Hi there! I have been researching, reading blogs, talking to support people...trying to get ready for my Feb 15th surgery! I start my pre-op diet Wednesday.

My question to all you successful bandsters is: What should I get/do before the surgery that I will want/need right after?

I have 2 weeks of shakes for post-op (just like the 2 weeks pre-op) and I bought sugar-free popsicles. Basically, the rest of my refrigerator is empty (I live alone).

I did buy some tylenol today...as I was a fan of Advil and Aleve.

Any hints? Tips? Things you wish someone would have told you?

Thanks! Getting super excited

I had protein shakes, protein soup (terrible tasting I may add!) and sugar free popsicles. I did like to freeze the shakes because I am an eater not a drinker! Other than that, I think I was good to go. I did like wearing the support band they gave me, I know others who had lapband and didn't get one. I had a postop dr visit on day 12 and she let me start eating soft foods that day. I made it through the 12 days, but I was dying for some food!

im being banded tmwr i bought broth jell-o popsciles broth soup lots of crystal lite,protein powder for shakes my Dr.gave me a shopping list so it helped alot also today i had breakfast an now all liquids till midnite no pre-op diet just south beach...

Make soup and freeze it.

You very quickly get tired of everything you eat being sweet.

Soups taste like real food and are more satisfying than Jello and shakes. They also helped resolve my nausea.

Hi there! I have been researching, reading blogs, talking to support people...trying to get ready for my Feb 15th surgery! I start my pre-op diet Wednesday.

My question to all you successful bandsters is: What should I get/do before the surgery that I will want/need right after?

I have 2 weeks of shakes for post-op (just like the 2 weeks pre-op) and I bought sugar-free popsicles. Basically, the rest of my refrigerator is empty (I live alone).

I did buy some tylenol today...as I was a fan of Advil and Aleve.

Any hints? Tips? Things you wish someone would have told you?

Thanks! Getting super excited

Not to buy all the ish I did! LOL! I didn't use the gas strips, Jello, pudding, or those expensive, nasty Protein shots. Just stick to the basics.

Have your liquid pain med filled before surgery. Soup, sf jello, ff cool whip is good on the jello. SF fudgesicles, grits, oatmeal, sf pudding. I could have full liquids as long as they could be swallowed without chewing. So make grits, oatmeal, cream of wheat very thin. If V-8 soup is available in your area it is delish. Good luck and happy banding!

All of these food suggestions are great, but I have some non-food suggestions for you as well...

Make sure you have some good "loungy" pants-like track pants or sweats. Something with a draw-string waist that will be non-irritating on your incisions. I also suggest a sports bra and slip-on shoes. That was my big mistake...I wore tennis shoes, thinking I would want something comfortable for when I was discharged...my hubby had to put them back on for me!

I wore my PJ bottoms and a t-shirt, no bra cause I didn't care, I wore a jacket anyway. Houseshoes with a hard sole and took a throw pillow (a small pillow of any type will work) to hold against your incisions when you have to start moving. Good Luck!

What saved me the first few days was a recliner, if you don't have one maybe borrow one. I couldn't lie flat and the recliner was a real pain saver. The pillow to hold to your abdomen is a really good thing. I'm a nurse so I will tell you to walk immediately, it really helps the gas pain and it helps you feel better faster. Also, take deep breaths and cough for the first couple days to keep your lungs clear, all of this helped me. I was banded last Thursday 1/26 and am returning to work tomorrow. I do sit at a desk (supervisor) so that helps but get up and move asap...

extra pillows to prop you up at night. i couldnt sleep flat for the first couple of night. i am single but i had friends stay with me the first feww night cuz i needed help getting in a out of bed.

gas strips did nuthn for me. but all the other advice is good