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Well, this could be an "it depends" answer. Everyone recovers and heals at a different pace. That being said, I probably would not want to go to theme parks or places where I have to walk a lot at 3 weeks. At 3 weeks, barring any infections or complications, your incisions should be healed with scabs over them. However, your insides are still healing. The suture line of your stomach will still be healing and I probably wouldn't recommend lifting luggage. Remember, you will have just had major surgery. While you may look OK on the outside, your body will still be recovering. That, combined with the major change in your dietary intake, you will more than likely have fatigue. It's one thing to walk around your house or try to walk a little in your neighborhood, it's an entirely different thing to have the energy and endurance to walk a theme park. Then, there's the logistics of your diet. You will not be eating "regular" food by then. At best, you'll be on soft foods and possibly still on puree. It's hard enough to get through the stages of food in recovery without the added stress of trying to find food that you can eat. You ask how long would anyone suggest. I'm not sure there's a good answer to address the kind of holiday you're describing. I went on vacation at about 6 weeks out. At that point, I had the energy for an 1100 mile road trip. I helped pack/unpack the vehicle and walked my dogs. However, the vacation was more of a visit to family/friends. I engaged in no activity that required strength or endurance. I struggled quite a bit with maintaining my diet and finding "safe" foods. I found myself placed in situations where there was food I hadn't tried or food I shouldn't eat. Protein shakes and bars only go so far.

Thanks, Betsy! Yes, the doctor said that we are playing catch up now because he had to unfill the first 2 cc's in that 3rd week. According to him, I am moving along just fine. He is a Bariatric Center of Excellence rated doctor who has personally done well over 700 lap band surgeries alone, not sure how many gastric bypass surgeries in addition to that. He is definitely experienced in this. I agree that I would prefer a more conservative approach than some of the other doctors that I have read about on here that seem to be way too aggressive. I think that would definitely have more propensity to cause complications resulting in PBing and unfills, etc. Betsy, I admire your resolve and self discipline when it comes to your diet. Unfortunately for me, I cannot be that strict with myself all the time. If I do so, then eventually I will have a complete meltdown and cram any and everything I can find into my mouth! I do much better to allow myself a little here and there so I don't feel so deprived over all. But you are right, whatever works for you! Thanks for your input! It is much appreciated! I hope to one day be working on maintenance like you too!

Well I am new to this but I like the idea of being able to put my thoughts down and either help someone else or get help by someone who reads this. I have not had the lap band surgery yet. I am going on Thursday to the surgery seminar and hoping that a lot of my questions and concerns are answered. I know several people who have had the surgery and have done pretty well with their weigh loss. Of course I am going into this blind as far as a doctor is concerned. I have just recently moved to Colorado and have decided that I would check into the surgery so I am hoping that the doctor is a good one. Surgery of any kind scares me and today a friend of my sister in law passed away due to complications from the gastric bypass surgery. So very sad. So wish me luck because I know I need to do this. I am so over weight and I need to get myself healthy. I have not always been overweight, growing up I was skinny. It wasn't until I stopped smoking and had two children that the cycle began. I am a stress eater and the bigger I get the more down on myself I get. I need to feel good about me again and to start that journey is doing this procedure.

I'm from Pasadena initially but now im around Torrance :thumbup: IDK im a very emotional person and I always second guess everything. I'm very paranoid and constantly worried about complications

I'm in Perth and had my VSG performed on 17th October - by Prof Hamdorff at Hollywood Hospital. Recovery has been amazing and no complications. I was back at work after 2 weeks and cleared to start exercising again at 3 weeks (seeing a PT twice a week and working out on my own for another 2-3 days a week). I've just come out of a 2+ week stall with no weightloss, but hovering at about 11kgs down so far. Yesterday marked 6 weeks out and it's flown! How are you doing now?

After having complications ever since surgery why would you be afraid to have things checked out? Better to be diagnosed by a physician than in a chat forum by strangers. You're health is so important. Take the time to call you're doctor.

They didn't cancel me. My surgery went without complications and I'm I'm feeling amazing.

