Kitt3000

Bottled Water, broth, and your heating pad. Depending on the hotel, they will have non fat milk, cranberry juice, tea, & coffee. You need the water to sip on frequently after the surgery, my throat was sore and dry. I found having something like Vaseline or lip balm a nice luxury too. I also wore sandals and a pull over long dress. There was no pressure on my tummy and I could just slip my feet into my shoes. Good luck! You will be happy you did this!

It's almost like informed consent. As a new bander, I was not prepared for the level of discomfort after the surgery. Upon reflection, I realized the doctors office smoothed over that by saying everyone is different (true), I watched utube videos of the procedure, it looked pretty straight forward with very small amounts of blood, not traumatic. I have had surgery before, not that big of a deal. So when my first experience with co2 gas inflating the abdomen surgery was performed, the breath taking pain from the gas looking for a way to dissipate, completely caught me off guard. I would have loved to know from folks who experienced this that it was normal, it hurts, and it will go away after a few days, as well as coping strategies. It would not have changed my mind about being banded, it would prepare me for " normal" and "lucky" if it did not happen! at least you know nothing is wrong. The surgery part, no big deal. I already love my band, it was the right choice for me.

I know not many people will have this at their disposal, but I too could not take a deep breath. My husband has a rehab machine that looks like the gear box of a bicycle. You peddle with your hands. I swear, it is what gave me relief. It increased my breathing, and the gas went away. Recline, don't lie flat, and use a moist heating pad. I did take gas x saw no improvement, but on day three I had a Pepcid. It was the final piece to relieve the pain. The surgery incisions are nothing, it's the gas. The doctor & staff glossed over that part, so no, I was not expecting it to be that intense.

It's days like that, that make you realize how good you have it the rest of the time! Haha! Congrats ladies we did it, and it only gets better! Big hugs to all of you!

Is this like one used for pregnancy?

Musinex 12 hour extended. Works.

Four days post op, happy -right with you!

What a great idea BethA! We could all use this one on the days when you just can't fit all your Protein in. Thanks!

I tried the vanilla Unjury. Sorry lucabeth, I thought it was so disgusting, I did "recycle" it. Usually, my husband likes things a little different than I do, he couldn't get this brand down either. What I did do was buy sample packets of different brands to find one I liked, instead of investing in too much of something.

Hey dand03!

Aaaah, so sorry you feel bad. I don't know if it helps to know, we all have been through this too. Each day you will feel better and better. If the pain is from the gas used in surgery, walk, walk, walk every hour and a half. I have a treadmill, so starting out on the slowest lowest speed, I would walk until I fatigued- that was really just a few minutes. If you can swing your arms or do windmills with your arms, that helps. It's important to push through it. A heating pad, the moist ones, are so helpful, a recliner or wedge on your bed helps too. When I had a headache, I used an ice pack around the back of my neck. I was not prepared mentally for the pain level, I am grateful my doc gave me a Rx for Tylenol with codeine. It gets better! Take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself! Hugs!

What are you scared of? Is it the decision to have the lap band? The surgery? The diet? The unknown? Everyone is scared, maybe it is expressed in other ways, but having some anxiety is normal. Follow your doctors instructions, it seems like there are many approaches to the pre and post op instructions, as there are doctors! The day before my surgery I opened up lap band talk, and quickly left the site. It was a day of horror stories and since I knew in my being, this was the right choice for me, I did not want to put any negative images in my mind.

My shakes had fat free organic milk and slices of frozen fruit with vanilla Bari Care shake mix. I would actually buy them out if they were sold in public, they were that good. This site has some amazing people on it who are helpful and supportive if you reach out. I know you will do just fine! Get creative with your shakes, this part is more about healthy and reducing fat around your liver, than loosing weight- but that's a bonus! Shake, shake, shake!

What about using a pill crusher, put it in a spoonful of applesauce and pop it down?

Wow! What a long way to come body and mind! Thanks for sharing that, it really does brighten my day to hear all the positive mile stones. I too am enjoying this site, there is something to be learned from every post. Do the happy dance!

Yikes! So sorry to hear this for you. Can't help with info, but wanted to let you know we care! They will figure it out. Good luck!

FYI, hoping this helps... I woke up with severe heartburn. Call your doc or send them an email to make sure it's ok... But OMG... what a difference Pepcid makes!

I too, am one day post op. right there with you when it comes to the shoulder pain. IPLB. Gave me some great advice about walking every hour and a half. I did that during the day and most of the night. I have some discomfort on day two, but nothing like it was yesterday. I hope to be even further along when I move around tomorrow.

Hang in there! It gets better! We are coming out of our cocoon- on our way to fly butterfly! Feel better soon!

It's easy to get sucked into the negative, remember, the complications are pretty low. Try to look at it as getting by one more day. Enjoy your bath, and the rest of the evening. It will look better in the morning!

Sorry you are struggling with this. You had ALOT done. Be kind to yourself, and try to relax. Sometimes we just need a little time to let our bodies and our emotions heal before we tackle more challenges. hope you feel better soon.

Since everyone says each person is different, I would listen to your body. If you are loosing and staying full, I feel your doc will let you know if you do not need additional. How awesome to be there so soon!

I use Greek yogurt, about 2 oz of juice, 3 frozen strawberry, a few frozen blueberries,

Sometimes two slices of frozen banana, 3 ice cubes. I think the key is all the fruit is frozen. It is milkshake consistency once blended. You can also use tofu.

I tried making a Protein Shake from fresh fruit, I found it disgusting.

What do you do when your energy is low? Do yo drink something? Eat something? Exercise? supplements? What works for you as a bandster?

Fage, chobani.

Good luck! We are wishing you well on your new journey!

Good luck! We are all wishing you well! Just do it!

I love the idea on a weight loss chart! Gonna go make one up and and measurements for inches. Might even put today's clothing size and as it gets smaller.

I need that motivation to remind me to move it! Thanks Hoover!

Hey GG,

I know you are right after Hannaband and myself. Blessings sent your way, and I hope you are only happy excited for Thursday! Will try to post and keep you informed.