gottobeme

Everyone is different. I went back to work 9 days after my surgery. Even though my work is not strenuous I do move a lot at work. I think sitting in one position for an extended period of time would have been uncomfortable for me at that point. You didn't mention if you would be driving, a passenger or a combination. I think if you a driving alone it's not a good idea. If someone is going with you and you can share the driving as well as stop often just to move it may be okay. I take approx 8 hour road trips a couple of times a year to visit family and as good as I was feeling I don't think I would have wanted to 1 week out. I am two weeks out now and think I would be up to it - but not by myself.

I know a lot of times my life seems to enter my dreams. I understand completely the surgery is on your mind and you can't get away from it! Maybe you will have a similar dream soon and tell them you are only able to eat about 1/2 cup of food so they give you the "little kid" price!

The pain of finding a protein shake you like,,,and can afford! I really like the shakes and bars from my clinic but they are expensive, $13 for a pack of 7.

I'm 11 days post op with about the same diet as you (plenty of Water also). I did have a few days that I had a stomach ache. I don't really know if I would classify it as a stomach ache though. More of a "yucky" feeling in my stomach. I know very descriptive right? I don't really know how to better explain it though. It did seem to be mostly after sitting for longer periods of time. I would say give it a couple more days and if it doesn't get better call your doc. If it gets worse or you feel like you might throw up I would call your doctor right away though.

Can't wait for anything with a crunch to it!

Same thing with me on my android - very frustrating! Especially if it's a thread you have started!

I was lucky and had no shoulder pain. I also had dermabond with no steristrips. Everyone is different. Good Luck!

How about those of us post op start sharing what was easier than we expected and what was tougher than expected for those who are still pre op? For me, I was one of the lucky ones who did not have shoulder pain. I also was not in much pain at all post op. So I would say that was what was easier for me post op. Tougher post op? Trying to time things. When to eat, when to take vitamins, when to drink, etc. At first I was trying to follow the don't drink 30 min before or 30 min after a meal. Once I realized it's all liquid right now and decided not to worry about this until I hit the mushy phase, it got easier to make sure I got enough of everything in.

If your incisions are warm to the touch it could be a sign of infection. I would call your doctor tomorrow and ask. Could be normal, like you said it was similar to when you got a tattoo, but better safe that sorry!

I think it's very normal from what I've read on here. I think that is one of the reasons it's best to only weigh ourselves once a week.

Are you drinking 48+ oz of water a day also? If you are, just give it time. Sometimes I won't drop or even gain a little and then all of a sudden I'm down 1-3 lbs.

I also have dermabond. I looked online last night and found it normally starts to come off in 5-10 days. You are not supposed to pick at it but let it come off naturally.

Protein shakes do make you gassy - I have been using them pre-op for about 6 months and have never been so gassy in my life!

I think it's interesting to read peoples decisions on whether to tell or not to tell. I especially like to read their reasons for their choice. For me I had been working with my clinic and already lost 70 lbs prior to surgery. I have pretty much told everybody. I let them know that it is only a tool and that I can gain the weight back. I chose this over bypass because I know I need someone besides myself to be accountable to for my weight and because I feel with the band you do need life long follow up, and for me that's a plus. By letting others know I also hope that if there is someone contemplating the surgery they will feel comfortable asking me anything about it.

I also had surgery last Friday and had the problem in reverse, to some degree. I had taken some MOM on Monday (1/4 the normal dose) and after having a terrible time getting things moving Tuesday morning, the "Water works" started. It pretty much ran it's course in one day. After reading your post I'm not so sure it was the MOM that caused it. Considering it happened about the same time post op as mine I'm thinking it's pretty normal.

My surgery was last Friday and I took this whole week off. Although I have been feeling good I think having the time to learn how to eat without having to worry about work and working my "eating" breaks around my schedule has been a great gift to myself.

I have to admit that I liked the fact that my insurance/clinic required informational meetings, support meetings, nutritional counselling and other items before I had surgery. Having a supportive spouse will be great but I would also suggest looking for another type of support group, even if it is online. Knowledge is power and the more you know the more it will help you along your journey. I just had surgery last Friday. I would say things have been pretty easy for me since surgery. The toughest part for me has been learning to listen to my body and learn when to eat and getting enough liquids and proteins in. Good Luck on your journey!

Day 2 was the worst for me also. Popsicles and sugar free jello helped me the most. If your doctor allows yogurt at this stage I have found yoplait light with no chunks or seeds help me out a lot right now. I'm only 5 days post op now but it gets better!

I know I suffered from caffeine withdrawal during my pre op diet. I don't drink coffee but was addicted to Coke Zero. It took a few days to get past it but tylenol did help some. Good Luck!

Sorry to hear about that!

I had been "lucky" enough to have had a couple of major abdominal surgeries prior to my lap band. I think that helped put me ahead of the learning curve for getting in and out of chairs and bed. I think most of us use our stomach muscles to sit up and you need to give them a break right now. Use your arms and legs as much as possible when moving into or from a chair or bed. When getting up from bed try to keep your legs together as much as possible and move them over the side of the bed. Use your arms to push yourself up. Take advantage of chair arms or a table in front of you when standing up from a chair or as you go to sit down. And most of all remember it gets better and easier!

Some people refer to it as their sweet spot. I am only a few days post op so I can only tell you what I've heard/read about it. When you can eat a small amount, be satisfied and not get hungry for another 4-5 hours. You don't want to be able to eat too much or too little and you want to not get hungry for approx 4-5 hours after a meal. Having your band filled or unfilled is what helps you get to your green zone. It is something you and your surgeon will work on together after getting banded.

My daughter is also a vegetarian so we modify a lot of our meals and use a meat replacement. I know they are generally higher in carbs. I would love to know any vegetarian recipes you have that are band friendly! I'm only 4 days post op so it will be awhile before I can try any of them.

That's a good idea. When I started the entire process last August I set smaller 10-20 lb goals for myself. It gives you more short term attainable goals to work toward. By the time I had surgery last Friday I was down 70 lbs. It all counts!

I have a feeling you are going to be an excellent doctor! I honestly think it will be tough to handle med school and the band at the same time. That being said, I also think it is the best time for you to do it! The longer we let our old habits go on the tougher it gets to change them. You have so much of your life ahead of you and no matter what field of medicine you decide to go into your patients will benefit from your experience! Good Luck