I am scheduled for surgery on the 22nd... I have all kinds of emotions running through me right now. I have so many questions also. What should I bring to the hospital, what should I buy before surgery? Any tips????? Also for those who have been banded what was the the average weight you lost in the in the 1st month and also month 3? I know everyone is different I just want to know so I am not setting unrealstic goals.

Thanks! This site has been a blessing in my whole lapband process/journey!

A must have that I brought to the hospital with me was a chap stick for my lips which were incredibly dry...

For your post op recovery, I would be certain to have at home prior to your surgery all of the prescriptions your surgeon should have given you...especially liquid pain medication. Both the prescription and liquid acetaminophen. I relied on these for a couple of days.

There are conflicting opinions as to the effectiveness of using a heating pad post op in the area of my incisions, but I did find that it was soothing and did not cause any increased length of time for the incisions to heal. Also, being prepared to cope with the discomfort of post op gas is essential. Some participants on the forum swear by the effectiveness of Gas-X. I had it a home, but it did nothing to help me. The gas you have discomfort with post op is not the same as gas from digestive issues, which is the type of gas Gas-X is formulated to help. The best therapy for resolving post op gas for me was to walk around the house often, for short lengths of time. I also did as much walking while in the hospital as the nursing staff would allow me to do.

Make sure to visit the grocery store prior to your surgery. Stock up on your necessary ingredients for your Protein shakes, SF liquids, SF popsicles, SF Jello, and because I ended up getting strong cravings for salt a few times, I also had cans of plain chicken broth in our pantry.

As for rate of weight loss, no two individuals will experience the same. It's much healthier to only establish goals for yourself, and sometimes comparing yourself to others can precipitate unnecessary feelings of discouragement. This question would be better if answered by your surgeon. I would also advise you to not become obsessed with your scale. Minor fluctuations in your weight are normal, and I've read way too many posts from others who report how discouraged they are at gaining 1 or 2 pounds. It happens, is normal, and you will continue to see the scale move in the right direction if you continue to comply with your diet.

Best wishes to you as you begin your journey...

This is a great question. I am nervous as well. Although my surgery probably won't be till October ( fingers crossed ). I'm a little beyond nervous actually. : /

I would recommend a small travel pillow to hold against your stomach for getting in/out of cars, out of bed, on the toilet, walking, etc for the first few days. I also would recommend a Chapstick and having all required food items in house.

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Weight loss varies so much its really hard to give a straight answer. For example, I lost 7 pounds on my preop diet, but after my friday surgery i seemed to have gained 5 pounds (!!!!!!!)

Makes absolutely no sense since I have only eaten soup practically.

So you see, there is no one general answer anyone can give

I don't think there is much for you to bring with you because you won't be there that long. Some people are same day but some are overnight. I was suppose to stay 1 night but needed to stay 2 because gas pain in my shoulder from anesthesia took longer to clear. The amount of weight you lose will truly depend on your pre-surg BMI, how active you are and what you drink or eat post-surg. I lost 35% of my excess BMI within the first 5 or 6 wks but I also followed a very strict post-surg. diet that my MD ordered. It was mostly clear broths, sugarless jello, sugarless frozen pops. I very gradually worked in very low carb protein drinks and then small amounts of protein and veggies. I have tried to stick to low carbs and watch calories but I fall off the wagon every once in a while. I'm a real couch potato and I know that I would have met goal a long time ago if I had been active. I have only recently begun to exercise. I went to a barriatric center in a large teaching hospital. They sent me through all types of testing and they also have very detailed barriatric manuals that contain detailed instructions and lists on how to prepare, what to buy for pre/post processses, what to eat and when to eat it, what to expect and do etc. I think all barriactic surgeons should provide written details. You or your insurance company are shelling out good money for this surgery and I hope patients let surgeons know that we expect good care. If your MD hasn't given this to you --- there are several good lap band guides that contains all these good tips on Amazon. Just search "lap band" and they'll come up. I have "Lap-Band for Life" by Ariel Langardere and it's very good but there are others that cost less and look good too. The best advise I can give you is -- do not abuse your band or take it for granted. If you don't find out how to take care of your band and change the way you eat -- you will be at very high risk of band complication and band loss. There are a lot of people that have run into problems and lost their band. Sometimes -- it just happens no matter what --- but usually it happens because either the MD wasn't good enough or we didn't do what we were suppose to do after we got the band. The band is a tool but you must do your part too or there will be problems. Best of luck.

Great advice here, especially the Chapstick! I totally forgot that one when I had my surgery and regretted it!

I found small bottles of Water were very useful after surgery at home. I had the 8oz Dannon bottles and they were perfect to carry around with me and sip, but small enough to handle when I honestly didn't want anything to drink but knew I had to make myself. I left the empties next to my sink until the end of the day and would count them to track to my water for the day.

I am 3 months post op and I have lost 35 pounds since surgery. I did not taking anything to the hospital because mine was outpatient but I did take a small pillow for in the car to put between me and the seatbelt. I would say taking comfy clothes and probably some pants that have a stretchy band.

Wont need to take much to the hospital, and the hospital i had surgery gave me a small pillow, im 2 months out and sincw surgery ive lost 17 pounds, lost 17 pre op total so far 34 pounds.

I didnt need much in hospital - a good book is the most important thing!

I didnt have to do a pre op diet so I had a post surgical experience which is probably what everyone imagines but not everyone gets. I lost weight rapidly and dramatically, 17kg (40lb or so) in the first three months which was actually HALF my excess weight. I went on to lose well over 100% of my excess weight (meaning I went right past a BMI of 25, down to about 19). The rest of the weight loss was really slow, it took me three years to lose 120lb. But those first few months were easy, automatic, effortless weight loss. It was really the band that did it all. After that it took work.

Thanks everyone for all the great info/advise!