Now that you have been banded, what would you have done differently if you were a month away from banding? Are there any tips/regrets or prep you would do to make life a little easier? I've already started cleaning out the pantry....and, I've heard the post op liquid stool softener is brutal---------any alternative suggetions I can bring up to the doctor that are more tolerable?

Thank you, all, who have some thoughts:redface:

Judy

There is nothing that I would change. I was at peace with myself and ready to make changes in my life. I would make sure that you are at peace with yourself and that you are ready to make the changes. Take it one day at a time and keep postivie with everything. Make sure that you do your homework and ask all kinds of questions no matter how silly they may sound. We are all here to help you. PM if you have any other questions or need someone to talk to.

Chris

The ONLY thing I'd have done differently...is to follow my doctor's instructions precisely from the start. I didn't and had to have 2 surgeries because he couldn't place the band the first time. So my advice is to do what your doctor says, not what a friend says, not what you read here, etc!

And I don't know about a post op stool softener. I had a preop bowel prep (as most of us do) and it wasn't that bad. It's important that you be cleaned out before surgery...it's for your safety.

Take a bunch of "before" photos so that you can see how big a difference there is later on! Also, take your measurements now -- it's great to be able to see inches lost, especially when you plateau (e.g. when you start seriously exercising).

Best wishes,

Catherine