Hey there, I'm a 24 yo currently in school in Houston, (went to UT for undergrad obviously!) and got banded last Friday, the 23.

I am a bridesmaid in a wedding and have a few questions that I need answers to ASAP!

1) I am headed to Austin for a Bachelorette party on Friday. I am supposed to be transitioning to mushies this weekend, so I'm wondering what I should eat. I am pretty sure I'm just going to go with a broth based Soup, but am wondering how I can keep this surgery discrete... can I chew some of the pieces to a pulp? Are scallops mushie friendly? Are there other liquid/mushie items that I can order at a restaurant?

2) Drinking. The focal event of our friday night. I have no idea what I can do and what I'll physically be able to handle. Regardless, not drinking is not really an option, though I wish it was. Any advice/knowlege would be greatly appreciated. I haven't told any of my girlfriends, and am trying to keep this surgery under wraps for now. Normally I'm the life of the party (and a heavy drinker...obviously) so I'm worried they're going to wonder what's up. The 'foodpoisoning' excuse as of late can only go so far.

3) Bridesmaids dress. Wedding is the following Saturday. I have a corset-like dress that when I tried on preop was tight. Not just normal tight, but sausage casing tight. My incisions are still pretty tender right now, I think my abdomen is swollen, and am worried that I will be in intense pain the entire night. So I ask, how was your pain level 2 weeks post op? Am I going to be able to handle this? Did your swelling go down by then?

Thanks everyone in advance. I look forward to many days of losing together ahead!

Tell them you're getting over food poisoning, which will explain why you don't want to drink and why you're wary of eating.

1. I would just do your best to eat what you can, or maybe bring something with you. I would order mashed potatoes or soup at a restaurant!

2. Just tell them its your new years resolution to stop drinking because you just dont like it anymore.

3. First of all I love your statement about how tight your dress is/WAS. I literally laughed for like 3 minutes! I felt great 3 days post op and was ready to do something! I think by 2 weeks A. your dress isnt going to be as tight because your going to lose a good amount of weight while your on fluids and mushies and B. you should be on your way to great healing by then! I think by two weeks I was completely back to normal with little or no swelling! Just make sure to get rest and take care of yourself!

It seems like we have very similar friends. I am nervous because I have a similar situation, it is alumni weekend at my college 3 weeks after I get banded and idk what I will be able to handle.

My advice is just tell them you are taking it easy. If they ask why, make something up or tell them the truth, you are trying to be a healthier person. If all else fails, fake it. Get a cranberry juice, throw a lime in there, and just have fun.

As far as food goes, I would stick to soup or mashed potatoes..

Let me know how it goes, because I'll be headed for the same situation at the end of Feb.

Have Fun!

Hi Hookem, I was miserable the first couple days, but am now 11 days off feel fine, and I have lost 20 pounds! Your dress will be falling off you!!make sure your stitches are either cut or covered well though so you dont have any pulling on the dress though! Thats the only thing I could imagine hurting.

get a beer bottle and spit the alcohol into it..waste of money but it will work.. just act all crazy..

I was up walking around the day after surgery, so I dont know.. how you will be feeling..

Food I would stick to creamy soup (none chunky).. mashed potatos and maybe even cheese..