How Long? (Recovery Time)

[HeatherA 1]

I'm very curious as to recovery times... I've read a lot of threads that discuss this but I thought I'd take an informal poll.

What I'd like to know is how long your recovery time was following lap band surgery, your weight at the time of surgery and if you smoke or not.

Thanks.

P.S. I was a smoker the last time I had lap. surgery for my gallbladder and I had a hard time recovering. I am just curious if I'll have an easier time now that I've been a non-smoker for 8+ years.

[Wheetsin 714]

What I'd like to know is how long your recovery time was following lap band surgery, your weight at the time of surgery and if you smoke or not.

Recovery time - depends on how you define "recovered." Qualify that a bit and I will better know what timeframe to put.

Weight at surgery - 382 lbs.

Non-smoker.

[HeatherA 1]

Recovery time - depends on how you define "recovered." Qualify that a bit and I will better know what timeframe to put.

Weight at surgery - 382 lbs.

Non-smoker.

Hi Wheetsin,

By recovery time I mean until you were back up and about and feeling 85-90% normal.

Thanks!

[Wheetsin 714]

By recovery time I mean until you were back up and about and feeling 85-90% normal.

Umm... probably around 4 - 5 days. I had my surgery on a Wednesday. Slept most of that day and Thursday. Friday I was home most of the day but went to the store that evening to walk around - took it easy, walked with a cart, etc. Saturday we went about an hour out of town to visit my parents. Hubby drove, we took it easy. Sunday I felt pretty good. Monday I resumed working (I can work from home).

[Tuono_John 0]

I guess it depends on you defination of "Recovery Time". Both my wife and I had surgery on a Tuesday, and went back to work on Wednesday (the next day).

John

[socaldixiegal 0]

I had surgery on a Friday (mid-day) and took the following Monday & Tuesday off. Could have gone back Tuesday (office work), but was glad for the extra day.

Nonsmoker and BMI of 38 (in case size has anything to do w/ recovery)

[steph_co 9]

I was back to work 4 days post-op (physical job as a night security officer). Non-smoker and weight was 230 the day before op.

[make33 2]

Recovery time (feeling 85-90%) was at two weeks and one day (15 days) post op.

At 5 weeks and one day, I literally FORGOT I had had surgery!

[BansterNYC 0]

Surgery on Thursday, back at work on Monday. I felt "fragile" for about the first 9 days. The more I slept, the better I recovered. sleep helps!!!

[TXbandit 4]

I smoked about 3-5 cigs a day prior to banding, and haven't wanted one since I got home....3 days ago! Maybe the band cures smoking??? He he....I don't plan on picking them up again. Blessing in disguise!

[TulipStar 2]

My recovery time before I went back to work was 6 days. I am not a "normal smoker" and I weighed 298 when I went in for surgery. The reason I say normal smoker is bc I don't smoke every day, but I did smoke occasionally like 1-2 times a month. I smoked a week before my surgery...about 4 cigarettes bc it was labor day weekend and I felt like it. I haven't smoked since and have quit for good.

You know what I think helps recovery? being in shape...meaning that you work out somewhat and your heart is strong from exercise. I know it sounds stupid bc why would you be having this surgery if you were fit?

I can say that I had a different surgery 4 years ago and I prepped by working out a lot, getting my heart rate up and my core strong to support post-surgery. The estimated recovery time for that surgery was 2 weeks. I was fine after 1 week.

Then I had lapband surgery 3 months ago and I didn't prep by exercising-- recovery was harder for me. Now I had revision surgery for my lapband last week and I did prep. I worked out daily and did core exercises and recovery seemed much quicker for me. Just my opinion!

[Jeni 85 0]

Complete recovery ... no pain and stuff took me 2wks.

[IndioGirl55 32]

I am a smoker age 52 weight 245 at surgery smoke about 1/2 pack a day - - Day of surgery Hurt - second day bad gas pains in shoulder by day 3 felt good - went back to work day 6 - Had no lung issues and my lung doc came to hospital more than my surgeon... My doc requires you to quit smoking - i did for 10 days - but 3 days before surgery bought a pack - didn't smoke a lot but did smoke ... Still smoke..

[dreamer1068 0]

I was banded on 11/20. I still get port pain if the move the wrong way, and I still can't sleep on the same side as my port. I felt well enough to return to my desk job about 8 days. The gas pain bothered me every now and again, but gasX and walking helped with that. I've lost 15 pounds to date, and I can't wait for my 1st fill.

I would suggest allowing for 2 weeks off, but you can probably go back quicker if you feel ok.

[hungryforchange 0]

I would suggest 2 weeks off as well. I started to feel almost normal around day 12. My port didn't hurt so much. I could move around without pain and put on my own socks and shoes and no longer felt like I needed a nap in the middle of the day.