I've got my date! October 30th! Hooray! I've completed all of the appointments, waited the mandatory 3 months, read The Big Book on Lap-Band cover to cover, visit lapbandtalk often, all stocked up for my 10 days of protein pre-surgery liver shrinking diet, taken before pics, tape measured and documented my measurements, keeping a positive attitude ... am I forgetting something important?

I would have liquid Tylenol on hand for afterward. Also a heating pad because some find it relieves the gas pain.

I also found a body pillow very helpful in getting comfy in bed. I used it to prop myself up a bit on my side, tucking the pillow under my tummy to support it.

Good luck!

Wow - I WISH I was that prepared!

The body pillow is a good idea, but also take a regular pillow with you to the hospital to help on the ride home. The seat belt can be kind of irritating on your sensitive abdominal area, and the pillow is a safe, wonderful cushion. I'm almost 2 months post op and I've lost 30 pounds, without a fill, so even when you get hungry on your pre-op diet hang in there, I feel better than I have in years!!! Best of luck to you on your choice to get the band!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fantastic!!! Thank you for your input! Already made myself a little list for the next visit to the store.

Vitamins. Make sure you have a supply of chewable or gummy vitamins with iron and calcium chews also. Start taking them during your liquid diet or even before. The healthier you are before the easier it is after.

Very good suggestions! I am making a list too! My banding will be in the next 4 to 8 weeks, I'm just finishing up the last clearances. Your comments have brought up some questions for me though. I know with by-pass, there is a lot of gas. Is it the same with lapband and does it ease up over time? Or is it only post-surgery gas? Also, medications and vitamins. . . are pills out of the question? Will I need to convert to liquid or chewable (or crush the pills) for the rest of my life or will that pass? Any input on what to expect will be very much appreciated! Thank you!

I will be able to answer the gas questions for you soon. From what I have read, the gas hangs around a day or two, the more you get up and moving, the better it dissipates ... but that's not personal experiences, getting banded at the end of the month. I did get lap-band specific vitamins that are chewable. I think the last thing we want to attempt after getting banded it swallowing a big old honking vitamin. Everything needs to be crushed or converted to liquids prior to surgery. I think each patient finds out what works for them as they go along. What might work from one, might not work for another ... maybe some of the more experienced banders can better answer for you. This is a wonderful site and has been very helpful for me Good luck Sue Tolly!

Ladies I can attest that the gas hang around for a few days. Be prepared for it. You will quickly notice the difference between surgery pain and gas pain and will be able to treat the symptoms as needed. As far as crushing pills go, never ever crush pills without your doctors consent. A lot of pills are designed to dissolve at slower rates and crushing them will make them dissolve very quickly. It is always recommended to use chewable or liquid vitamins and meds whenever possible. Pills are still taken by several people but its a trial and error thing usually. My post op drugs were all pill form for example. It is always recommended to never take NSAIDS.

Thank you all for your input and suggestions! I am a wee bit nervous! lol