An hour for the procedure is average. Every patient is different though, follow your preop diet so that your liver will shrink making it easier for your surgeon to see and maneuver around your stomach. The easier it is for your surgeon to work once he is inside your abdomen- then the quicker your surgery will be and the less gas they will need to use, reducing the chance of shoulder pain. They really shouldn't tell you there will be "no"pain from the gas. They inflate your abdomen with c02 and this is easily gotten rid of by your body but it can rise to your shoulders and make your first night very uncomfortable. The only cure is time and getting up to walk. If it does happen to you, please know it will go away after about a day and a half. I have had a couple of surgeries were they used the gas to inflate my abdomen. When I had the sleeve was my first and only experience with the shoulder pain. The absolute best thing for you to do is get up and walk. It is good for your circulation especially to prevent blood clots and helps your bowels to 'wake up' from the effects of the anesthesia. I wish you a pain free surgery and recovery. Good luck to you. You will enjoy your new tool! Take care and keep us updated!