Did anyone have a lot of swelling after the surgery? I read a lot about gas, is that from the anesthesia?

No, it's because in order to do the surgery, they fill your abdomen with gas, so they can see things better and get to them easier. I think that's it, anyway. But I don't recall hearing anybody talk about having swelling after the surgery. I know I didn't.

Nancy

Some people have swelling immediately following surgery and sometimes fills, if their particular anatomy is prone to that. Sometimes, people come out of surgery very restricted for the first few days, due to surgery.

If you mean bodily swelling - after surgery. Nope. In fact, my severe leg and ankle swelling went away the first week after banding and has never been as severe since. Thank goodness!

As for gas, I think the band is placed in such a way that it contributes to gas. From Dr Ortiz's book, it says it is for most intents and purposes, a one-way valve, which could contribute to the buildup of bodily gas and bloating, which is quite common in banding.