I was just banded yesterday by Dr. Buckley of NSMC, I had no complications, I was initially in some moderate pain, and I felt like I had to have a BM but the nurse told me that was normal because of the gases used during surgery. I was up and out of bed within an hour after the recovery room to go pee. I find the pain to be tolerable nothing like my C-section with my child. I was home by dinner time, and felt even better this morning. I do think that my prep work for the surgery is what is helping my quick recovery. I started an exercise regimen a month before the surgery in which I did a lot of ab exercises and I truly believe it helps tremendously with your ability to tolerate the pain post op. I hope this suggestion helps those out there with this aspect of the surgery. I also was hoping to get some suggestions about eating after placement of the band. I had chicken broth with tiny fideos or noodles in it pre-op is it safe to resume this or is it too soon?

You need to check with your doctor on what to eat post op (did they not give you instructions?) Each doctor differs, but most say liquids only (no chunks) for at least the first week.

Our stories sound very similar, but the 3rd and 4th days after surgery were my worst; I was out shopping the day after mine and then felt like hell the day after. Just keep in mind (no matter how good you are feeling) that you did have surgery, so be careful about doing too much. Best of luck!