Hello everyone I was banded on yesterday, March 5,2012 and so far doing great. I've been up walking and drinking clear fluids since abt 4hrs after surgery! I go home today. Any input or suggestions on things that helped you guys at home afterwards? Any input greatly appreciated.. I AM A BANSTER??? WHOOT WHOOT

I found that a heating pad helped me immensely, both for the gas pains and just the soreness.

The nurses swore by peppermint tea, but I never tried it.

Congrats and welcome to bandland! Walk, walk and walk some more! (it really helps with the gas pains....)

Gas x is your friend! And walking. The gas pains, for me, were far worse than the surgery wounds. I am 7 days post op and finally ( giving thanks to God for it!) the gas pains in my left shoulder are mostly gone. Still feel them here and there' but not constant like they were.

Remember to sip all day. And sip slowlyyyyy.

First of all, let me say CONGRATS!!! I have been banded for almost 3 months now. Just had my second fill yesterday. I would say the best suggestion I have is to keep moving. It will help that gas go away faster and you will heal quicker. I was back to work 3 days after my band, and yes, I was still a little sore but no one at work knew any different. They just thought I took a couple days of PTO. Your first week, you will not be very hungry. The most important thing to remember is to stay hydrated. DRINK all day, little sips at a time. Warm broth helped my throat when it felt raw. After the first week is when it gets harder because the hunger comes back and broth just doesnt seem to cut it anymore. Protein shakes are your friend. I used popsicles and protein shakes quite a bit, then moved to yogurt and blended cottage cheese. Once I got to mushies, I felt so much better to actually have a little 'food'. Each step feels great. Just keep positive, even if the unexpected happens! (My port flipped sometime before my first fill and I had to go back in to have the dr fix it before I could have my first fill)...the trick is to remember that its just a speed bump, there to slow you down just a little, but you will get over it and things will go smoothly once again

Welcome to bandland

Welcome and congrats on the start of your journey! Best wishes. Karen

Day 5 things started feeling better for me. I am on day six now. Something important for me was milk of magnesia. I didn't think about the fact that I didn't have a BM for three days. The gas and bloating was excruciating! The magnesium and gas ex helped tremendously!