To all that have had the surgery! When you got home did you have a lot of pain? Did you find it very intense ? What was your first liquid and was it just a sip or are you able to drink more than a sip at a time? What was your first food like, how did it go down? My surgery is Thursday and these are some of my concerns.

I had surgery 12/3/12 and the pain felt as if I had done a bunch of crunches. It was sore but tolerable. I came home and watched a movie with my friends and had water. I did sip and no problems. I had broth for dinner. The only issue I had was not able to get all the fluid intake in and called my NUT and she said it was normal just to get as much in as possible to prevent dehydrating. I have a 4yr old daughter so staying down too long wasn't an option. Each day I felt better and better. Best of luck with ur surgery. I am down 25lbs and not regretting the surgery at all.

I had surgery12/7. Drank a lot of water and tea in hospital then went home and drank my 64 oz a day easily for a week. Was also able to eat / swallow jello. I had hernia repair too w lap band. As food stages approached I had no issues but I followed the rule about eating / drinking and chewing. Pain wise it was discomfort not painting me at least. I just took liquid Tylenol ( the cvs brand) every 4-6 hours and didn't take the pain meds dr sent with me bc they make me vomit. Gas is again very uncomfortable but I listened to my dr and was up walking day n night. I wasn't allowed to use a heating pad til after my 10day post op. now I use it every night before bed bc it helps the discomfort I feel. At about I month post op I finally feel back to myself and eating solids, just follow the rules and be mindful of what and how you are eating. You will do great. A few days of discomfort is worthy a healthy life.

I have had 3 c-sections, and the LB surgery pain was minimal compared. Like I had done crunches, as krzy said. I was tired, you're on minimal calories. I also did full sugar Jello, just for the calories, those first few days. I walked a LOT to help with the pain. I had minimal gas- probably helped by all the walking. I too followed the rules. My first liquid- besides water- was warm chicken broth, and I did just sip, til I knew what I really could do. Your first real food will probably be a couple weeks out- Clear liquids to full liquids to mushies to real food. By the time you get even to mushies your swelling has gone down and you're healing so you can eat pretty well like you did before. Remember, you probably won't have any restriction yet til you get some fills, so it will be almost like you didn't have surgery, except the little scars. Just really follow doctor's orders. I have a very sedentary job, I had my surgery on a Thursday and went back to work on Monday- albeit tired,but it was doable.

Hope this helps! I second what Sassy said, some minor discomfort for a healthy life, totally worth it.

Nicki

For me it wasnt bad at all....

I never had to take anything more then Tylenol

I drank alot of chicken broth..

and before surgery I loved Water after I hated the taste....for a few months I could only drink strawberry/kiwe PROPEL.....

but Im back to loving my water...

Good Luck !!!