Super excited and nervous....

 Hello, I'm new to this site, and glad I found it. So much info. My surgery is scheduled for March 15th. My doctor says I should be able to return back to work after 4 days. Is that reasonable? How long does it take to feel back to normal? I'm starting the Atkins diet tomorrow to prepare my liver for surgery. Any advise from anyone would be so helpful. 

I'd say 4 days is do-able, especially if there are two additional weekend days. My pain was more like sore muscles and only when I moved. There is a good bit of swelling and bloating but that is gone in a few days. I was off 3 weeks and used the time to walk a couple times a day, get my liquids in, etc. My doctor prefers 3-4 weeks off work but will return people sooner if they need to get back. Move/walk frequently, it helps the swelling go down.

 Thanks for responding Minnie...Once you returned to regular food, what did your meals consist of? I feel like I have so many questions. 

 My surgery is scheduled for the 8th. I am taking 2 weeks off. Good luck.

 I'd love to take more time off, but since my insurance will only cover 50% I need to be able to make the payments. Since I just sit in an office I'm hoping it'll be okay. Good luck to you!! 

There is a thread on the forum "What are you eating today" and you can see what others eat daily.
I try to vary things up a little bit. Meals are protein and a veggie. Today I had oatmeal for breakfast; I'll have applesaucxe w/ benefiber for a snack; lunch will be turkey meat loaf and green beans. I'll marinate boneless/skinless chicken thighs and grill them. It's nice to freeze extras and have something quick to warm up. I have a tiny skillet I use for scrambled egg whites or omlets w/ fat free feta. You'll get creative. Hopefully you have worked with a nutritionist and he/she have loaded you up with diet/meal plans.

 So much to learn...How long have you had your lapband?

I took one week off and worked one week from home. Remember it is surgery and you will tired and uncomfortable for several weeks. That doesn't mean you can't work, but take it easy on yourself!

I amat 5 weeks now and feeling great, but do still have a little tenderness at the larger of the incision sites.

Good luck!

 Thank you so much for your comment...I really like hearing from someone that resently had it done.  Keep me posted on your status, would love to hear how it's going for you. 

 My surgery was 11/16/11 and I felt like I could return to normal around day 4.  My DR told me that I could do anything but lift more than 10lbs.  As long as I was not on pain meds I could drive right away.
Week 1 was clear liquids
week 2 - 4 I ate puddings and such (I added choc protein powder to the mix to get my daily requirements)
week 5 I was on a totally normal diet.  The only foods that give me grief are breads,bannanas, and apple sauce (still have not figure out why) The bread balls up and sticks, so I just avoid it.

I did not have much pain after surgery-I did a lot of walking before they released me and at home, so I think that helped.  I returned to the gym on week 2 without any problems.