Hi everyone! Just a short introduction about myself. My name is Tina and I will be banded in just a few weeks on July 30th with Dr. Ortiz. Of course there are mixed emotions about the whole procedure - the excitement of starting my weight-loss journey and a new life, as well as the nervousness of the surgery and possible complications afterward. I've done a lot of research and extremely glad that Teresa steered toward this board. It's one of the most comprehensive ones I've come across so far and I'm glad to be part of it. Anyone want to give me tips that would help me post-banding? Things to stock up on? I'm a teacher and have given myself a month to recouperate fully from surgery. Is that enough time? I don't do a lot of lifting, mostly standing and lecturing. What do you all think? How about books and recipes that you would recommend? Any and all input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!!

Here are some things I posted on ObesityHelp.com, regarding things that might help your recovery.

Sitting here 2 days post-op (AGAIN) I can think of a couple of pointers that might make things a tad easier.

I don't know what your weight and physical condition is right now, but anything you can do to strengthen your stomach muscles before you have surgery would help your recovery. The way the incisions are make it pretty hard to get up and down off your bed or even your couch. I'm at home right now and can't really lie down because there isn't anyone here to help me get back up once I get down.. lol. It really hurts having to use those stomach muscles to pull yourself up from lying or sitting.

Another thing that helps alot. A small pillow used for coughing/sneezing/pulling yourself up and down. Sometimes, the hospital offers you one, but they usually aren't that big a help. I've found that if you take a flat sheet and fold it up pretty compactly in a square, then take tape and tape it where it will stay together, it makes for a much more solid support and not too large as to be a nuisance. Believe me, it helps if you suddenly need to cough deeply or sneeze!

Also, practice some deep breathing exercises to help your lungs prepare for the surgery. They will give you a little breathing apparatus called a Spirometer after your surgery and make you inhale with it over and over to exercise your lungs. This helps to keep from getting pneumonia, but I think if you'd really concentrate on it BEFORE the surgery, you'd do better AFTER the surgery? Understand?

Make sure you have all the things you need for a liquid diet to begin with. You won't be wanting to shop immediately afterward. I went out and bought Atkins shakes, 'Nectar' Protein Mix, sugar-free Popsicles, Beef/Chicken broth, sugar-free Jello, Crystal Lite drinks, bottled Water, green tea, ice cream (if you dare). I was told that it was okay for this phase because the purpose is to be healing, not losing weight. As long as you don't over-do it, it shouldn't hurt much. I also bought several 'Soup At Hand' by Campbell's for variety.

Gax-X, any Liquid Pain Killer prescriptions. Try to have them on hand Before you need them! Neosporin and dressings for your incisions? I asked my dr for a prescription for Phenergran, just in case I ran into any nausea. You do NOT want to be vomiting at this stage.

Just some insight from a fresh post-op, as I sit here and try to breathe in this darn thing... lol..

Good luck to you!

Leatha