B-52

I had surgery last Monday, 7 days. For those starting out, I have to tell you that today I feel as good as I did before the Surgery. Better even, since I have been on liquids the whole week I dropped some weight. Any and all pains I have had are no more. I can swallow freely (liquids) with no restrictions. First full day of work, and turned out to be one of those 12 hr. days. But I'm not complaining! Now I know this is the healing phase, and that my band is empty. I have my one week post-op appointment with the Doc tomorrow. Then after that I can look forward to my first fill.

250 lbs 5"7" 39 Diabetic, elevated Triglycerides, Cholesterol HDL and LDL, High Blood pressure, CAD with stent. (probably forgetting something) Highmark I am 59 y/o male. My Sister died at 64, my Brother at 60. I was taking 12 pills every morning, plus injection of 60 units Lantus at bedtime, and 3 injections per day (before meals) of Byetta. I have been Banded now for 6 days. Since I started this process, 6 mo diet, pre-op diet, etc, I have stopped all Diabetic medication, numbers holding fine. My goal is to be off ALL medications in 6 mos.

That's a first. But then I'm no expert. Did he totally dismiss you? Or did he talk about other options like the sleeve. Also, did he tell you this on your initial visit? You also said YOUR Dr. Is that your GP? Or the people who actually do the band? In any event, you will ultimately need clearance from your GP

1-3 days post op - Clear Liquids including broth 3-4 days post op - Full Liquids, including shakes, strained creme Soups, yogurt 7-13 days - Bariatric Soft - "Mushies" Week 3 - Bariatric Regular - add veggies, meats, pork, Week 4 - Reg lap band Diet These are the "guidelines" handed to me. Everything is subject to change based upon how I am doing. I am on day #6, start "mushies" tomorrow. Have 1 week surgery follow up visit with Dr. Tuesday. So to answer your question directly, 1 week before "Mushies"

Depends on the Gym. My wife and I belong to one that offers dozens of classes all times of the day. She takes advantage of a few. After I drop 50lbs I'm going to sign up for beginners yoga.

Mt daughter is a Nurse Practitioner, and has tons of OR experience as well as on the floor. I told her about some strange pains I was having. She explained to me how for these, and other surgeries, they need to pump you up with air to have room to work. They try to extract as much as possible but never get all of it. Air can become trapped and cause a lot of pain under the ribs, sternum as it slowly rises to the left shoulder. Why left I'll never know. That is why, as soon as the patient gets up to the floor, they get them walking. The more the better to work that air. Everything my Dr. handed out stated for post op to start exercising, if only walking, the next day. Strenuous lifting, heavy cardio, etc, is another issue. I'm on day 5, and get on the elliptical every day now. No more pains.

I'm similar to you, but I travel throughout the state everyday to different appointments. I had my surgery Monday. Was planning on working from home and going back on Friday. It's day 2 for me and I do fell better all the time. Went out and ran some errands today, felt strong. But I do get very fatigued by 4 pm. And totally wiped out by 7pm. I think I am going to stay home this Friday as well and make a full week of it.

Had the Lap band surgery Monday. Glad I found this site. Lot's of info. I have many questions, but will start with the one that troubles me the most. I have pain when I swallow, say Water. Actually I can swallow just fine, but a moment later when the water passes from the pouch through the band I get a lot of pain. I have to force myself to get liquids in. Forget Jello, the pain is to much to bear. I've read that this can be expected...inflammation from the surgery? It's day 2, and has gotten easier today, the pain is still there, just not as bad. Can't imagine drinking anything thicker than water.

Not sure. It is empty now. Also the Doc said he wanted to check and make sure there was no air. I don't know. I feel fine now.

Yes, as a matter of fact the Nurse called me right after I posted this. Told me to come in, which I did. Dr. said definitely post-op inflammation. He decreased the fill on the band. Told me when I come back next tuesday for my scheduled visit, he will re-fill it. All is well now. No trouble with liquids or Jello.