Hello...I am so excited..I got my date today for Nov 4th! I thought it would be later than that so I am feeling like I need to get moving on making sure I have everything I need for the hospital and when I return home. Any experienced banders have any suggestions for me? Thank you!

Definitely get everything you'll need for your first week of the post op diet ahead of time. This way, you'll have all the food (drink) you'll need already at home while you heal.

I'd also have blender, you'll find it really comes in handy when you reach the mushy food stage.

Some people find a heating pad helps ease the gas pain of surgery, so you might want to have one handy.

liquid Tylenol, for pain.

I found a body pillow really helped to get comfy in bed after surgery.

As for the hospital, bring a robe because they are going to have you up and walking really soon. Hospital gowns are notorious for showing your butt so having a robe will allow you to walk without flashing everyone.

Loose comfy clothes, like a house dress or sweat pants, for the trip home.

Good luck!

Thank you Missy! and congratulations on your success! you go girl!

Hi Donna, you're being banded the day before me! Missy, I just wrote all of that down. Again. My lists have lists at this point -- guess that's my coping mechanism. Preparation! SO EXCITED!

Also milk of mag for the gas pains. My biggest suggestion is not to be in too big of hurry for anything. Give your body and mind time to heal and adjust. Good luck!

Popsicles! They were heaven for me post-op! And chewable gas-x tablets. And chicken broth.

Thank you all!

Before I went for surgery, I wrote out an email saying I was home from surgery, all is well, and Im resting.

I addressed it to several people (using BCC), and saved it to send when I got home.

That way I didn't have to spend a lot of time contacting a whole bunch of people who were wanting to know how it went, right after having surgery when I just wanted to rest.

My friends appreciated getting a quick update and I got to just rest!

~hiddn

Before I went for surgery, I wrote out an email saying I was home from surgery, all is well, and Im resting.

I addressed it to several people (using BCC), and saved it to send when I got home.

That way I didn't have to spend a lot of time contacting a whole bunch of people who were wanting to know how it went, right after having surgery when I just wanted to rest.

My friends appreciated getting a quick update and I got to just rest!

~hiddn

Wow, that's a great idea. I am not telling very many people but they will want to know I am home and all is well. I've been wondering what on earth to do about my parents. They are in their late eighties and I definitely don't want my Mom in on this. She has always been a champion of weight loss (mine) but in screwed up ways. She has suggested every possible diet over the last four decades and handed me whatever new book was out on the market. You get the idea! Yes, she's thin and petite. I love her but don't want her involved in this. So, maybe I need to devise some kind of scavenger hunt. Something to keep her busy away from me.