I was banded 11/7/12. Before I was banded, I ask my doctor if I could still barrel race after I healed, even took a picture of me doing this. He said absolutely sure, no physical limitations. To anyone not familiar with barrel racing, it's running a horse wide open, quickly turning 3 barrels, all in the fastest time you can. It does consist of hard bouncing in the saddle. After reading on this forum about band slippage, I'm just a little concerned. I'm going to wait at least 8 weeks post op before I return to the saddle. He said 3 weeks but I really don't think he understood the physical demands involved in this sport. What do ya'll post banders think? Any help appreciated!

I think your surgeon is right...but only you know your body. Get out there on the horse @ 3 weeks and see how you feel...if ok...then go for it. The band is stitched to your stomach so the jostling shouldn't cause a slip.

I think you're wise to wait a little longer than three weeks, but I would think you can eventually get back to it. My stitches ripped out and my band slipped and what caused it, we're not sure.

I have barrel raced -- wait a bit longer!

I think you would know best but 6 wks is always said to be the healing time for anything major.

I would most likely give it 6 weeks to completely heal or when you feel your stamina is back 100%.

I would probably wait at least 6 weeks to make sure your body has totally healed. I am a little nervous about getting back on my horse for fear of falling off and doing something to my band which is why I am waiting until the spring to ride.

Thanks to all for the help. I have decided to wait at least until Jan 1st. It's going to be hard but better safe than sorry!