Thank you! It is such an exciting time in my life - glad I found this site - I know my family is getting sick of hearing me talk about my band.. LOL
The only pain I had was in my shoulders. They fill your stomach with gas and as that is escaping from your body it hurts. It was BAD - but, the more I walked - the more relief I got. I was up in the recovery room walking with my IV - it hurt that bad. But, NOTHING else hurt! I promise! I had 5 incisions - the big one by the port is ALMOST completely healed - but it took longer because my pants kept hitting it. I could not lay on my left side for about 4 weeks - but, it is fine now - just tender and too sore to lay on...
I know what you mean about giving up two things - for me it was SODA instead of cigarettes... I have not had one since Feb 28th - it about KILLED me - but, I hardly ever want to hit someone for a dr pepper now.. LOL
Please keep in touch - I am anxious to hear how you do - I know it will be fine and you are going to be so happy you did it... First couple days - you are out of it - but, all is well after that...
Suzanne