Rebecca09

You should be able to put your arms above your head. I had no problem putting on a tee-shirt. As for pants, I wore comfy sweatpants. Your incisions will be high enough that you don't have to worry about the waistband touching any scars or hurting. I'd also suggest sweatpants as they are "baggy" which is "comfortable" and comfort is what you are going for in the beginning. This might be TMI, but what I had trouble with was putting on panties. In the beginning I needed my mom to help me with that. Its hard to bend in the beginning and can cause discomfort or pain. I'm 4 weeks out so if you want to ask more questions, feel free.

Everyone has a slightly different story to tell. Personally, I was given Percocet, in pill form. I just bought a pill crusher and crushed them as I wasn't allowed to swallow them whole. Other people get liquid lortab and they don't have to worry about pills. Then, depending on pain levels, some people just take Liquid tylenol and do just fine with that. One thing I'd say is if you know something works for you and you've had previous success after a surgery or whatever, speak up. Tell your surgeon/doctor beforehand and he should give you what you want within reason. As someone 4 weeks post-op, my advice is to stay ahead of the pain. I made the mistake, early on, of thinking I didn't need anything at a time when I could have taken something, and then an hour or two later was in terrible pain. Good luck. Oh, and don't worry about the pain. I seem to have had it rougher than most, but it is definitely worth it to be losing weight. :eek:

I'd call your doctor. Maybe you are having a bad reaction to the painkiller. Also, from what you wrote about eating I would suggest you add a lot more Protein to your diet. There are yogurt smoothie things from Danon. You could get a Protein shake too. I believe you are supposed to have about 50g of protein a day! I am almost 4 weeks out and I get light-headed when I haven't had enough protein. Also, are you drinking enough Water? If you aren't a big water drinker, add propel (flavored and low in calories) or diet snapple to your intake. Good luck!

Hi. I was just banded 3 weeks ago and had the wonderful opportunity to meet a patient of my surgeon who gave me a lot of tips. To reduce bruising: Take arnica montana pellets (I had no bruising at incisions.) To blend food: The magic bullet (Its available online and at bed, bath and beyond. (Its small and works quite well!) To reduce gas: Besides walking, which works best, try Gas-X strips. For protein: I use Iso Pure Protein powder. I like the chocolate and vanilla powder. It comes in many flavors and is available at GNC and The Vitamin Shoppe. (At GNC, you can return flavors you don't like, which is good because they come in large canisters.) ** You should also get a compression garment to wear around your belly. It helps with pain and makes you feel more secure. I was able to get it at the hospital so ask your doctor! I guess that's all I have for now. If you have a support group near you I suggest you go. I'm going to one tonight for WLS. Take care and good luck!

Drinking soda is not a good idea for all the aforementioned reasons. I loved diet coke before being banded. I would have several a day. After meeting with the surgeon and he told me "No soda!" I decided to wean myself off of it. I started looking for substitutes. Then I said I would NOT have soda during meals, only when at a bar with friends (I'm not a drinker) or at the movies. Now, 3 weeks after being banded and I rarely think about soda. Also, diet soda tends to have an appetite increasing effect on people...who needs that?!?! Good luck to you. I know you'll be able to give up things in order to achieve your desired results!

As for food, I have been told by doctors, parents, friends that prunes are the way to go. Prune juice, actual prunes, prune anything. I myself do not like the taste of prunes and actually would prefer the taste of Milk of Mag (can you imagine?), but if you can "go" through food I think that is probably a better route.

I've had this problem both before and after surgery...(tmi?) What works the best for me with no cramping, etc. is Philip's Milk of Magnesia. Its not the best taste in the world, but if you pretend its like a shot its fine. Hope that helps.

In 12 hours I will be having surgery. I have to be at the hospital at 7am, will have surgery at 9am. I am happy to be my doctor's first surgery. I'm nervous about the pain, but know it will go away soon. I can't believe that I'll be banded tomorrow. This site has been so helpful during my preparation for surgery. I hope it will be helpful in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

I'm being banded tomorrow. Iso-Pure makes a Protein powder where 2 scoops are 50 grams of protein. You can add it to Water or skim milk. I had the low carb chocolate one on my pre-diet and it was tasty. They have low carb and no carb versions. Hope that helps. Congrats on your first week. I can't wait to say that!

Believe... I'm getting banded on March 11th too! I'm excited :crying: and scared but I know this will be the start of something special. Do you have to be on Clear liquids? I do. This is day 2 for me. Its super hard. I am hungry, sleepy, and freezing. I have the heat blasting and a blanket over me. Grrrr I wish you luck on your journey and am happy to share our "special day" with you!

Hi. I'm being banded March 11. I'm in NYC. Only have to do 1 week pre-op diet, but have already done a few days. Its hard but it will be well worth it in the end. Good luck to everyone!!!!!

First of all - a huge congratulations is in order! That is a great feat and even though you have a tool now, you still did this on your own...don't forget that! Second - what did you do to achieve this wonderful goal? What did you eat? Exercise? Etc? (I ask this because I'm being banded on March 12, 2009 and could use all the tips.) Finally - for such a huge victory think about what you've always wanted. I agree with the others about spa. Treat your body to something kind like a massage. Think of how great that will feel. I don't know what your budget is like, but maybe a weekend trip or something might be fun. I know being overweight has prevented me from certain adventures. Again, big congrats for your success!