Hey chick, so sorry I've only just seen this. I understand totally how worried you feel. I think some of this has been said in a previous answer, but I'll go through my experience for you to hopefully help allay your worries.
At the pre op I saw Mr El Hansani, who is very 'consultanty' and by that I mean he is efficient and to the point without being rude, but he is an expert in his field and don't be worried to ask him anything you are concerned about. He went very briskly through some questions about my general health, family history and medical issues. We talked briefly about the operation, and I had the opportunity to ask questions.
I then saw the Bariatric nurse (Candy) who asked me a lot of the same questions, weighed and measured me, did blood pressure and an ECG. She gave me picolax sachets to take on the Friday ( Thursday night is your last meal!!) to clear out your bowels and it works extremely well...! You can have liquids Friday up til midnight.
She also gives you a plastic respirator thingy called a spirometer to encourage you breathe properly post op which you are to use after the op but you get it at that appt to practice with at home. She also gives you a urine pot to bring a sample on Saturday so they can test for pregnancy.
She told me to arrive at the hospital for my op on Saturday at about 1, as I arrived I was put into my private room (with en suite) and a tv, quite pleasant but also quite hospitally!
Waiting for me in my room was a hospital gown ( very generously sized to cover all) TED stockings and paper knickers. They gave me some paracetamol pre op with a small glass of water which was bliss after nothing all day. I was seen again briefly by Mr El Hasani and a nurse and i was talked through the risks of surgery and i had to sign the consent form and he asked if I felt ready. i was also seen by the anaesthetist who rechecked a lot of medical questions about and allergy checks.
About an hour before my surgery a nurse told me to have a shower and tie back my hair and they provide a bottle of pink hibiscrub (anti bacterial wash that surgeons use to scrub up with) to wash all over in. Then you get into your gown and knickers and stockings and wait to go down. No bra I'm afraid - but please don't worry about it, they have seen everything a million times and you aren't aware of it as you go to sleep and wake up fully covered!
I was then walked down the theatre (a short lift ride down) by Candy. I was sat in a small room off theatre and greeted by a friendly operating department practitioner who inserted a small cannula into my left arm and checked my wristband. He then walked me into theatre where the anaesthetist and approx four operating department assistants were. I laid down on the theatre table ( it is an upside down Y shape) and the assistants were chatting to me and strapping my legs onto the table as the anaesthetist gently talked me as he injected a white milky substance into my cannula, this is a pre med but it makes you feel very drowsy. As he was doing this I remember an oxygen mask being out on my face but it was pleasant and not scary and a brief conversation about Call the midwife, (I'm a midwife) and I slurred it was quite 'historical' and the next thing I awoke in my room.
My husband was there, it was dark as id gone down at 5 but it was now 7pm ish. I had an oxygen mask on and a central line inserted near my right clavicle, a catheter in to drain urine, a port near my left clavicle for them to put morphine into and another cannula in my wrist on addition to the smaller one they'd put in while I was awake. I was on iv fluids and an obs machine which was taking my blood pressure, pulse and respirations continuously. My husband wasn't prepared to see me like that so he quickly left. I felt ok though just sleepy! I slept for a bit. Then they got me up to walk. Walking and using the spirometer is very important to them, you have to write down how often you are using it and what number you are getting to for the physiotherapists who you see quite a lot during your stay. Initially I had to walk pushing my iv drip stand and carrying the catheter but it didn't all stay in long. By Sunday evening I was allowed water, and they took out the catheter. I was out on Tuesday, Monday they removed the central line and morphine cannula in the evening. They take bloods from your central line several times post op (daily) and that's why they leave it in so long. I had my first 'food' thin soup Monday.
The care was good, you can ask for painkillers whenever you need them and they can provide anti sickness drugs etc if you need them. Te staff were all pleasant and friendly. Mr El Hansani came in daily for a very quick check to see your progress, he checks you are doing your walking and spirometry as often as possible. They sent me home with a big bag of drugs and instructions on diet and what to do next.
That for me was 5.5 weeks ago. You will be ok, you will not regret it. Good luck and see you on the other side!! Xx
). I know I shouldnt worry about them seeing my bits, especially my hanging boobs (of which I hope I will be allowed to wear wireless bra).
