Hello Folks. I am new to the group and am really looking forward to participating. MY name is Mark and I am about to have the Lap Band surgery on April 19th in Ft Worth Texas. Dr. Adam Smith is my Surgeon and is simply wonderful. Especially since he is a bandster himself. But I do have a question to anyone out there who might sing or entertain. I play in a variety band and have a wedding to play at on the 23rd of April. 4 days after surgery. I was wondering how much discomfort to expect and am I being realistic about being able to sing and perform at this function. I may be able to find a sub for me but am running out of time to do so. I obviously would prefer to do the gig myself but would greatly value anyones experience in this arena.

Singing is not something I do very well

So I have no input there except I had pain and swelling in my diaphram for 3 weeks after surgery, kept feeling like I had to burp but couldnt get it up and out so that maybe the only thing I can see may prevent a problem in the first few weeks post op

But Congratulations to you on your upcoming surgery. You will be one of us in a few days

>hijack: Hey Lisa Green, we Chicagoans are growing in number, so watch out or you (can I say "y'all" with a Midwest accent and not sound like an idiot?) will be singing the Chicago blues! <hijack

Guitarman, I think you've made the right choice. Good luck!

I have found a way to keep things as physically easy as possible, otherwise, life is normal.

My Belly is sore/tender and I move slowly, but I am moving all over the place at home. I feel rather normal, just slower and my tummy growls and gurgles. I am also surviving on ALOT less calories due to the liquid diet (still clear although I will add V-8 today...never thought I'd look forward to V-8!) so energy needs to be conserved. I am also not as clear headed/quick thinking as usual. Everything is slower and my world is smaller for now. It's working. And I feel fine!

Okay, Mark, I have been thinking of you this evening and now that day 3 is over, I need to reconsider a few of my above statements. Life is not normal, I do not feel normal, It's working but I don't feel "fine" I feel like Iv'e been beat up by a band of thugs and run over by a bus and I barely lifted a finger today, as compared to what I am normally able to accomplish in a day and yet still feel lazy. I am not clear-headed, I am exhausted and fatigued and I am not able to care for my family without help, I can only care for myself. My sister will come over tomorrow while hubby works a half day and keep my son from head-butting me in the belly (I never realized how much chubby mommy hugging he got while I'm sitting and he walks up to me and buries his face in my breasts/belly area...he'll be a well adjusted man someday, huh?) so it is HARD and the calorie issue is a big factor. My body is healing and taking every stitch of liquid food to accomplish just that. I certainly coudn't imagine playing a guitar and singing at a wedding and having enough wits about me to do that well. Get a Sub. I know you already said you would so that's good but my post this morning was a bit rosier than tonight's reality...just to let you know. I don't think you will regret the sub. (SIGH) I hope tomorrow is better.

Okay, I usually call all the dogs in the neighborhood in my morning showers and they all start howling.... but shortness of breath is definitely an issue. Even climbing the stairs too fast is hard for the first 3 weeks at least.

Thanks so much to all. Just remember the plural to Y'all is All y'all. :-)