Well I'm new to 40's group. I had my band surgery May 29th. I have to say this has been a very hard recovery for me. Maybe because I am older or something. The discomfort, the excessive gas and literally not able to do much has been a bit of a shocker after reading so many entries of so many others. Many tout of walking a long walk with husband that same evening, returning to work within days, not even having to take pain meds, "this was a breeze". I know everyone is different and I'm not angry or anything. I am just ready to feel better and get back to work. I took 4 days off from work including surgery day, so I should return back to work tomorrow, but I still have a lot of pain and my stomach is very swollen. I just wonder if any other 40's out there had this same experience. I was told by the doctor's office today to take Gasex dissolvable strips (would have helped to know this sooner), Advil 2-3tablets cut up in 4ths to help with the incision pain. liquid Rx meds given to me by the doctor caused too much nausea and Liquid Tylenol did not help. The surgery also caused my cycle to start early along with diahrea (sp). I don't wnat to scare anyone. I did all my research and asked many questions, but the bottom line is this is major surgery and the recovery time is a little more than is being said.

With all this said, I am glad to have this done and have already lost 3 pounds. I know it will get better and all this will pass with time. The end result is worth it.

hang in their forties i haven,t been band yet wish you the best recovery.god bless sil.

I'm With you sister!!!! It was a very hard surgery and a hard recovery for me as well. 2 of my younger co-workers had it done before me and also said "it was a breeze"Don't know if that was really true for them or not? I'm 46 and for me it was very hard! I had some sort of reaction to the general anesthesia where I had severe nausea and dry heaves for 36 hours after surgery and it seemed to get worse with any sort of motion. Then when finally the nausea was gone I was left with a terrible migraine headache which lasted 24 hours. Once I got through that part it has gotten a little better. But I do feel terribly weak. I had my surgery 6/5/08. I have been back to work for past 2 days, but it has been tough, get very tired with little activity. I am looking forward to better days. Congrats on your pounds lost and I'm sure you are thanking your lucky stars that it is over, just like I am. I have been on clear liquid diet for 4 weeks now and have lost 12 pounds. Clear liquids for one more week then I get to advance slowly.

I cannot believe that is all you took off of work. I took off 2 weeks which was just right. You need to give your body time to recover and your mind time to get used to your new routine of eating and exercising. Walking is the best way to get rid of the gas but I think you need to start that right away even if it is just getting up to go to the rest room.

Chris 5 yrs out 47 yrs

I thought it was just me that was having a hard time with this recovery. Back in August of 2007, I had part of my colon removed and was in the hospital for a week. I don't know if it was the drugs that made me forget my colon recovery but this recovery rivals what I went through with it. This recovery started out great and after day 2 went downhill sharply. I was banded on 6/6/08. I went to the doctor today and they unfilled my band completely and I feel 1000 times better. Hopefully my recovery will go quickly from here on.