Hi, my name is Connie. I am 48 and have a bmi of 35.5 but have really uncontrolled diabetes. I have a 10 year old girl and a 4 year old boy and a 30 year old daughter and three grandchildren and would like to live a long time. I have decided to give myself a chance for better health with lap banding. I have all my pre -testing done and have a mental evaluation next week. When the doctor receives all the test scores he can then schedule the surgery and thought that they could do it in a month. I would like to ask how the eating process goes after the surgery. Will I be on liquids at first and if so how long. When can a person expect to eat solid food? I am having to go 150 miles from my home. The doctor said that he would like me to stay one day after surgery, but then he said that 150 miles wasn't that far away. I don';t know what to expect and how to plan on leaving the children or to take them with us (my husband and me). Thanks for any information

Hi Connie

Welcome to the Forum and congratulations on pre-approval. Your decision for a longer life and better health is worth the chance.

As far as post-op diets, doctors very in thier instructions. Most are clear liquids for a week, full liquids the next week then soft foods. Overall water and protien will be your most concern. Follow your doctors instructions.

I have a 2 year old son and a 6 year old daughter, I flew to Mexico by-myself and was there 3 days total when I had my band placed(sugery). Personally my kids don't travel well, I wouldn't have taken them anyway even if I were to have it done in the US.

One night in the Hospital is typical.

Good Luck and congratulations:D