Jenn1214

I know how you feel. The first week after my procedure I kept thinking "What did I do to myself? What a mistake! I want this thing out" I cried a few times because I was so miserable about not eating. I'm heading into the second week now and it's slowly getting easier. I've lost about 21 pounds so far and my back hurts less and my clothes fit better. This will all be worth it in the end!

Believe me, you are not alone! I am still in the full liquids phase of my postop diet and I will admit I have shed a few tears over not being able to eat. I have always known I was an emotional eater and a food addict but this really solidifies it! Every day that passes is a victory for me and one step closer to being able to eat again. Just take it one day at a time and it will be over soon. I'm right there with ya!

That sounds really excessive to me. My fiance has to do a 6 month program before his procedure as required by his insurance. I didn't have to do anything for mine, I just had to do tons of pretesting. Who is requiring twelve months? That's crazy.

I was just banded on the 14th. The biggest thing for me was the shoulder pain, a common occurence after laparoscopy. It comes from the CO2 that the surgeon uses to insufflate the abdomen being trapped in the body. Walk as much as you can after surgery and do whatever deep breathing exercises they tell you to do and it will go away after a few days. Don't be afraid to ask for pain meds if it will help you get up and move around. I can finally sleep on my left and right side with no pain at all. I was very bruised on my lower abdomen from the Lovenox they gave me in the hospital which made it hard to get around at first, but that cleared up in a few days. This was all normal post op stuff, nothing horrible.

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be able to feel my port or not. I had the SILS procedure so I have the big incision under my belly button, then two smaller incisions under my rib cage and on the left side of my belly. Where would the port be?

I had horrible shoulder pain too after my surgery on March 14th. I didn't take any painkillers but in hindsight I probably should have so I didn't have to suffer as much as I did. The only thing that helps me is walking and deep breathing. It's pretty much gone now but I will still get it if I drink fluids too fast, so I take it as my body's way of telling me to slow down. They definitely didn't warn me about this before my surgery! But you're not the only one. I hope you are feeling better!

I was just banded on Wednesday March 23rd and I am wondering if i can start my full liquids yet? My sheet says 1 to 2 days post op but the full liquids page says 1 to 2 weeks. Does that mean I am on full liquids for 2 to 3 weeks or wait until I see the doctor next week before I can start them. I am so confused. Can I get some advice!!!!!???

I was on clear liquids for 2 days postop, then full liquids for two weeks. I'll be starting a soft foods phase for two weeks then it's on to solids. I guess every surgeon has their preferred diet.

Hello all! My name is Jenn and I just had my Lap Band placed on March 14, so I'm pretty new to this way of life. I was tired of my lifelong battle with weight and finally decided to take the plunge. Including the preop diet I've lost 20 pounds so far, so that at least is encouraging. It hasn't been all sunshine and butterflies so far (the shoulder pain is NOT a joke), but i think I'm starting to adjust physically. Mentally, not so much. I guess it doesn't help that I was laid off a couple weeks before the surgery and also newly engaged (wedding planning is stressful!). Normally to deal with these stressors I would go right to the fridge.

Does anyone have any tips on how to deal with emotional eating after banding? Any other things that you discovered in your journey that you want to share with a newbie? I would appreciate any info that you can give me. Thanks!!