Hello all! I'm getting my lap band removed on April 14 (after having it for almost 8 years). No revision surgery. Any of you who had the same, could you please share your recovery experiences? I was planning on going back to work on the 20th. Thanks!!

Hello all! I'm getting my lap band removed on April 14 (after having it for almost 8 years). No revision surgery. Any of you who had the same, could you please share your recovery experiences? I was planning on going back to work on the 20th. Thanks!!

HI! I had mine removed a year and a half ago after having it for 3 years. I do clerical work - mostly at a desk. I believe I was off 2 1/2 weeks.

It was an easy recovery. Be tender and attentive with the port site; it's the biggest incision. My surgeon brought that to my attention, but I had no problems with it. Apparently some people have trouble, infection difficulty mostly.

My surgeon ordered that I walk 5 times a day right from the get go (after spending the night in the hospital). I did that (grumbling) and was pleasantly surprized at how fitting in 5 walks a day helped to structure my day and get everything moving along.

For me, I walk 1 mile in 20 minutes. So 5 ten-minute walks every day was 2 1/2 miles!

(I started with just 5 minutes each time)

I ate a soft, mushy diet for the time I was off work, though I've heard some people stop for a hamburger on the way home from surgery (I'd go gently if I were you). I still felt like I had some restriction and I continued to lose weight for a while. My advice is for you to continue to eat in portions designed for banders. Don't get back into what most people consider a real serving.

I hope this is helpful for you!

~ hiddn