I have been approved for surgery on March 11, My question is, Are there things that will make this easier, things that the doctors & nurses don't tell u. Like I know I will need liquid gas x, but really is there anything that you would have liked to have had or at least known about, that would have made your post op better? Thanks in advance.

I walked, and walked and walked. I believe this not only helps with the gas but aides in healing faster. My daughters would walk the neighborhood with me. It helped a lot!!!

I am going in 25.5 hours.

My doctor has me taking pepcid for 30 days following surgery.

A lot of people have said to bring a pillow for support on the ride home.

Walk around afterwards, bring lip balm into the hospital with you and the pillow isn't a bad idea either!

And, if you haven't done it yet, take a bunch of before photos and take your measurements and write them down! You will for sure want them later. :w00t:

Congratulations!

Catherine

The thing that helped me most w/the shoulder pain (from the gas) was to roll up a heating pad and put it in the crook of my neck. So, I would definitely recommend having a heating pad handy. At the hospital, the nurses would heat up a towel and put it on my shoulder when I would have really bad pain, but at home I used a heating pad.

I have been approved for surgery on March 11, My question is, Are there things that will make this easier, things that the doctors & nurses don't tell u. Like I know I will need liquid gas x, but really is there anything that you would have liked to have had or at least known about, that would have made your post op better? Thanks in advance.

Here's a list of 7 tips for preparing for getting banded:

1. Start documenting your journey - Use a 3 ring binder. Get a head on, full body before picture. Write down important phone numbers.

2. You’ve decided to have surgery, now who are you going to tell? – This is a very personal decision and should be carefully considered. Weight loss surgery is still not understood by many people. Once you tell someone you are getting a Lap-Band® or Realize® band, you can’t take it back.

3. Keep your doctor’s instructions in reach - You will be referring to these instructions frequently in the weeks before and immediately after surgery. Having them handy is important.

4. Useful things to bring with you the day of surgery that may not be on your doctor’s list – Your doctor’ list will include ID, insurance card, someone to drive you home. We add a pillow, your IPod® for distraction, and please wear loose, comfortable clothes.

5. Prepare your home for your first days after surgery-

Have someone available to check in on or look after you the first few days after your weight loss surgery. Take into consideration where you want to spend your time for your first few days home.

6. Stock up on things you will need for your first weeks after surgery - Can you say Protein drinks, Soups, sugar free popsicles and juices?

Learn from others who have bands and who have been successful - Use your doctor’s support groups and find a mentor. This journey of Banded Living can be more successful and more fun when you share it with others also on the same journey.

If this is useful for you please check out my blog for further tips. You can find it at:

Sandi's Banded Living — My Lapband Weight Loss Success Story

I'd be interested in your feedback

Wow, thank you so much everyone for your input. I have definately added a few things to my list, (not hubby or car approved yet, lol) I just want things to run smoothly on surgery day, as the days pass, I keep waivering from excited to anxiety.

On the upside I have take to the Wii - My fitness coach (name of the game) for some exercise and stress relief and it has help, not sure if I have lost any weight, as I am trying to hold out to get weighed on the day of surgery. Once again any and all tips are welcome:biggrin: