Newbie with Questions

Hi, I've been lurking for some time now. Have done my homework and will finalize surgery date tomorrow. I have a couple of questions and was hoping someone might be able to help me. First, I plan to have the lapband. I'm a teacher so I wanted to have surgery during my spring break. I'm smaller compared to many, BMI about 36.3. I'm 43 and relatively healthy. I'm having surgery in hopes of avoiding what will be my future if I don't do something (like you - tried many diets, lost weight, gain it back plus some). Is it realistic to hope to be back to work in less than a week? I only teach part time (two High School classes). Barring any unforeseen complications, it seems I should be able to go back relatively quickly. Those of you who have been there, what are your thoughts? Second, I can only find positive feedback about the surgeon I've chosen. Anyone out there who can give me their experience? I think that's it for now. I have lots of thoughts and concerns. This is a huge step for me, but I'm so tired of being heavy and unable to do the things I want. I would like to be able to do more things with the kids before they're gone from home. I've already missed so much. Thanks for listening. Ann

Is it realistic to hope to be back to work in less than a week? Maybe but it may be cutting it close. I didn't even start develop my gas pains until about day 3 and I needed my narcotic (lortab) to help me through the painful bouts of gas which lasted for about another week (so, ten days out from surgery). If you're taking lortab you shouldn't be driving OR teaching. I tried to move on to liquid Tylenol as quickly as I could so I did the Gas-X, heating pad, walking and flapping my arms tricks to help with the pain. I also didn't feel really bad right out of surgery. On the day home from the hospital I felt like I could have gone to work. In hindsight I know that it was the medicine talking but, still, I felt like I could. Now, the other issue is that, while you're on liquids, you also tend to be pretty weak and tired. I had trouble about a week and a half out just staying awake -- and I wasn't taking any medicine that might put me to sleep, either. I would *plan* on a week or two off of work and count it as a blessing if I go back early (and, don't forget, you'll also probably need your surgeon's clearance, too). Some have certainly been able to do it. Second, I can only find positive feedback about the surgeon I've chosen. Anyone out there who can give me their experience? I've actually indirectly ended up referring several people down to Dr. T because I'm familiar with Coos Bay. I haven't heard of anyone saying anything bad about him or their experience. Look at those who list him as their surgeon and e-mail them. I'm sure most will be more than willing to talk to you -- pick a few who are right out of surgery a few further along and yet another group a year or more out. If I had heard anything bad (or had anything bad reported back to me****rtainly wouldn't be telling people about him. He's not my surgeon and I'm not getting anything out of this for referring people to him. Be sure to also check out the lap band forum if you haven't already. You just might see me there! Lori

Thanks Lori. It's just that I've been thinking about this and gathering information for a long time and I'm now anxious to get it done. I would rather not wait until summer. I was hoping to be losing and past my first fill, adjusting to a new life all before fall rolled around. I need to work more hours next year so now really is better than later for many reasons. Thank you again for your help. Ann

Timing may be everything for you. If you were to, say, schedule surgery on Thursday or Friday, that would give you two weekends to recover and a little more than a week for recovery. I had my surgery on Friday. The second Monday after surgery I could have probably gone to work. I think most surgeons won't clear you to return to work for 7 days or so. I know my husband had a lap surgery that's similar to lap band but completely different for different reasons (they took part of his stomach and wrapped it at the top -- where the band typically goes -- to create a new sphincter muscle because his had been burned really badly by heartburn). He was certainly ready to go back to work after a week. The other aspect of this, in addition to being tired, is your emotions. i became an absolute b*tch on liquids. I was getting tired of them and frustrated and I took it out on everyone and every thing around me. I wasn't expecting that and it is certainly NOT my personality. I also know that there are several people who tried to go back to work within the first week and most couldn't make it. Because you're only working part time now, you may be ok. Lori

I think it is highly possible. I am pre-op, but i have seen many a post about people getting banded and going to work part time with a week. Some people get very tired though, it's dif for everyone. post to let us know how things went/go.