It's interesting and a little scary to read everyone's entries. I''m scheduled for Lap Band on January 15th at Central DuPage Hospital, Winfield IL with Dr. Jonathan Spitz.

This has been a process starting the end of March but my insurance has come thru and my kids go back to college in early January and I'll be ready to take the plunge.

I have two questions. The first is about work and how long people took off. My first job is a church secretary - in Youth ministries mainly and although I sit on a computer most of the time, it can get stressful - lots of needy people. I'm taking off a week at this job. My second job is at the circulation desk of my local library - 16 hours a week. I'm taking off til the end of January cause it is more physical with standing and bending over alot. Is this being realistic because as I read post-op entries it sounds like the first couple weeks can be pretty hard.

My second question is about no Ibuprophen before surgery. Did any of you have a hard time being off certain meds pre-op. I have lupus joint pain and use Ibuprophen morning and evening to get thru the day. The thought of only taking Tylenol which does nothing for me is very scary :faint: with two jobs and trying to exercise. Do any of you take Ibuprophen or Advil post-op? Thanks for any enlightenment you can give me. Smilliegal:nervous

Hi! I took off work for 2 weeks - the first week I needed it and second I probably could have gone back after the first few days but since my dr. told me not to drive for 2 wks I figured I'd just stay home. Sorry to hear about your lupus. For years the doctors thought I had it too but tests were always inconclusive. I lived on 800mg Motrin a day. My joint pain always floated, sometimes worse then others. I've come off since before the surgery and doctors told me I can't take it anymore. I did take one the other nite though and it was fine. What has your doctor said about the situation. Obviously you need to take something for the joint pain. The good thing is that maybe once you lose the weight the pains won't be so bad. Mine have gotten better. Let us know and good luck.

Welcome to LBT smilliegal

I wasn't working at the time of my surgery...as i was off on maternity leave but i was pretty ok after the first week to chase after a toddler and nurture a baby and do all the housework that that entails...As to taking medication prior to surgery i cant help you there... as i wasn't on any at the time...but best wishes on your surgery...and i look forward to hearing of your progress.

becky

Sounds like you are taking the perfect amount of time off from work. I do take ibuprofen and it doesn't bother my stomach. Good luck.

Hello, and welcome. I'll be banded in January too. At the bottom of my signature is a thread you can join if you like, it is for the January bandsters to help support us and encourage us.

I was told no ibprofen as well BEFORE the surgery only. They do this in case you have ulcers. (I think). Thats what I was told anyhow. I was told only to take Tylenol beginning 3 weeks prior to surgery. AFter surgery, I believe you can take it liquid form, once you heal, you may be able to go back to ibprofen, but not sure, you would need to discuss this with your doctor for sure.

Welcome to our lapworld! From what I understand the removal of certain meds like ibuprofen prior to surgery is just for surgery's sake. I was sent home with a prescription for liquid ibuprofen, but never filled it bc I had virtually no pain. I think I took liquid tylenol once. I planned taking a week off of work, but went to work before that time. Every one is different and heal at different paces. I had my gallbladder removed by the same surgeon years ago and I asked him if it would be a similar recovery process. He said it should require even less time and he was right. I would say be prepared be anticipating a longer recovery than shorter. Its easier to get the time off up front rather than having to ask for more time off after surgery.

the reason you can't take ibuprofen before surgery is because it is a blood thinner, as are vitamins. the reason they don't want you to take it after surgery is because it can upset the lining of your stomach and cause ulcers. I try not to take it but I do if I have to.