A brief Banding of Darragha story

I have dieted all my life. Diets do not work. On 800 calories a day plus exercise, I lost only 16lbs in one month's time. It was time to take back my life. I decided to go the surgical route. Not a gastric bypass, but a lap-band.

I started the process last April, 07, hoping to have the surgery in July when I have 5 weeks off from the day job. As it turned out, I had the surgery September 19th. I parents and step-parents paid the 17,000.00 for me to have the surgery as my insurance doesn't cover it. I guess insurance companies would rather pay for the treatment of co-morbidities (diabetes, high cholesterol, etc.) than a fairly routine surgery that has nearly a 100% success rate for weight loss and the improvement of one's health.

I had the surgery done in Everett at the Northwest Weight Loss Surgical Center. What bloody fantastic people they are down there! One of my nurses used to be a member of Romance Writers of America and my surgeon's wife used to practice the same Buddhism I do now (for 25 years).

The before-care was almost spa-like. I had a nice robe and a heating/vibrating chair to relax in as I was hooked up to various IV fluids. Everything was explained to me, and I had lots of one-on-one time with the surgeon and anesthesiologist to have my questions answered.

I had only two real concerns. I didn't want to bite my lips or tongue when the breathing tube was removed (and I didn't) and I had issues with the gas mask in the surgical suite. It made me feel terribly claustrophobic, so the nurse held it above my face. I think I took two or three deep breaths and I was out. I'd been reading my Romantic Time Book Review right before going into surgery and I believe, though I was trying to mentally chant Nam-myoho-renge-kyo as I went under, for some reason I couldn't get the name of Woodiwiss (a deceased author) out of my mind. Maybe her spirit was hovering about protecting me.

I awoke in the recovery room about an hour later--though I don't recall waking up the first time. I do recall "coming around" to my daughter asking me questions like, "What's your bosses name?" "Do you like the 12 new teachers in your school." And they were rubbing my feet. I liked that!

I spent about 3-4 hours in recovery. I felt desperate to sit up, walk around and stretch out in my own bed. When I tried to walk, I fell--but Nurse Galloway was right there with me. The gorgeous Melissa Smart (the insurance and scheduling person at the clinic) came and saw me, too. These are the nicest people down there!

It is now two days post surgery. My throat is really sore, and the right side of body (where the port is) is still swollen. The left side is way less swollen. The Lortab elixir for pain gives me insomnia, so I'm taking that for the pain, or Ibuprofen and benadryl to make me nap. I've been walking back and forth in the house 5-10 minutes at a time and since I am on liquids only, I'm making lots of trips to the lew.

Thank you all the people who purchased my book in lieu of sending me flowers. Thank you to my family for your financial and loving support, and thank you to all my friends who have been providing food for my husband and daughter while I recover.

Darr