I have enjoyed reading all of your stories and anecdotes. Thank you, I gain more confidence the more I read here. I have an embarrassing question, yet one I need to seriously consider when deciding if/when to be banded. So... the question for all of you so much more knowledgeable than me... How long after banding would you have been comfortable lecturing in front of a room full of people for 4 hours without having to run to a bathroom? I need to do this 4 or 5 days a week and I am quite nervous that I won't be able to for a month or more.

I would say 3 - 4 weeks.

I was banded Dec 15th went back to work the 29th for just 4 hours and was exhausted same with today. I teach classes from time to time and there is no way I could teach a 90 min class.

I have enjoyed reading all of your stories and anecdotes. Thank you, I gain more confidence the more I read here. I have an embarrassing question, yet one I need to seriously consider when deciding if/when to be banded. So... the question for all of you so much more knowledgeable than me... How long after banding would you have been comfortable lecturing in front of a room full of people for 4 hours without having to run to a bathroom? I need to do this 4 or 5 days a week and I am quite nervous that I won't be able to for a month or more.

Immediately - at least after recovery. My experience only - I took off a week from work but could have gone back after two days. I was fine...like nothing happened. Generally after surgery your body needs to heal for approximately 6 weeks. Of course, follow your doctor's advice as to what to eat. I am a slow loser though. I was banded in Feb and for my first checkup after surgery I had only lost 15 lbs. Around April-May-June, my fills were more aggressive and I did have to be more careful but still pretty much fine. It is a tool and I think each person's experience is a little different. Getting used to this 'thing' inside of you - it has a mind of it's own - I call mine 'Princess'. I am glad to say Princess and I are getting along pretty well lately and am THRILLED to be down 80 lbs. I hope to be 100 by my Feb bandiversary...aggressive but we'll see. Best of luck and listen to your doc! I have found different advice from the PAs and my doctor - the doctor really is right! GOOD LUCK!

I went back to work after 6 days & was fine.

Run to the bathroom? Why? As far as I know the band does not change your bathroom habits. At least it didn't mine. Do you mean because of the liquid diet or mushies? I'm not sure if others were sensitive to liquids but they seemed to agree with me just fine! I was only required to do liquids 2 weeks pre-op & one week post-op.

Good luck on your journey! It's the best thing I've ever done for myself!

I did have some issues for about two weeks after I was banded. After that, I was just fine. I actually became part of my surgeons seminars and get up in front of everyone and tell my story with my before pics. No problems at all now of course. But, it was a good two weeks before I was comfortable being out anywhere without a bathroom for any length of time.

Thanks for the quick responses. I know there are a percentage of people who experience diarrhea for several weeks after the procedure, and that's my fear. That can sure be a problem when in front of a room of people and you can't leave. Anyone with other experiences they can relate would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

I had surgery on a Friday and was back at work on Monday. No issues bathroom or otherwise. A little tired the first day back but after that fine.