I got banded 2/4, so I'm 3 days post-op. I've had a rough time the past couple of days and find myself questioning this decision. How long will it be before I feel "normal" again, in terms of discomfort, etc. Basically, how long will it be before I'm not constantly aware of this thing inside of me?

Hi bandedaggie. you will feel normal again soon. I am 6 wks out, I think it varys with everyone. I know I started feeling normal about week 5. I tend to forget I'd surgery until I eat and yeah! full on 1/4 of what I used to consume. take it easy, follow your Drs. orders and you will have a full and happy recovery

Aggie, my instal was 9 days ago and I felt "normal" for the first time today. Take care.

I think it was about 12-14 days for me...

I agree with Jack - it goes faster than we think. I think we are so used to everything happening instantly these days that we even want to recover from major surgery instantly! You just went through a pretty big trauma so just relax and rest and try to enjoy this down time. Believe me, life will still be there when you start feeling better. And it will happen soon! Each day you will feel better than the day before,and before you know it you will look back and realize it wasn't that bad! I, too, remember that overwhelming feeling at first ...how am I going to remember everything, what if I screw up, what if the port pain never goes away...all those things work themselves out it just takes time. Take care!

I'd say you're through the worst part already. :thumbup: I don't think I've had the "what on earth have I done to myself" feeling since about day 3 or 4.

I was surprised at how quickly I felt human again. One week out I was feeling pretty decent.

It took about 9 days before I felt normal. Although I still have some discomfort sleeping on my side, it's getting better every day.

It will get better.

Good Luck.

Around day 10 I felt normal...like I hadn't even had surgery. The only long-lasting effect was the port discomfort.