Hi everyone! I'm new to the site, but have been reading it for a few months now. My band date is next week, May 26th, I am Super excited. Can anybody give me some last minute helpful hints. Is there anything I should remember to do before or after surgery that you forgot?

Hi, congrats, I had my surgery on April 15th. And I was very excited. You will experience a little pain right after surgery, at least I did but they gave me the best pain medicine. I took it every 4hrs as instructed because I didn't want the pain to sneak up on me. I was sent home with liquids pain medicine, Roxicet (Oxycodeon Hydrochloride and Actteminophen) boy did it work, but I tell you it put me to sleep less than 30 minutues, I didn't like that, I would just be sitting up and be knocked out. (LOL...) Make sure you drink plenty of liquids but I'm sure the dr will give you all those details and some. It's hard at first because you're not hungry or thristy... but you have to do it. Have everything you need on hand, because I found myself having to go to the store every couple of days... it's a big adjustment but you will make it through.... Be encourgaged you will do just fine.. Make sure you follow your dr's instructions, I have not once had the dumping syndrome and I'm so thankful for that, because I'm very scared of what that does...So go really, really slow and take your time on everything...especially the first month.. I'm going into my 5 week and I have lost about 23 lbs, which some people loose more, it all depends on your body... I pray that all goes well next week.

Edited May 19, 200917 yr by tyhelms
spelling error

Have a heating pad on hand...it will help with gas pains. Have Gas-X strips for gas in your digestive tract. Mix Benefiber with one of your liquids for the day to help you keep from getting constipated, which often happens after surgery. Have a variety of liquids on hand. Not just broths, but Crystal Light, teas (hot and cold), SF popsicles, SF jello, juices, etc. Have your protein shakes religiously because you need more nutrition than the liquids alone can offer. That will keep your strength up and that's important. Remember to move around. Walk some, even if it's it small amounts several times in the day. I recently read where someone's doctor suggested rocking in a rocking chair to get some motion to help with gas pains. Don't lay in the bed. Get up and try to do normal things because that will help you feel better too!