Hi all! My name is Robin and it's great to find this site. My son is scheduled for lap-band surgery Monday. He's 19 and a sophmore in college. I am really nervous, but he is ready. His current weight is 303, but that is down about 25 lbs. He is 6'4" and has always had a weight problem. It's especially bad because his brother is stick thin and eats the same food. Anyway, my question is how long after the surgery do you feel pretty normal? He is a drummer in his college marching band and he starts bandcamp on August 8 and they assured me that 2 weeks is enough time to be ready for exercise. Also, how long will he be on liquids? How do you plan your day's food when you are at a camp? They say he can hold all the water he wants so he shouldn't get dehydrated, but I was wondering about feeling weak from the high protein low carbs. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really want him to succeed. He has really suffered not only in the way he has been treated, but his health (High lipids, HTN, and prediabetes) Thanks alot. :confused2:

I am sure your son will do well. Even though I am just beginning my journey I feel that this is the best decision that I have ever made for myself. The frist three days after my surgery were the worst---after that, for me, it was smooth sailing. After about a week, I wasn't even really sore anymore. Maybe just a little if I bent over. The liquid diet for me was 10 days, then 10 days of purees, then regular food. But depending on how he is healing, the surgeon MAY give permission to move to a phase sooner...After the first few days of doing high Protein, low carb, he will probably feel fine--just takes some getting used to. I actually feel lots better doing that diet.

Hope that helps...

kkarryall, thanks for the reply. I will check back frequently. I have really learned alot already from this site. Thanks and congratulations on your success! Robin

I'm so happy for both you and your son! My son is 24 and is morbidly obese. He has been sleeping with a CPAP machine for his sleep apnea for a few years now. If he were to get banded, he'd drop the weight and probably not have the sleep apnea.

Personally, I felt like I "turned the corner" on healing after surgery by the 7th day. I was ready to return to work (albiet, carefully! lol). I'm a much older person, so your son will probably heal even better! I was on liquids for 2 wks. then I ate regular food (very, very small bites and extremely well chewed)usually some"soft " choices. As far as Protein intake at camp goes, If he has no access to cold Water for shaking up some Protein powder, He can go to the GNC nutrition store and buy these tubes, I think they are called slammers, not sure tho. They pack a lot of protein in a little container, that makes it convenient on the go. At night, I usually mix my water and protein powder with 4 frozen strawberries (for 2 servings), then in the morning, before I go off to work , I pour the chocolate drink into two 16 oz. re-used drinking water bottles....of course I have access to a fridge to put them in.

Hang in there mom! He'll be just fine....and healthier

Hi Mom:

You may want to make sure he has some liquid Vitamins and liquid tylenol on hand. The vitamins (multi-Vitamin - for adults) will help him to keep from getting too exhausted.

Best wishes to both of you.

Sue