I'm not getting banded for six weeks (all because my PCP can't see me until 4/20 grrrrr.)

For those who are already banded, how did you prepare? And is there anything you wish you'd done beforehand to help yourself get ready? One thing I've been thinking about is starting to exercise, but even just walking, I can only get halfway down the block before my feet legs and back start to hurt really bad. Any suggestions - especially for other ways to start exercising - would be welcome.

Makes a lot of sense. Thanks a bunch.

I have a recliner, well my DH has one, I slept in the bed from the day I came home, just not on the tummy for a few weeks.

My doctor said I could have any liquids that would fit through a straw, but don't use a straw. Did ya know thin gravy will fit through a straw, LOL.

HELLO ALL!!!! BANDED THIS MORNING. OMIGOSH! THE FIRST THING THAT WENT THROUGH MY MIND WHEN I WOKE UP WAS "what in the hell did i do to myself?!!!"

WHAT DID I DO?

I HURT SO MUCH. THEY SAID, DRINK YOUR WATER AND YOU CAN GO HOME. SO I SIPPY SIP. BUT ALAS I SIPPY SIP TO MUCH. I DONT REALLY THINK IT WAS... BUT I WAS. I RALPFED LOTS OF WATER BUBBLES. NOT MUCH, BUT BOY DID IT SOUND BAD. I HAD DO A BARIUM SWALLOW AND ALL WAS WELL. GOT DRESSED, MY SON TOOK ME HOME, SET ME UP IN THE LIVING ROOM. COULDNT DO THAT. SWITCHED TO MY BEDROOM. ME AND MY SYRUP. I JUST WOKE AND THOUGHT IT WAS TOMORROW. MY SAID SAID NO. ITS STILL TODAY! WHERE EXACTLY DOES THE 'RESIDUAL GAS' SHOULDER PAIN RESIDE? LEFT OR RIGHT? IF IT WAS THE LEFT... THEN MY EARLIER PAIN IS NOW GONE AND THANK GOODNESS. TONIGHT I FEEL AS IF I WILL BE FINE AT WORK ON MONDAY. GOD WILLING I WILL BE. BANDED LIFE HERE I COME!! -R

I'm not getting banded for six weeks (all because my PCP can't see me until 4/20 grrrrr.)

For those who are already banded, how did you prepare? And is there anything you wish you'd done beforehand to help yourself get ready? One thing I've been thinking about is starting to exercise, but even just walking, I can only get halfway down the block before my feet legs and back start to hurt really bad. Any suggestions - especially for other ways to start exercising - would be welcome.

I would love to take my dogs for walks and go shopping at Wal-Mart without my feet and back killing me. I'm in the same position you are, and can't wait to get banded. I have aways to go too before I get everything in order. It isn't going as fast as I hoped, but I've been patient for a very long time clearing up an ulcer and soon I'll be visiting my kids in Tennessee....I can't wait to see them. Dogs are going too. Costs a fortune to take them, but I won't leave home without them. They go in carriers in compartments underneath especially heated and cooled for animals, but they charge almost as much as for a passenger.

I think the best thing you can do to prepare is get the necessary ingredients you need for your Protein shakes etc. before hand and make sure you have loose clothing. I can't think of much more you can do to prepare. I know that is what I'm going to do. I'm going to buy Gas-X and some other things and Protein Shakes. I don't think you will get much excercise beforehand if you are hurting so I wouldn't worry about it. I think the time to get the exercise is after you are banded and feeling better....then maybe some of the pain in your back and feet will be gone.

I AM SOOOOO GLAD THAT THAT IS ONE THING THAT I DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY about: DRINKING OR NOT DRINKING WITH MEALS. YEHA. MY FRIENDS ALWAYS THINK IM WIERD BECAUSE I HAVE MY BEVERAGE after MY MEALS.

Wyld.. Congrats on the banding!!

Have you practiced NOT drinking after meals? You should wait up to two hours and at least 45 minutes depending on your doc. I suppose it doesn't matter during your liquid phase, but when you start mushies...

This is still the hardest thing for me. I was big on after meal tea or coffee, but not anymore, sniff.

Hope your healing is rapid and painless.