Hi everyone,

After a long road, I'm finally getting banded—bright and early tomorrow morning! I'd appreciate any words of wisdom, encouragement, warning...how did you deal with last minute nerves? Were you coherent enough to remember the rest of the day once you came out of recovery? Is there anything my boyfriend (and caretaker for the next several days) should prepare himself for, beyond the basics?

Thanks so much. This site has been such a huge source of support and inspiration over the past year its taken me to get to this point. I can't wait to join in with the "banded" crowd!

Valerie

yay for you! congrats on getting banded!

i guess i don't have a whole lot of advice for you other than to walk lots and rest lots. for me it hurt a lot to move from side to side while sleeping so i tucked pillows in all up and down my sides to make it more comfortable to sleep. i'd also put a heating pad on my tummy when it became sore and that seemed to help a lot.

i hope everything goes well for you :cursing:

Yea for you! I will say a little prayer for you. I don't know if you have a hand held massager but if you have that throw it in your bag. Will help when you are laying in the bed trying to get past the gas. Word of wisdom --- Relax. I know it is tough, but being stressed is not going make the experience more enjoyable. As a matter of fact, it might make it more painful. Oh, and I am sure you heard this before... but WALK WALK WALK! As soon as they let you get out of bed.. walk like your life depends on it. That will make recovery so much smoother and get the gas out.

Good luck

-Fran

I was banded last Tuesday (1/20). My advice would be to take it one minute at a time (as they say "this too shall pass") and relax. Before you know it you'll be awake from recovery and be starting a new chapter in your life. I didn't have the gas pains or pain in general like others on the forum. Guess I was lucky. However, I did have very loose BM the first few days. Still sore with lots of bruising but not in pain. I wore flannel pajama pants, warm clog slippers, socks, and t-shirt to the hospital. My surgery was at 9 am and I was released at 5 pm. For the next several days my husband took care of the children and household chores. I went to bed when tired around 8 pm, slept through the night (awoke when I wanted to turn...ouch), and got in a routine like changing my pajamas every morning, taking my meds, having my "meals". It's like childbirth, everyone has advice, take what works for you and leave the rest. Best of luck!

So how's everything. I am wonderiing the transition you went through. Didi you tell people. I got banded a few days ago. I am still fighting the gas pains in my left arm.