Not too bad an experience. The worst part was the first 10 minutes waking up from the anesthesia after that I felt ok. However, I will not it feels like I got run over by a freight train in my upper gut Sleeping was too bad either I sleep on my side and was able to sleep on just the right side and occasionally my back. How long does this soreness last? Does anyone think I can drive a car a short distance today I sort of need to. How bout your diet the first day after, broth jello etc correct. I know they've told me a hundred times but I'm that person that looks at you and doesn't hear you

Congrats on your surgery! If you're feeling good enough to not take the pain meds, you're probably okay to drive. I took the medicine for maybe 2 days, then just at night for a few days.

You're right on the diet-broth, Jello, Protein shakes, and lots of Water. I think the rule with the water is sip it so that you are taking in about an ounce every 10 min. Really take it slow for the first few days.

thanks it's sooo hard to slowly sip !!!!!! I'm drinking the isopure clear protein 20oz first I started at 7am this morning and I'm sipping away.

I had to sleep on my back for about 2 weeks and hated it. I also made sure not to drive for a week like my surgeon said. Some people rationalize saying it's ok if you're not taking pain meds, but my doc said you use abdominal muscles to move your foot from brake to gas so you really shouldn't drive for a week so you've healed.

In Australia it is illegal to drive for 24 hours after a general anesthetic. You should be really careful, my clinic told me 5-7 days before i should drive.

I slept in my lounge chair for 3 days, couldn't lie flat.

Congrats on your band.

I drove the 3rd day after surgery, but I think it depends on how you're healing. Be careful driving while on the pain meds, though, I think that's the most danger you'll face... Getting in and out of the car was the hard part for me, but other than that I was fine. Just got banded myself recently, lost 30lbs in the first 5 weeks. Good luck!