Nervous

I'm a new member of this site, and have yet to talk to anyone.  I am a 35 year old teacher and I'm scheduled to have lap band surgery on April 2.  I have some concerns and questions.  First, I've only planned to take 10 days of of work; is that enough? Second, I planned to take a small group of students and a parent to volunteer in Tanzania, Africa prior to my surgery date being scheduled; it's now scheduled for 2 months prior to the trip.  The plance tix need to be purchased in the next few days.  There is someone who can go in my place, but I really want to go.  (It's probably a "now or never" trip.)  Do you think I should be o.k. to go?  I know it's especially risky b/c it's in Africa and my food choices will be limited.  In hindsight, do you think you would have been able to go on this trip 2 months after your surgery?  If there is anything else you think I should know about my surgery, please let me know.  I'm currently 208 lbs. and hope to lose 50-60 lbs.

Thanks soooo much,
Lisa

Lisa

I had lap band surgery on 1/22/09. Ten days should be plenty of time to take off of work. You probable will be able to go back at 7 days. I took 11 days off only because I could not get in to see my doctor before then. I had to see him to be released. Some people are up and running 5 days after surgery. Me I am 2 weeks post op. I feel great in the am. AM exhausted by evening time.

You shoud be fine to go on trip. You are just going to have to watch your food choices. Take powder supplement with you and plan on having that if there is not anything you can eat. With 2 months post op you will have had atleast 1 fill, maybe 2 fills. There is a possibility by that time you may not be able to eat rice and pasta as well.

Also check out the lap band forum. I am on there and here a lot. There is about 5 of us on this board that are lap band but we are all in this together.

Tamara

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to the board! I look forward to getting to know you. As Tamara suggested, I would crosspost this question to the lapband forum. I think her suggestion that you take some protien mix with you would be a great idea. My other suggestion would be that you reduce the amount of restrictition in your band for the trip and make careful choices. I think that should minimize issues you might have. You could have a fill scheduled for your return... Just as thought.

Wishing you every success,

Welcome, Lisa... always glad to see another bander here because there are not many of us.  As Tamara said - we stick together!  Now let me assure you that this group has lots of info and great support.

I am a nurse and went back to work 7 days after surgery.  And feel I could've gone back in less than that, so you will be fine with 10 days off.  Just remember no lifting until the doc releases you.
As for the trip 2 months post op - GO.  Certainly you will find different foods and taking what you can in the way of protein powders and bars would help you get in your protein.  I find that I am tight in the mornings and do best with a protein shake.  You will have to be careful with what you take with your because of the airline policies.  Might check with them now so you can prepare.  They have some funny rules these days.  Just remember to eat your protein items first and always drink plenty of liquids - you will do gret!

Hope to get to know you... like where do you live and what grade students do you teach?

Shelia

Lisa, welcome to the board and thanks for reaching out. I would say 10 days is plenty to be off of work. Your stomach is not going to be hurting as if you've had a major surgery, for the most part you wont feel anything but uncomfortable gas. I would think you would be fine for Africa....my Dr. follows a super strict spost op diet and at 8 weeks I was eating mushies, so I'm sure you'll be able to find something. Ask your Dr. about this and see what he says. You're soooooo lucky to be able to do this volunteer work, It's something I dream of.  Good luck!

nancy