Hello everyone. This is my first time on this site and have already found some very useful information, so thanks a million!

I was banded last Friday, May 23 in Memphis, TN at Baptist Hospital. My surgeon is Dr. George Woodman (who is very good at what he does but lacks any personality) and was wondering how some people have been able to return to work 3 days post-op. I don't know about anyone else, but I consider my pain tolerance to be very high but the left side of my body hurst like crazy. I am taking my pain medicine around the clock because I don't want the pain to become just unbearable. Also, my entire abdomen is so tight from gas. I wouldn't be able to go to work if I wanted to. I am walking around as much as the pain will allow and even tried to go to the store yesterday but only lasted about 10 minutes and had to sit down. I often have the urge to belch but they don't seem to want to come out.

I'm sure this must be normal but was just curious. Anyone having or had any similarity?

I was banded on May 20. I did experience the tightness and the feeling like I needed to belch. My left side is the soreset spot though I haven't taken any pain meds since I left the hopital WED. The walking really helps. Rest when you can and don't push it. This is our time to get used to our new "buddy"! I go back to work tommorow and I'm not ready!!! I have enjoyed my rest time. take care

Everyone is different! Definately take your time - 3 days is a minimum and most will need a bit more, especially if you don't have a desk job. For me, days 2 and 3 after surgery were the worst, and then I woke up on day 4 feeling much more like myself.

Congratulations on your band and good luck!

Thanks Gadumplin' and Becca. That info and encouragement really helps. Glad to see you both are doing so well. And Becca WOW!! 62 lbs gone-since Feb.? Either way, that's awesome! Congrats to you both.

ya i had pretty bad pain on my left side as well but now 6 days out and i am feeling much better... also for the gas i got some gas X thin dissolving strips and they really seem to push all the gas out of me after just taking 2 does of it.. so u may try that to help

It took me about a week to be able to go back to work. Take your time and recuperate.

I have a congenital knee problem that required surgery. The first one hurt like crazy, and the second one didn't hurt afterwards at all. Same doctor, same surgery, same body with same pain threshold. Don't worry if someone (like me) says there was no pain and they didn't need any meds with their band surgery, because every surgery is different. Take some time to heal and you will be feeling better faster.