Newbie schedueled for surgery next week!

Hi Guys and Gals :)

I'm new to the forum and wanted to introduce myself. I'm a 25yr old mom from Houston, TX. I'm being banded by Dr. Wilkenfeld next Tuesday and I'm pretty nervous. I'm sure like most of you, I've struggled with my weight and have been a perpetual yo-yo dieter most of my life. After the birth of my daughter in March of 09' I managed to lose most of my baby weight ( I was a stay at home with lots of time to prep food, work out, etc ) Now that I've been back to work full time, I have had issues with keeping my weight managed. I have put on just about every ounce I lost.

I've been lurking now for the last few weeks, but I wanted to take the giant leap of saying ...
HI!!!!
Do you have any advice on what I should have at home for post op? I've read about the gas-x already..lol
In advance it's nice to meet you all and I'm super excited to start my weight loss journey!!!

 A heating pad was my good friend for awhile post op.  I placed it on my shoulder where the gas pain was awful for me.  Some people don't get it so if your lucky you won't either.  That was the worse thing about the surgery and recovery for me.   If at all possible get your prescriptions filled the day before and get some adult liquid tylenol.  If you haven't already found a protein powder you like start experimenting and find one.  Stock up on sugar free popsicles, sugar free jello and chicken/beef broths.  I lived on that for the first few weeks post op.  This was the first surgery I had ever had and didn't know what to except but it was surprisingly easier than I thought it would be.  Good luck Lori

Welcome!! I'm fairly new to this site too and I love it. I've learned so much here and find it a nice place to aire all my lapband concerns. I've always received such warm responses and the advise here is second to none. When I shopped for post-op, I pretty much had the same foods as my pre-op diet. Crystal lite, broths, creamed soups, V8 splash, popsicles...ect. Make sure you have a heating pad, it really comes in handy for the gas pressure and post surgery abdominal discomfort. Also get some chewable anti-gas pills, your doctor will prescribe your pain meds. Best of luck with your surgery, it will soon be a distant memory. Again, welcome and nice to meet you

Hi Nicole,  Welcome to the site.  Along with everyone else's recommendations, I'd recommend a pill crusher in the event you have difficulty swallowing medication post surgery.  I only had to use it for a couple of days but it was really inexpensive and worth it at the beginning when you're afraid to swallow anything.  The gas is painful so take the meds they give you but beware of tylenol #3's as they continue to cause problems in the bowel department (constipation).  Some fruit juice Boost is great to have on hand.  It is awfully sweet and so it was suggested that I add some water to tone it down.  You'll be just fine and don't hesitate to post your fears, joys and questions because someone always responds with the greatest of hints or information from those who have gone before us.  Good luck.  Keep us all posted, ok?  Karol

Ladies,

Thanks so much for your great advice. I have started to gather a lsit already. I'm excited to have support from you guys since I dont have a lot of support from my family!

Best advice I can offer is walk walk and walk . If you get tired of walking walk some more :o)

I had no gas pains from this surgery but I did so much walking . I started to walk 1 5min after I got back to my room and didn't quit. I would rest for about 15 in and walk some more .

Also the first 72 hrs I slept in the recliner , it was just more comfortable that way.  I wasn't sore from the incisions or anything like that but the upper part of your stomach will feel like you did a million sit ups and it was hard for me to get in and out of bed the first three days.

Plus I'm a major tummy sleeper also :o)


also if you have fur babies. I have two dogs and two cats that love to sleep on top of me when I'M sitting in the lazy boy chair.  Make sure you put a pillow over your tummy so when your doggies do the doggie flop to lay down it dont hurt .

Just remember the first 6-8 weeks is all about healing so just follow your docs orders to a T if he says dont eat till this day dont eat .

You dont want to work them stomach muscles to soon . Also if you gain weight during this time dont fret . I gained 6 pounds during week 2 to week 5 .   It will all come back off it's just your body adjusting to normal foods again.

good luck you will be fine its a easy surgery and if it wasn't for my upper tummy hurting and it wasn't even enough to take pain pills I would have never known I had the surgery done :o)

Welcome!

A soft pillow to put between your stomach and the seat belt for the car journey home. Clothes with no waist band for same!

Kate

I wore loose cloths and clogs to the surgery.  It was easier to get dressed after the surgery.  I didn't have any gas pain, but I had upper stomach pain.  I wish I knew about the pillows then.  I discovered this site far out from my surgery.
You'll be great!
Tracy

Loose clothes and pillows. Check :)
I probably wouldn't have thought of that. You guys are great!

Welcome Nicole!!

I am fairly new here as well - and honestly it is totally awesome!!  I have learned so much.  I try to get online every other day to check in and end up learning something new each time.  I'm hoping to have my surgery within the next couple of months, so I've been making a list of everything that I need to have pre-op.  Good luck with your surgery......you'll do just fine!