Hi everyone!

I was just wondering if anyone has had a C-section and then the Lap Band. ..which surgery is worst when it comes to the pain and gas post-op?

I've had 3 C-sections in the past and I'm pretty sure the banding can't be worst. :-/

I had a c-section at midnight and at 6 a.m. I was trying to get out of bed to go to the nursery. The nurses said they usually have to force people to get out of bed and walk. With me they kept telling me to 'take it easy' because I kept walking the halls. Two weeks after my c-section I was back at work teaching. I'd say the band was easier because it was done laparascopically so the healing time was shorter. I was back at work the day after my band. Didn't have gas pains and didn't take pain meds with either one (other than aspirin).

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I have had 3 C-Sections and just had Lap Band surgery on Monday. There is very minimal physical pain involved with the Lap Band. I was given morphine in recovery around 10:00 that morning and didn't have any other pain medication until I left the hospital at 5:30 that afternoon. I have taken one pain pill a day. I do this at night to help me sleep better. Most laproscopic procedures are a walk in the park compared to an open procedure such as a C-Section.

On the other hand, there is more emotional/mental stress with the Lap Band. I was not prepared for the anxiety I have gone through the past few days. I went into this surgery knowing 110% that I wanted it. I followed every part of the pre-op diet and lost 21 lbs. by the day of surgery. Even so, the true realization of what I was doing did not kick in until the procedure was done and over with. Do I regret having the Lap Band surgery? Not in a million years.

Just don't go into this thinking it is the "easy way out" because it is far from easy. As you probably already know, this procedure requires a complete lifestyle change. There are steps that you have to follow. The things you do without even thinking (take a pill when needed, pour yourself a glass of coke, grab a quick snack as you head out the door, lick the Peanut Butter off the knife when making your kids a sandwich, etc.) will all come to a very quick halt! I have to continuously remind myself that I am not that same person.

Keep your "eye on the prize" and you will do just fine. Be prepared for any emotional changes that may come along. Stay in touch with the people on this forum as they have been a wonderful support system for me. Best of luck!