I am considering lap band. I went to a seminar in Concord off of Dale Ernhardt BLVD a couple of months ago.. I am 250+ lbs (I'm 254) and have back trouble anyway. I think if anything the lap band is my best bet. But I was wondering about recovery. My hubby and I own our own business and I have a toddler. When I had my back surgery, I couldn't move for a month at least. I also had to quit my job... I can't afford to do either of those this time... How hideous is recovery time? I've had a cesarian (spelling) section and back surgery.. So I am very familar with surgery. Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction.

Thank You!

My Dr. said I will be back at work in 4 days. I have a 6 month old, and don't think it will be any trouble keeping up with her.

I was up and going the day after surgery. I did take a week off of work, and probably only needed 3 days, but I have an office job. If you have a job where you're up and on your feet all day they recommend 2 weeks off of work; 1 week for office jobs. The referred shoulder pain was the worst part for me.

If you can afford to take a week off of work it's worth it. Many people here even go back after a couple of days. Good luck!

Welcome Rebecca! Charlotte area lap-banders & lap band wannabees like me meet monthly for lunch, support, and warm conversation. We are getting together this Saturday, Nov 5th at Ruby Tuesdays I-77 & Arrowood Rd at 11:30 a.m. Please join us if you can.

Hey Rebecca! I'm in Charlotte too. I suppose your seminar was with Dr Bauman? Several here have had their surgeries with him and are well-pleased.

I agree with the week off of work. I have 2 kiddos, one in school and a 2yo, so I was home with the 2yo. I had surgery on Friday, came home on Sturday, and hubby went to work on Monday. I was exhausted Monday evening. Poor kid watched TV all day and I felt bad for him, but he was happy. I just had a hard time with the sudden lack of calories. I was tired!!!! I was sore, but not bad. I slept on the recliner for a few nights and did the heating pad on my shoulders/back and tummy. Pain-wise, it wasn't bad at all. Certainly not compared to 2 C-sections. My sister stayed with me for 2 days, then my dad, and it was better. I just had someone handy to lift my son and watch him while I rested and it was fine. Hubby is self-employed so he HAD to work. thankfully Dad and Sis have flexible schedules so they pitched in.

You should come to lunch on Saturday! You'll see bandsters at all stages in action. It'll be fun! You'll learn more than at a seminar, I promise!

Anyway, hope you can come. If not, ask away. We are happy to answer. Welcome to LBT!

I had lapband surgery with Dr. Bauman 3 weeks ago today. I have been back at the gym for 2 weeks now working out 60-70 minutes a day. I think I could have went back earlier, but hubby wouldn't let me until after the 1 week check up. I started working there also a week ago with the kids. So I'm on my feet most of the morning working, and then go work out an hour and I'm doing fine. I would think this is alot easier than back surgery or cesarian. Maybe someone that has one of the other will chime in too. And like Karen said....come and join us for lunch on saturday. So far we have about 9 people coming, and I think 6 are banded already. It's a great group of ladies...and you can do yucky stuff like feel our ports and ask us tons of questions.

Melissa

I was banded by Dr. Bauman as well. Very good Dr and I am very pleased. I have lost 47 pounds in four months and I am very happy with the progress. Come and join us on Saturday it is going to be a good time and a lot of information. And yes you can feel our ports. Melissa you are sillY! lol

Angie

Welcome. I had surgery on 9-26 less than 3 weeks later I went on a 9 day cruise. When we were at the differen't ports we ran around a lot. I have been feeling wonderful! Represent a magazine but am basically self imployed so I took 2 weeks because I could. I was pretty tired and emjoyed the time. I'm sure you'll be fine. I am so thrilled I can't see straight.

Hope to see you Saturday.

Hi Rebecca,

Welcome to LBT....I was out a week it took about 2 to feel back to my old self but once the gas pains were gone I felt alot better. I to have a toddler and he wasn't that hard to tend to...I think if you have a week you will be good. Pick a slow time for you and your husband if you have that.

Not sure if you could come but there are about 10 us getting together, we all met here on the board, this saturday. It would wonderful if you could join us. We have a great time and it's very relaxing. Ruby Tuesday's @ arrowood and 77 at 11:30. Hope to see you there.

Rebecca,

You should be OK. I am like you - I had 6 surgeries before I had my lap band on October 27th. I was up and moving around that evening and I have been living a fairly normal existence at home. I am going back to work on Monday, which put me out for 2 weeks. Most of my trouble has been with the shoulder pain in my left shoulder and collarbone. Some say that is from the carbon dioxide that pump in during surgery, but I have heard a lot of people say that it is referred pain from your diaphram.