I wanted to respond to the dreaded "PAIN" question. It seems to vary from person to person. When I woke up from my surgery I told them I was in pain so that they would give me a pain killer right off the bat. (I didn't want to wait and see what happens.) During the car ride home every little bump on the road made me want to scream! However, as the days progressed the pain has gotten easier to manage-thanks to the advice of LBT. I take pain killers, sip, sleep, and walk.

IMHO it is very frustrating to be the odd man out-in the pain dept. It seemed to me that most people had just a little to no pain. I kept thinking, "what is wrong with me?" But then I remembered that every experience is massively different...and what I call pain may be a walk in the park for someone else!

You will be happy to know that I am sleeping 8 hours a night, and starting today (cross my fingers) drinking everything on my meal plan. I am in this to "lose" it!

So, for all those going in to get your band later this month...I will be there standing with you. If you are uncomfortable in anyway...remember that you are strong for undertaking such a task. My biggest advice to you is: rest, read LBT, Walk, sip, and hire a maid (ok I am joking about the last one, but wouldn't that be fun?)

Amy- your post cheered me up. I know it started out discussing the dreaded pain topic, but the ending gave me a warm fuzzy feeling. Ha! Thanks for the info and support. Glad you are doing well.

I am glad things are looking up for you Thanks for your report and feelings.

I am a mass of contradicting feels at the moment - I start the liquid diet tomorrow 2 weeks pre op.

I will be taking your advice, and reading, walking, etc - can't help but be anxious though. I sort of fear too, what will I do when I can't "medicate" with food? THAT's really scary:omg:

Thanks again for the tweak of confidence that I might be able to get through this

I was taking vicodin for about 4-5 days after. you certainly arent alone with that.

You are not alone in the pain department. It was definately more that I expected and was prepared for. But at 5 days out, it is much better. Not gone, but much better.

I'm on day 1 postop (had surgery yesterday) and I'm surprised at the amount of pain I have. But in spite of the "physical" pain, I have no emotional pain: just joy, I feel courageous, so ready to start my new life. no more feeling powerless and doomed to a half-life of being fat and left out of the things that bring real joy to life. I know this physical pain will pass, and the pain meds help so much. I can't wait to get back on the treadmill and adventure of my new life. I'm so glad we're taking this journey together!