My extended family (parents, siblings etc) are all getting together this Christmas and they worry that my having surgery on Dec 18 will mean Christmas will be difficult for everyone. They are getting this idea because my Dad had major back surgery in September and was pretty much recliner chair-ridden for a month. he needed help with EVERYthing and the pain meds pretty much knocked him out most of the time. I'm trying to assure everybody that though slightly less mobile (I am less mobile anyway because of my excess weight) that I will be in good spirits and getting around. I will, right? I mean, I don't want to lie to them but maybe it will take me awhile to recover. Still I my husband will be around that week to help me out- but I don't wnat to ruin anyone's holiday.

Everyone heals at a different rate. You may not bounce back as quickly as some of the others posting on this thread. I had a lot of pain in the area where the port was sewn to the muscle - that was the most difficult thing for me in terms of recovery. I could not sit up straight for very long because of that pain. I remember that the pain was bad enough that I called my surgeon at 10pm on day 4 post-op to ask if it was normal. He said it was normal (as long as I didn't have a fever), and after that it started getting better day by day.

-Yvonne

LOL, I agree with the others and although everyone heals at a different rate... the very worst you may be a lil' sore by the time Christmas arives. My only suggestion is to stop the pain meds after day one. Mine knocked me out for 3 days and if my daughter hadn't been there I would have missed my flight home and slept another 3 days. LOL

Tell your family....there will be alot of ruined Christmas' if you die from obesity and they think it's because they said you'd ruin Christmas by getting a surgery that may save your life!!

Seriously though I agree 100% of what has been said already...I was up and around the next day and felt totally fine a week later!

My extended family (parents, siblings etc) are all getting together this Christmas and they worry that my having surgery on Dec 18 will mean Christmas will be difficult for everyone. They are getting this idea because my Dad had major back surgery in September and was pretty much recliner chair-ridden for a month. he needed help with EVERYthing and the pain meds pretty much knocked him out most of the time. I'm trying to assure everybody that though slightly less mobile (I am less mobile anyway because of my excess weight) that I will be in good spirits and getting around. I will, right? I mean, I don't want to lie to them but maybe it will take me awhile to recover. Still I my husband will be around that week to help me out- but I don't wnat to ruin anyone's holiday.

I just had mine on Nov 30th in Dallas and back to work today Dec 5th. Except for a little pain I am feeling and getting around fine. I did the pain meds around the clock for the first 3 days then just at night now. Everyone is different but I have talked to alot of people and they have had simular experience. My Doc wanted me up and walking for 5 mins every hour after surgery and extending that time as you can.

The only thing it will probably ruin is your enjoyment of eating LOTS of that yummy food but you find ways around it... instead of having heaps in the one session when everyone was around I stored food for myself later and I would visit the fridge once every hour and have another couple of bites of something special...small portions but lots of them...it was a fun xmas but I have to confess I think I ate too much...I had this rotten pain in my left shoulder for a couple of days afterward...Best Wishes & Merry Christmas

Wow. There concern is overwhelming.

You'll probably feel fine by a week after surgery. You won't need help with everything.

However, my first thought was "screw 'em!"

You're going to do very well! I had a hernia repair with my surgery and went shopping the day after and flew home from Mexico 2 days after. No problems! Have a Fabulous Christmas!!!

It should be fine other than swelling in your belly. Go for it!!!

I am getting banded onthe 20th and my husbands family has said the same thing. I told them get over it! I am doing this for ME! We will be just fine!!!!!!!

Brava, BexleyGal!

I just got my first fill Monday. It's not much of a fill, but it works if I work it. and it's just enough that I CAN work it...something I couldn't do before the band. Funny how all those things you are taught about eating slowly, chewing alot, portion control...They're all possible now with a little mindfulness. It's a little whispering angel in there! What could be better chr Christmas!

I would rather someone I love have lap band surgery than a heart attack. And frankly, that is where we were all headed. Not to mention diabetes, high blood pressure,cholesteral issues, depression, lack of energy etc...

We are doing the right thing. I haven't told my family yet, and yesterday my sister said to me 'you better not be on a diet at christmas'. Hehehe, if only she knew!!

Mypov....this is ridiculous.....sounds likes they put more value on having a fun Christmas than they do on you.

(I'm sure it won't be the last one for many of them)

Carol

So what if Christmas is ruined. There will always be more. That's the reason I did not tell anyone I was having this surgery. Just went got it done and returned to my life, with everyone none the wiser. I'm usually a loner and don't need the hand holding thing. We are all rooting for you.