a.m. and I was home by 5:00 pm. I had to
eat a small portion, walk and go to the bathroom by myself.
— Nicole Wilson
January 3, 2009
Take along your personal hygiene items (comb, make-up, etc) comfy clothes
for your ride home, and a pillow..it will be needed for your stomach if
your ride is long. I had lapband surgery Nov 11, and have lost 30 lbs.
Good luck.
— thelady3
January 3, 2009
If you are having your procedure at a free standing surgical facility, you
are usually told to plan on being there 4-6 hours for pre-op, about an hour
surgery and then post op. If you are going to the hospital and having a
one overnight stay, I would recommend your cpap (if applicable), your
favorite pillow, your favorite caregiver, a smile and a great attitude. I
took a lot of stuff I never used as the big girl gowns and non-skid socks
were very comfy to me. Your toothbrush, a comb perhaps and loose, comfy
clothes to go home in.
Best of luck,
Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
— DawnVic
January 3, 2009
First, Kelley, calm down as much as possible and relax. Yes you will be in
the hospital at least overnight. The procedure generally depends on the
patient. Bring comfortable clothes and books, magazines or whatever you
enjoy doing to relax. The key to success in your surgery is relaxing and
centering on yourself. Visualize yourself being happy, healthy and thinner
and you will be fine. Also when you are ready follow your doctor's program
and do eat/drink exactly what is prescribed. Don't cheat; your body as
well as you pay for that. I'm 10 years plus out post op and at age 54
doing fine. Always remember everything in moderation. Good Luck and God
Bless,
vinnigirl, retired RN
— vinnigirl
January 3, 2009
I was in at 6:30....surgery at 7 in recovery by 8 and pulling in my
driveway at 10:30....had surgery on Thurs.....was driving by
Friday.....shopping a bit on Sunday and back to work on
Monday......everyone is different and all Dr's have thier own rules but
that was the stats for me and I was 59 when I had it done....
Pam / Ft Worth Bandster Bites Silverware [email protected]
— pphillips4720aol.com
January 3, 2009
I was in the hospital on Wednesday 4-16-08 at 7:30a.m and home by 3:30p.m.
that day. The surgery on me took about 45 minutes, in recovery for 59
minutes, wide awake when I went to recovery, got to my room, got up about
10 minutes later and walked the halls and drink the stuff until I went
home. I had no pain that wasn't tolerable (never did get the pain
medication filled) could have drove on Thursday but really too tired and
did drive on Friday and been on the go ever since. I am down 70 pounds and
lots and lots of inches. My PCP's nurse had her lap band done on a Friday
and was back at work on Monday. Everyone is different and all surgeons are
different and require different things. Oh, take some stuff for chap lips
(I was told that and I really needed that, my sister in law had her lap
band 11-10-08 and I told her take chap lip stuff and she was very glad I
did) Good Luck on your new journey! Diane
— dyates2948
January 4, 2009
Hi Kellie, good luck with your Lap Band. You do not need to be stressed.
I am almost 1 year post op, have lost 85 lbs. My surgery was done at a
surgy center on a Friday. I went in at 6:15 am. Surgery was scheduled for
9:15. I was in recovery by 10:00 am and home by 12:00 noon. I slept about
2 hours after I got home. I had no pain at all and started driving my car
2 days later. You will be thrilled with the results of your surgery. When
I went back to see the dr. 2 weeks later, I couldn't thank him enough. I
know longer plan my life around food as I used to do. I barely think about
eating now. I have been on vacation 3 times since my surgery and didn't
have any problems. You will find that some foods you can no longer
tolerate. Some people have trouble with beef but I don't. I do have a
problem with certain chinese dishes so I just bypass them. You will learn
what foods you do better with. Listen to your drs. and nurses throughout
your first year. Fills are important. I have actually gone an occasional
month not getting a fill. Starting in February, I will not need to go each
month for a fill. I am now confident that I can manage and continue to
lose weight until I reach my goal. Do exercise and walk it will help in
your weight loss. GOOD LUCK and you WILL have a much healthier life from
now on. Shirley
— shirl45
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