I have a lot of swelling in my belly I wonder how long it takes for that to go away I have been using an ice pack and it does help

Hi there, congratulations on your surgery -- I was swollen for four or five days after but I'm an inflammation type. For me it was the walking that really helped kick my body into healing mode. I enjoyed hot tea and Popsicles during this time, little naps then walk, walk, walk. I was pretty giddy and delighted despite the discomfort because I had made such a powerful choice in my life. In fact I'm still pretty giddy and delighted -- yesterday I got size 12 jeans, down four sizes from the 18s I was wearing last November when I got my surgery. This has been the best decision I could have made for my health and overall happiness. Best wishes to you -- I hope you can take it easy these next few days.

Unfortunately I have to get back to work tomorrow, but I sit allday, yesterday I had my first scare I got out of the house went with my husband to have lunch I was having french onion soup and all was well until some of the cheese or bread they put in the soup slipped past me and before you know it, it got stuck I got so scared I had to get up and walk around till it passed, I also got on my scale this morning and there is no change, I just don't understand this. ..

The best advice I can offer is do not look at the scale. I made that mistake when I went from liquids to the mushy stage. I had gained and I wasn't happy about it. Your body is still healing. Focus on that and learning how to eat with a band. Also pay attention to how your cloths fit. I put the scale away and decided I would not weigh again until my first fill. At my appt the doctor was happy I had lost 8 pounds in 3 weeks. For some people the scale just discourages you, don't let that happen.

@@ddsweighin228, you still have a lot of Fluid weight in your tissues from surgery, and will for a couple of WEEKS. as valarie kk said, don't weigh on the scale if it bothers you to see that right now, because it's going to come off at its own speed. If you are on your doctor's eating plan, the weight will begin to drop steadily after the surgery healing is well underway. As for your desk job tomorrow, I was in the same boat, so I brought a small (8oz) Water bottle with me and sipped, sipped, sipped all day. The small bottle would get empty and remind me to get up and WALK. Walk around the whole building if you can. My coworkers only knew I was '"out sick" the Thursday and Friday before, so I acted like I was going to the bathroom a lot. Walk, walk, walk. If you get a lunch break, try to get outside and walk a little. Don't overdo other stuff though, like lifting. Nope. Leave the lifting to others for a few days. Good luck!

I am 6 weeks post op. I still have swelling (or a little bump I guess) on the port side. I have started Yoga, but I have to be careful of that port area still. Be careful on the cheese and bread in french onion soup... you are still healing. I slurped the broth out of that one time when it was the only thing I could order at the restaurant. I know how tempting the bread part is! Good luck to you at work. But remember to listen to your body and take the extra time off if you need it. Hopefully your work can accomodate. It took me a week and 1/2 to fully return to work.

Also - I agree with the others - stay off the scale. My nut said that with a lower starting weight (you- 228, me -237), we won't notice lots of pounds off at first. Instead, we will notice changes in clothing fit before the lbs.

Good luck!

- Kristi