OK, so I had my very first consultation with Dr. David Ward in Morristown New Jersey he will be my surgeon. He addressed all my questions and my husbands as well. We had pretty common questions like, how long does the surgery take, healing time, what to expect, any complications that could arise, mortality rate etc. The first thing he asked me was what type of surgery was I interested in. I did not let him know right away that I wanted the sleeve. I asked what he thought would be better. He let me know that the sleeve would be better for me. Which is what I wanted to begin with. He informed me that bypass would not be in my Best interest. Also, he does not like to perform bypass surgery on smokers. I asked him how long I need to be smoke-free in order to have surgery. He said, obviously it is better to be totally smoke free but, he does understand how hard it can be. He did say that I can use nicotine replacement such as the patch he wasn't too happy about vape only because there's not too much information on it. He did recommend that I at least cut back even if I don't use the nicotine replacement. I also asked about liquid diet and what I need to do now to start preparing. He said we definitely want you to cut back calories and carbs. you will be meeting with a nutritionist who will help you with that. My husband asked when would I need to start the liquid diet the doctor informed us it would not be necessary until much much closer to surgery. He said it is not mandatory that I lose weight just not to gain any weight but it would help if I lost obviously it would make surgery go easier. So my first of three appointments with the nutritionist will be on the 26th of this month. I still need to make an appointment with a Gastro and the psychiatrist. I did ask why does it seem to vary so much as far as everyone's diets preop and wait times. He said is far as wait times go, that's the insurance requirements. Pre-op diet really depends on the individual some of us are not as heavy as others. Some of us have different issues Healthwise. That's why it varies so much from person to person. For example he already told me that he is sending me home after surgery with a blood thinning injection. Most of you probably didn't need that or won't need that. my BMI is very high (63.7) He did warn me already not to compare what I can tolerate and what's in my program to what others have. Oh on a final note, I mentioned that we have a few family events coming up and that I'd be heading into NYC and probably eating my head off. He laughed and said get it out of your system now because once the nutritionist appointment starts it becomes very serious. So that was my very first visit to a bariatric surgeon. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

I had that ultrasound on my legs done about a month after surgery due to pain and swelling in one leg. They thought possible deep vein thrombosis which is a complication after any major surgery. (which is why we get blood thinner injections in the hospital and some get it for weeks after surgery) and that scan was so uncomfortable lol. They put a lot of pressure on that probe lol. But everything came back good. Tho i did not have that scan pre surgery

I haven't loss as much as I have expected pre-operatively. I only lost like 3 lbs and it has been hard to say no to foods that I feel I wont have for a long time. My doctor did not give me a specific amount to lose, but I am worried about complications. My surgery is on August 8th--thats just two days away. Any suggestions or thoughts? TIA

It is very normal to have second thoughts....This surgery is not for the faint of heart...trust me....but! You must have done a lot of research about it and made a choice to improve your health and make your life better...This is one of the reasons we do it..All other options have been tried. Personally I was chomping at the bit to get the surgery done and I ended up with a lot of complications....You are feeling normal..This is major surgery! Your going to be scared but very happy when it is done and you are on your journey to a healthier and better you!

No one knows for sure that you will be ok. But, with that being said the complications that you mentioned are rare. At this point you have decided on your own that this is right for you. You have to continue to trust your own judgement. Be realistic , will you lose the weight without surgery? I had gotten to the point that I would rather die free than live a slave to my parasitic fat. I have NO regrets.

Hey Guys, I am sorry to repeat what I know others have said many times, but I just have to vent somehow. I start my pre-op diet tomorrow, due in on 9th Sept. And I am really really afraid. The problem is I'm not really sure what I'm afraid of.... one minute I think I am afraid of going under anaesthetic, then a couple of days later I am freaking out about the flight over to Southampton. Just when I've convinced myself that the flight is going to be fine, I start fearing complications. Then I get scared of never being able to comfort eat ever again. But I got over that.... NOW I am scared that for some reason I will regret my decision. That for some reason I am going to have to admit that I was weak and should have just done this the "proper way" by exercising more and getting further therapy for my eating problem. That I am going to have to face "I told you so's" from those who haven't supported my decision. Right now I honestly wish I could look into the future and make sure that I'm doing the right thing. I know that no-one can tell me what is right for me. I also know that you all have your own fears and concerns and probably don't want me adding mine to the table. But I also know that some of you have been through this and now have no regrets. I honestly hope I can be strong and become one of you. Thanks for listening. Lyndsey xxx

I have gallstones so I asked my surgeon how I could tell if I am having pain from rny complications or gallbladder pain. He said Gallbladder pain is on the right side radiating outward and pain related to rny surgery is felt primarily on the left. Hope you feel well soon!

