I have been reading a great deal to get ready for the Banding on June 30th. Everyone here has been so helpful. Many of you have mentioned that Gas-x strips are helpful to get rid of the pain from the gas during surgery. I know that walking helps too. But when did you take the Gas-x? Did you bring it to the hospital and take it there. I always thought that the hospital was very strict about you taking only whet they give you. Also, for how long and how often did you have to take them?

Any insight would be very helpful.

liquid diet, here I come on Tuesday.

I haven't had to use any Gas-X. My hospital was extremely strict on only taking what they give you. If you have issues with gas, you should be able to tell them and they will take care of you. They are there to make you comfortable.

As far as what I actually took with me...I had an overnight stay. My laptop and season 2 of grey's anatomy were a must. Entertainment rocks!

I had 4 magazines, my cellphone and a fully charged iPod. I ended up sharing my room with two snoring men (I'm a girl) Not a happy camper but at least I had something to do all night.

I purchased Gas-X previous to the surgery and it's not been opened. Never had a reason to use it.

Chapstick. If you remember only one thing... that'd be the thing to remember. Your lips will thank you.

I slept for most of my stay (my surgeon requires that everyone stays overnight). I turned on the tv once or twice but just kind of for background noise.

I didn't have to stay over night but had to bring a few things in case. like my cpap and a book and crossword puzzle. I didn't bring any toiletries and I wore my pjs there so I didn't have to bring clothes. I did bring a pillow for the ride home. And YES, bring the chapstick your mouth will be so dry and it helps. Travel lite was the key for me. Your brain will be a little like mush after so it's easier not to have alot to mess with. Good Luck!

I stayed overnight and had no problem with gas in the hospital.

I brought a book along, but never got to crack the cover because with the pain meds(more sore than in pain) I slept most of the time and watched tv the rest. It's only an overnight stay and will go quickly.

I had to make use of Gas x extra strength strips about 5 days after coming home when the gas began to act up big time. It worked its way out from the upper body down through and 'out'..no pain..just very annoying.

No need to take anything except a comb(I didnt get one in my pack and was glad I had one in my bag and a fresh set of underwear for the trip home...EVERYTHING else is provided.

I was banded on Jun 8 at NYU by Dr Fielding. Fortunately NYU has BIG hospital gowns, so no need for pj's. I was scheduled as an out patient, but wound up staying till the next morning. I was too tired to read and was happy just to sleep or watch TV. Regarding GAS-X, both Dr Fielding & the anesthesiologist told me that the gas pains I may be experienc will be from what is pumped into the abdominal cavity. Gas-X only relieves pain inside the organs. Walking seems to be the best cure for it.

I recommend a comfortable sports bra with no underwire for the way home!

I stayed overnight and didn't use most of what I brought with me. I did bring gas-x but didn't use it because I was on high test pain killers. I was blessed and got a private room, so when I was awake I watched TV. I still have to unpack my bag from last week.

Good luck!!

I took gas-x strips, but never used them. I stayed overnight in the hospital. The thing that really saved me was a sippy cup. Before banding I drank quickly and took large drinks. I did that once after banding which caused pain!! So the childs sippy cup was a lifesaver for me. I used it for about a week until I learned to take tiny drinks. Playtex has a sippy cup that looks like a small travel coffee mug, so not so babyish. I bought this in the baby section of walmart.

Vaseline for your lips... OMG - I was SO grateful I had remembered to put that in... and (this may sound awful... but you DID ask..) take more PJ's / underwear than you think you;ll need... they found it hard to find an anti sickness drug that worked on me, and I was dry heaving for a while and managed to pee myself twice... very dignified!!!

I took alsorts - books / magazines / Ipod etc, but I was so wiped out afterwards that I just slept and slept. I had the TV on, but only as someone else said - for background noise.

Good luck!

Thanks for all of the great ideas. Today I start the liquids. Oh boy, Yum! :bored:

Thanks for the tips, I have to start figuring out what to bring to the hospital. I have my preop testing tom. I read that will take like 3 hours... Thanks for the tips, hope I end up with a private room.. it would be nice.

Just saw this and have to chime in and agree...don't take your own drug at the hospital unless your nurse knows and approves! (you were so right about that! )

Gas X can help the gas we generate, but it won't even TOUCH the gas they pump into you to make surgery easier...because that gas is in the cavities etc...not where the gas X can impact it. If it helps anyone...it helps psychologically OR helps to break up our own gas. Not surgical gas. That stuff just has to work itself out and be, eventually, reabsorbed by the body. Sucks, but that's a fact.

I agree too w/the chapstick although I prefer "soft lips" LOL Chapstick is way too waxy for me. You are really dry because they give you an anticholinergic to dry you up...something for your lips really helps.

Remember a pillow to brace your surgical sites on the ride home will help, and easy on/easy off shoes for the hospital. Oh well you know all that..!

Good luck! Bet you're very excited! :thumbup:

I guess I am just psycho because I used tons on gasX. My upper abdomen would swell and become painful and hard. I would take 2-3 strips and it would ease off for awhile. I walked alot, but continued to need the gasx for a couple of weeks. I bought several boxes and they worked for me, no matter where the gas came from. Everybody is diffrent.

Gas X can help the gas we generate, but it won't even TOUCH the gas they pump into you to make surgery easier...because that gas is in the cavities etc...not where the gas X can impact it. If it helps anyone...it helps psychologically OR helps to break up our own gas. Not surgical gas. :thumbup:

As I said...Gas X helps the gas WE make in our bodies but not the gas pumped in for surgery.