I was banded on 9/30 and recover is going really well. Lost 16 lbs so far. During the time working up to surgery I learned about putting a pillow on your stomach area to cushion against the seat belt. I couldn't find one that I liked. They all felt like they were going to smother me so I made my own. OMG! I could not have recovered so quickly without this pillow. I made it out of some fleece that was on sale and used the fluff out of a pillow that had seen better days. It's in the shape of a capital D. The flat edge I use just under by breasts and it fits comfortably from one side of my abdomen to the other. I really suggest everyone make one of these. I used it in the car on the way home, it is great now in the car since I just got my staples taken out and am a bit tender still, it also keeps my DH from throwing his arm over a tender tummy when I'm sleeping on my back. It helped me to cough and get up from the couch/chairs around the house the first few days.

Really a lifesaver.

The hospital gave me a little homemade oblong pillow to use just as you mentioned. It is great! I've been banded for 7 weeks and I still use the little pillow in my office chair. It provides just enough lower back support. I love my little pillow and greatly appriciate whoever it was that made it for me.

Great idea! I just used my moshie pillow, dont know if you know what those are. I got it from SharperImage. Like the Nap pillows, very soft and squishie. I take it with me when I travel, people look at me like I am crazy! But it sure helped with holding me in when I coughed!

D

And since the materials were only a few dollars I couldn't really argue about making one. Thinking about maybe making more and selling them to other people. Don't know. I say that about a lot of things like this. lol

The little pillows are great. A word of advice....many of the bands are being done in outpatient settings (where pillows are not traditionally given). If you are having the lap band in an outpatient setting & you don't get a little pillow, ask for one. They should have them available even if they have to get them from the inpatient side.

The little pillows are great. A word of advice....many of the bands are being done in outpatient settings (where pillows are not traditionally given). If you are having the LAP-BAND® in an outpatient setting & you don't get a little pillow, ask for one. They should have them available even if they have to get them from the inpatient side.

Good point about the surgeries being outpatient. Hadn't thought about that (even though mine was out pt as well).