Poodlelover56

I think that the amount of time off you take depends on several factors: what type of job do you do? How active were you before surgery? Your age? How much overweight are you? You don't have to actually answer these questions on the forum but it's something to think about. I think all these variables factor in to recovery time. I had knee arthroscopy 4 weeks before my lap band to remove a torn meniscus and to clean some arthritis from under my knee cap. I know that it took me longer to feel like myself because of the back to back surgeries. And I am 55, not 35. I also didnt know he was going to have to scrape and debride my knee cap like he did so all of that affected my ability to get moving quickly So, try to plan as best you can, based on your personal situation. Everyone is different. I went back to work as a nurse in 12 days and it was too soon. Good luck!!!

I was banded 6 weeks ago. Going for my first fill on 12/1. When I get full, I feel it in my chest. Sometimes I get the same shoulder pain I had after surgery. I can tell I need a fill because I can eat more than a few weeks ago and I get hungry. I've been losing weight consistently, but have been monitoring my food with weight watchers. It keeps me in check and gives me the parameters I need. Everyone is different, just try to be aware of your body's signals and stop eating at the first sign of fullness. Good luck! Arlene

Protein, protein, protein. If you are not tracking it, you can go to myfitnesspal.com. It's a great web site that will track all your nutrition. I also take biotin. How long have you been banded?

Congrats and welcome to your new life! I'm 6 weeks post op today and very happy to be a bandster! Keep us all posted! Arlene

When I was one week post op, I called the dietician because I was concerned that I wasn't taking in enough liquids. She said that since I was urinating normally and not vomiting or sick to my stomach, then I was ok. She reassured me that I was still fresh post op. So, your appetite will come back. Give it time. Dont worry. Happy Thanksgiving! And welcome to bandster land!!

Don't like it.

I had a C section and the gas pains in my shoulder were worse than the post op pain from the c section. Good luck.

Would anti nausea medication help? You could ask for a suppository because you can't keep anything down right now. I hope you feel better soon.

JoyceReal, I totally agree. There is no way I felt like going and sitting ANYWHERE 3 days after surgery. I couldn't even wear a bra all day due to the discomfort. My advice is also to make no plans for Thanksgiving. I don't agree wih not telling this guy that you want to spend a major holiday with, but that's your business. But I think that trying to sit at a table, even not eating, could be very physically uncomfortable for you. Concentrate on taking are of your self and taking it easy in that immediate post op phase. You want to concentrate on healing. Good luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm sorry for what you are going through. How long was your band in? Were you able to lose weight ? I hope you don't mind the questions. I. Am just curious as to why this may have happened. Or maybe it was just bad luck? Anyway, I'll be thinking of you Thursday. Good luck! Arlene

I think everyone has said it all beautifully. I just have one more thing to add. Yes, diet and exercise without banding would be anyone's logical choice. But, being the way most of us are, the diet and exercise never is sustainable because of our appetites for food, sometimes large quantities or just bad quality high sugar, high fat foods. As someone said on another thread, the lap band gives us a fighting chance to have a lifestyle change FOREVER! It helps to release you from your appetite and put eating in it's proper perspective.

At 14 days, you likely still have swelling. Also, you can have restriction with nothing in the band. I do. I am 5 weeks post op and went for my first fill last Friday , but didn't need one. I'm losing with just the band in place. You still have a band around your stomach. That in itself, is restricting. Lots of people can't do bread anyway. It balls up in there and is difficult to get down.

Congratulations!!! I'm a few pounds behind you at 213, started at 237. What a thrill ! Keep us posted ,

What is Alpha-1 liver disease and why is that the reason for the banding? I know that a fatty liver goes along with obesity. That is why most surgeons require a two week pre-op liquid only diet. It shrinks some of the fat off the liver, making it easier to place the band around the upper stomach area. But I am not familiar with the liver disease you mentioned.

I honestly don't think people realize what they are doing.

I agree. I think it's a combination of feeling more confident. But discrimination against obese people is very real. Congrats on the weight loss!

I got a prescription for Zofran the day after my surgery. It's a nausea pill. I would call the doctor. Someone has to be on call on weekends. Also, it's very common to have zero appetite, even for liquids. There is a lot of swelling from the top part of your stomach being squished into the band. Just focus on sips of water, staying hydrated so that you urinate atleast every 4-6 hours. About a week after my surgery, I called the dietician because I had very little appetite and was worried about lack of protein. She reassured me that as long as I was staying hydrated and not vomiting, then I was on track. So, try to get the nausea under control. You will feel better soon! This period will be a post op blur! And remember, everyone's recovery is different. Try not to compare yourself with someone who is at the mall day 2. I couldn't have been either. Keep us posted!

Yes, most definitely! Getting under 210 will be my first major victory because in three years of getting as close as 212, I couldn't get there. I would give up, then bounce up to the 220's or 230's. 237 is my all time high this past summer. So, this time there is no turning back! I can't even imagine the feeling of saying good bye to the 200's. FOREVER! Lol. Arlene

I wish him the best.

Sorry, I didn't think my first response went through . Sorry to have repeated myself!

I echo your sentiments completely. Well stated! How can any of us foodies have a lifestyle change forever, when all we can think about is our next meal? That is, until we are banded. If I ever write about this experience, I think the title would be : "Finally released from the bondage of my appetite. My experience with lap band surgery". Arlene from Boston

Dibleydawn. That was so well stated. You echo my sentiments exactly. It IS impossible to have a lifestyle change forever if you are constantly thinking about your next meal, which was me. And most people who have been banded. This is not the easy way out either. I am one month banded and still getting to know my band. I have no fills yet, and am losing steadily so opted for no fill at my appt yesterday. But there are times that I have eaten something I always had before, like almonds, but they don't settle right. So now, having tried them twice, I will stay away from them. But I am very happy to be banded. If I write a book (haha), I think I would title it: "finally released from the bondage of my appetite: memoir of a lap band patient"