Hi, I've been following this site and now have a few questions. Plan to have lap band this summer and currently have been doing the optifast program. Now I am in staying on track and have lost 54 lbs. I've read different things and am wondering if you are able to eat a sandwich or have pasta at all. Also I am a nurse working in a geriatric psych unit and wonder how long I will have to be off work. Also have umbilical hernia surgery at the same time. How did everyone feel after the surgery? Thanks.

As you probably know recovery is very individual. I felt great, didn't need pain meds, had surgery friday and was back in school (as a student) that next tuesday. Yes I eat sandwiches and pasta. The nutritionist at my center said just to cook the pasta (and rice) well before eating (because it continues to absorb liquid when you ingest it, if not well well done) I have a ventral hernia my doc wouldn't repair (yet) because he said it would just come back until I lost weight...

Rule of thumb is 2 weeks post op and if you have the time, I'd take it. There will be a lifting restriction as with any abdominal surgery, so if you have to get physical you may need a little longer.