I'm doing my pre-op consultations now and I was wondering about post-op pain. How bad is it? What does it feel like? Like a stomach ache or worse? How long were you out of work? I have a busy high stress job and I'm on my feet all day and lift heavy bags. I asked my doctor and he said to take about a week off and try not to lift anything heavy for 3 weeks. I'm worried about being in pain and being weak after surgery. Should I take more time off? I guess I'm just not sure what to expect. I've had lots of surgery in my life and I've always been in bed for a few days after. Will it be the same this time around?

Did you start your post op diet before surgery to get used to not being able to eat certain foods? Or did you just start after sugery?

How did your family and friends deal with your decision? Have you found anyone in a support group that you could relate to? I'm having a very difficult time getting my family and friends to understand and support my decision. I guess it doesn't help that I'm only 23 and most of my family and friends are overweight themselves. They get very quiet whenever I talk about it and say things like "Wouldn't it just be easier to do it the old fashion way?" But I've been on diet after diet since I was 5 and I joined 2 gyms and bought a bunch of home equipment and I still haven't gotten the results I need or want. This was not a easy decision or something I came to lightly. Anyway, thanks for listening to me ramble. :thumbup:

Hi,

I was banded on Tuesday 3/25... so I'm 5 days Post op. I'll be going back to work on Monday. I little sore but doable. Wish I had done this in my 20's rather than now in my 50's. The day before and the day after the questions and the doubts may hit. If you don't have a strong support system, than be your own. Write yourself a letter explaining why you have made this big decision and all the benefits that will come from it. Then read the letter when and if you need it.