I'm having my LapBand tomorrow 3/2/15 and I'm a nervous wreck! I've heard stories that your not able to eat at all after surgery. I'm scared to get malnourished or dehydrated. Is it that your not hungry or that you just can't?

Hello blbaltazar!

Welcome to your new life! It's so exciting and we are all cheering for you!

I was newly banded on December 18th, and I shared some of the fears you mention in your post. I can speak to your concern. Relax. The recovery period is a breeze, and you will NOT be hungry or get dehydrated as long as you follow your surgeon's guidelines.

Water: After your surgery is done, you will be encouraged to sip sip sip sip sip Water CONSTANTLY in your recovery period. (Don't use a straw as this could put necessary air into your tummy). I had a big glass of water with me wherever I went - living room, kitchen, by my bed... I found I had no desire to 'chug' water (as I normally do, and now can again!) but I had NO PROBLEM sipping water and staying hydrated immediately following my surgery. Other fluids will be ok as well - just follow your surgeon's recovery plan.

As for food, you will be on the graduated diet post-op, right? And this you will likely find totally satisfying. Fluids will be perfect for you, at least at first, as you will likely not be very hungry, (if at all), as the post-op swelling at the band site will diminish your hunger. Welcome to your new life in which the "hunger monster" will be silenced. It's wonderful.

As you heal you will slooooowly move to full fluids, mushy foods, soft foods and, eventually, 'regular' foods. The wonder of it all - you will feel better each day and will notice a pronounced diminishment in your hunger. Hooray!

You got this!

I found that the apprehension was worse than the real deal! I think You will wake up tomorrow and be so happy to start anew! Not being a slave to hunger.... Not obsessing about food and weight and yes looks... I believe surgery made my life soooo much easier and I truly hope that for you.

Best wishes. Keep posting????

I right there with you tomorrow. I'm just nervous about pain. I'm also having a hernia repair and I've had 2 of those before and they aren't pleasant. I made it thru before and I'll do it again.

They held me an extra day because I kept throwing up everything it turns out the pain meds were making I it happen so I get no.pain killers

@kyrickchick64c. Hope you're feeling better! For me the side effects of medication are so much worse than the discomfort; I went without, too, and really was fine. Even still I had to address issues of constipation around day four or five.

@@blbaltazar congratulations to both of you -- I had no problems staying hydrated post-surgery. I sure loved my Popsicles during that time, and tea. You are on your way! Best wishes -- and walk, walk, walk, it really helps!