littleroo1

Thinner_me is exactly right! I also think that there are so many more bandsters out there not posting on this site that are doing great and we just would never know about it! You will know when you have made the right decision... good luck!

I was going to add that I took a week off work because we traveled from Florida to Colorado for my surgery. My co-workers all think I was on a great vacation - which I was! They all told me I was looking nice and refreshed from my time away.

I was only out a week! It is definitely possible! My surgery was last Wednesday at noon. The next morning, DH and I took a trip 45 minutes south and I got lots of walking in. Aside from being a little tired and sore, I knew it was in my benefit to be moving around. We took another trip the next day and we were at the zoo for about 5 hours, walking around and standing. I would sit when I needed to. I went to work yesterday with no problems. I do have a desk job. Here I am 6 days out and each day I am less sore each day. By the end of this week, I really see myself almost back to normal. I really think the key is to be up moving early. The night of my surgery I went to Target - not for long, but I did. I think you'll be fine! As my surgeon said, you will be surprised how well you feel afterwards! I was really worried about feeling terrible. I told DH to make sure that I was up and walking around, doing things even if I was complaining that I didn't want to. I knew it was the best to get me on the speedy recovery track!

Mandi, my official post-op instructions were not to drive or drink alcohol for 24 hours after surgery, obviously longer if you are taking narcotics. That I could regain normal non-strenuous activities within a day of the surgery. My surgery was on Wednesday at noon. The next morning, DH and I took a trip 45 minutes south and I got lots of walking in. Aside from being a little tired and sore, I knew it was in my benefit to be moving around. We took another trip the next day and we were at the zoo for about 5 hours, walking around and standing. I would sit when I needed to. I went to work yesterday with no problems. Here I am 6 days out and each day I am less sore each day. By the end of this week, I wouldn't have any problem with normal walking/standing at all. I really think the key is to be up moving early. The night of my surgery I went to Target - not for long, but I did. I didn't have any restrictions on what I couldn't lift either. If it was too heavy, I'd feel it and stop. Like I could pull my suitcase, but DH had to take it off the bed for me. I think you'll be fine! As my surgeon said, you will be surprised how well you feel afterwards!

If you are planning on being out and about for any period of time afterwards, like you are up for a day trip or sightseeing, take an insulated lunch bag and some cold packs. I had liquid antibiotics and pain medicines that I was to take after surgery. Even just flying back, I needed to keep them cold. But that was the best idea I thought of! Besides the gas-x (I had the chewable extra strength gas-x plus Malox and they worked!), bring some throat losenges with you. The sore throat from the breathing tube was worse than my incisions for the first 2 days. I had my own refillable bottle that I could keep sipping on. Oh yeah, I was super glad to have packed a heating pad! Sometimes my neck and shoulders were bothering me, more at night, and it felt good to prop myself up in the bed and have that over my shoulders for the gas pain.

Bloo - Definitely the worst is behind you!!! I was the worst the day right after surgery, but I can tell you each morning afterwards, you can tell it is better. Get enough Protein and Water and get some walking in if you can. That helps keep all the circulation moving and the gas monsters away. You CAN DO this - in fact, you ALREADY are!!

Found this for you since I probably didn't do a good job of pointing you in the right direction! Questions to ask about surgery

Welcome Vanessa! I don't have any advice about the insurance route as I was self-pay. I think in the Q&A section a few forums away, there is a great list of questions that you might want to ask. There's a lot of support here and information! It will keep you busy for a while!! Good luck with your consultation!

Dr. Rumbaut was definitely on the top of my list for surgeons but I remained in the states. Several people I know personally went to him and loved the entire experience. Today is your banding date! Good luck and have a speedy recovery!!

I read somewhere on this board moons ago that papaya enzyme can help with a PB. I have a tin of chewables that I will give a go when this happens to me. Got them at GNC. Don't know if it is going to work for me yet or not but I'm willing to try it! I think it's a good idea to have a large cup in the car.... thanks!!!

I think everyone is worried about loosing enough - but it is really to make your liver easy to work with like already mentioned. You are going to do fine!! 16 pounds is great!!! I *only* lost 12 or so on my pre-op diet and I have to remind myself that it is a great accomplishment!

I'm going to use Bio-Oil on mine. I'm pretty realistic that *I* will probably always see them, but others may not. Battle scars are not a bad thing!

I was just banded last Wednesday and they let me wear a fresh tampon before I was wheeled in. Just tell the nurse that is helping you pre-op. There has been a variety of threads about this issue and every hospital has a different opinion and protocol. Good luck and wishing you a very speedy recovery!!!

Hey Toots!!! I was banded on the 5th as well. I'm sorry you had to go back in for some TLC.... I'm glad to hear you are doing much better now!

Andrea, Welcome!! If I can give you any advice, start a simple walking program now if you aren't already. When the surgery comes and goes, the walking helps sooo much in your recovery! It will be a snap for you if you're already used to it! You will find tons of support on this site!

Welcome!! The lap-band is a tool and if you work the bandster rules, you will be successful! I was just banded on Wednesday and I know this is the best decision I have ever made for my health. I would suggest going to a seminar at a clinic near you, but you don't have to commit to using the doctor at all. I didn't have insurance approval, I went self-pay. I can't give you any advice there, but you can call them and see if they cover weight loss surgery. If they do they will probably require a BMI of at least 40 or 35 with current health issues. You might also have to follow a supervised diet for 6 months or so... some want a year. Good luck! Look around here - you will find tons of support!!

I was banded last Wednesday and I will be going back to work on Monday. I do have a desk job. My surgery was not in my hometown so I traveled by plane for 3.5 hours yesterday and I was fine. The day I was most sore was the day after the surgery. Everyday has gotten a bit better since.

I was just banded on Wednesday and mine was 78 minutes. My doctor says he averages about 1 hour, 15 minutes.

It will be a day of traveling for you. I'm in Tampa too! Rejoice in the fact that this will probably the last trip you have to squeeze into an airplane seat!

I was considering Mexico but I found Dr. Kirshenbaum instead! The care you get in Mexico has been great for all the people I know that went there. For me, it wasn't the right choice. Dr. K is at least half of what I would pay if I stayed in my area with self-pay.

Have you looked into the Isopure drinks in the glass bottles? One bottle has 40 grams of protein and they come in different fruit flavors. I've seen them at GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, those kind of places.

Congrats to you both!!! Wishing you a speedy recovery! Welcome to LBT!

Congrats!!! October will be here before you know it!

Welcome! Congratulations on your band! How has your recovery been?

Hi Nan! I think it's very natural to be nervous. You've agreed to go into surgery willingly! It has helped me to keep a list handy of all the reasons why I am choosing to live a better life as a smaller person. That gets me through my scared moments. We all have them, but I have the courage to keep going! I choose my health and really I should be scared if I don't!