Hi Everyone!

I am pre-op, 11 days before surgery! I am having my surgery at NYU with Marina Kurian, so I am really excited. I've been on the liquid diet for about 4 days now...and it's been tough, but I am sticking it through because I know it will all be worth it in the end.

I would love to hear from anyone who has had the procedure at NYU, and how you felt about it afterward! Or really anyone who has had lap-band and how you felt the week after surgery!

Thanks,

Tina

Hello,

Congratulations on making the decision to be healthier. Don't be nervous, the procedure only takes about 30 minutes and it's relatively simple. The first week and a half I felt pretty uncomfortable most likely from the gas they pump in during surgery. (no pain, only discomfort) I felt like my stomach was in my chest cavity and there was and elephant sitting on my chest lol. Also could tell there was a foreign object in my body. Once that feeling went away within 10 days I felt great. I returned to work 2 days later. I had a strange rash breakout that I think was my immune system recognizing the foreign object in my body but it went away after a couple weeks. The surgeon may or may not place a drain near your port scar but that just depends on the surgeon. It is normal for the port area to be sore and tender for 4-6 weeks. That was the worst area for me. I've had two c-sections so for me the recovery from the lap band surgery was nothing compared to the c-sections.

Be prepared to crush any meds you may need to take but you will only need to do this for about the first week or so. Be prepared to exercise daily because you will need to exercise everyday to keep the weight coming off. I began walking the day I had surgery and did so for an hour everyday for the next month until I could start working out at the gym. Drink a lot of water. I also recommend the Special K-2-0 protein water available at walmart. It tastes good too. I had a very difficult time with the Isopure since I couldn't stand the taste or the floaties that were in it. The clear liquid phase is tough since you will be having food cravings but this is when I lost the majority of my weight. You will get through it somehow and the full liquid phase and mushies is much easier to stick with. Just be sure to get all your needed protein in so you don't feel week and dizzy. I purchased online IDS protein viles that helped me to get my protein in daily during clear fluid phase.

I had no band restriction for the first 6 weeks and felt hungry in between meals. Once I got my first fill I felt so much more restricted. Remember to chew thoroughly and take small bites is VERY important and for me the hardest part. If I loose my concentration I tend not to chew enough and then the food gets stuck and comes back up. Be careful. You do not want this to happen for the first 6 weeks while you are healing since you run the risk of band slippage.

You will do great! I have no regrets and I'm so grateful this option was available to me. Best of luck and success to you. Keep me posted on your progress.

Sincerely,

Donna

Banded 4/17/09 10cc band w/.08 saline

First fill 5/30/09 1.6 cc

Edited June 19, 200917 yr by FailureIsntAnOption

Thanks Donna!

This is really helpful. I know the doctor always tells you what to expect, but it is always good to hear it from someone who has been through it! Thanks a million! I will definitely keep an update on how things are going.

:sad:

Thanks again,

Christina