Hello July Bandsters! I'm new to the board, but wanted to share my July 6th banding story. The whole experience in the hospital was uneventful and I was on my way home about 4 hours post-op. Last night I slept fairly well and was only up a couple of times (no doubt thanks to the pain meds!). Today I have felt a bit like I've been run over by a truck! I am quite sore and I've had gas pains, but this seems to be finally lessening. I am supposed to get between 60-80g of protein per day, but I couldn't possibly drink that much right now. I take a few sips and I feel so full that I can't swallow any more. Thankfully, the doctor says for me just to strive to stay well hydrated and to slowly work up the amount of protein I am taking in. But there's no doubt about it ... lap band surgery is "real" surgery and it will take me a while to fully recover. Good luck to everyone else on your jouney!