Here is my question. :confused2: I read a lot about the post-op diet and not eating to allow the stomach to heal. If the band is around the stomach and there is no restriction and they do not cut the stomach or intestines what is there in the stomach to heal. I understand that there are incisions and the band is inserted and tissue is moved aside, but why do people keep saying the stomach has to heal? :cool2:

I will be banded on June 6 and I can't wait. I intend to do exactly as the doctors order, but I just don't get this part. Help?:tongue:

When they band on you they are manipulating and irritating the stomach to place the band. Plus your stomach has went all your life without ever being squeezed so its bound to swell up around the band. I had my surgery 8 days ago and haven't chewed on one thing and haven't wanted to either.

Although it isn't invasive surgery, your body has still gone through trama. When they place the band around your stomach there are some stitches placed in your stomach lining wall to help hold the band in place. During your healing time scar tissue needs to heal around theses sutures/stitches. You don't want your stomach to churn any food too early, that can cause a slippage. Which is a BAD thing.

This is how it was explained to me:

The first few weeks after surgery is critical in allowing the band to adhere firmly to the stomach. There is a wound where the band is attached with stitches. Eating solid food will cause the stomach muscles to churn. Slippage of the band can occur if everything isn't positioned correctly.

It was put in a very simple way to me. Your stomach is a muscle, you have to work that muscle to digest food. After surgery you dont want to work it you want it to heal. Simple enough for me to understand and adhear to.

Thanks Brandy, Leslie, Bobbie and Kelin I think I get it. I was thinking only of the stomach lining. I didn’t think about the muscle aspect.:cool2:

After the band is placed you'll be swollen. The tissue inside has never been restricted before and so it's quite a shock-to-the-system to suddenly be chinched in! Follow the post op instructions!!! This is also to prevent band slippage. Stomach B (the bottom part below the band is pulled up and stitched to Stomach A above the band to help hold it in place. This too must heal.

You'll be fine! I know I will be - my date with the surgeon is May 9th!

Yippee!!!!! Can't wait!