What If? vila2924 hi there glad you haven't changed your mind about having WLS having the surgery is the best thing you could do for yourself (everyones favorite, but true cliche') don't 2nd guess yourself now be happy with your initial wise decision to be sleeved being scared, concerned, nervous - happens at one time or another to most/all of us but the bottom line is you have tried to loose this ball and chain around your neck for years "they" both keep coming back to haunt you, tighter and tighter "we" people just can't keep this blasted weight off - we have all tried and tried and tried some more, only to regain + if you/us continue with bad eating habits, gaining more and more weight, developing or worsening your co-morbities - what do you and yours do then????? we can't let the fear of the unknown rule our lives unknown??? how will i react to WLS - how will my recovery go??? will i have any complications????? gas, vomitting??? will i have problems PO eating, drinking et al????? if you continue your life as you are doing now ???? then what???? what if you cross the street tomorrow and get hit by a bus??? don't mean to scare you!!!! :ph34r: alittle pre-op nerves never hurt anyone - but gotta settle down about the "what ifffffffs" you made such a wise decision !!! when your kids understand "later" what their mom did to help herself and them - they will be soooo proud of their "mommy"!!!! if you really need to calm your nerves ... have a tall cool drink of Water silly!!!! good luck best wishes take care

I agree with getting a second opinion - but keep in mind that your surgeon is the one with medical expertise and the vast majority of surgeons really do just want the best results for their patients, they don't have ulterior motives. Maybe see if you can attend some support groups and talk to people who have had the gastric bypass. It wasn't my choice for wls surgery and I love my sleeve, but lots of people do well with the bypass. My niece had one and is doing fabulous, has kept off all of her weight, leads a normal life with no complications - it can be a good option. But I would definitely get a second opinion!

This is a question that ONLY your doctor can really answer. The quick answer is NO because the reason for the liquid diet is for your stomach to heal with the band around it. If the healing is not done correctly, you are more at risk for band slips and complications. Call you doctor before making any diet changes that you are not scheduled for.

i read your post and all the comments and decided to answer differently... i read your posts filled with i cant, what if this or that, and more can't complications (that may or may not happen, its surgery-things happen) and on and on but you seems to forget something...read this part as i mean it with love and from someone who started with a large BMI what if you can what if you do what if you are a success what if nothing goes wrong and all goes right? think about *that* and make yourself well your the only one that can do it..so do it best of luck

There is no polite way to say this. I think I am experiencing labial chafing! I have lost a LOT of weight in the past year of so and since wearing smaller clothes, I think all my clothes are rubbing on the extra skin near the vaginal/ labial area. I have tried wearing looser clothes, but eventually pants etc do start rubbing, I wear pantiliners daily and I have tried every OTC remedy known to man (inc gold bond- don't try it- it is painful!!). Anyone else experience this? Aside from vaginoplasty, what did you do? Thanks!!

Interesting! I do still get hungry, but right now I get full on much less than I did before, and I stay full longer. Maybe it just took longer for my stomach nerves to regenerate after surgery? I guess I figures at this point I'd be gradually eating more, not less. It will be interesting to see if this is just temporary (this is day 4 of this changed appetite), or if this is my new normal. This is definitely a learning experience, isn't it? Complicated by the fact that people's personal experiences vary a lot. I guess the important thing is learning to listen to what my body's telling me, and focus on getting the best possible nutrition from whatever I do eat.

Hi Jennifer! Another New Jerseyan here. We have a lot in common, you and I: two small daughters (mine are 7 and 5), over 300 lbs to start, and a lifetime of obesity behind us. I can completely relate to your fears. Banding was the best thing I've ever done for myself. Bypass was out of the question from the start, because with two small kids I just wasn't able to accept the risk. Being out of commission for even a few days wasn't something I wanted to do, and most of the bypassers I've met -- even the highly successful ones -- seem to have been hospitalized more than once. I heard too many stories about complications to consider it even for a moment. Banding is WAY safer, and effective enough to make me healthier, which was all that I was after. Even at 340 lbs I wasn't sick, just fat, and I didn't need to lose weight overnight. I wanted to lose it safely, sanely, and get permanent control over it so it wouldn't come back. The band is delivering in spades. One of the greatest things about banding vs. bypass, to my mind, is that banding doesn't require us to make complete lifestyle and diet changes literally overnight the way bypass does. We have time to ride the learning curve of increasing restriction, time to get used to the idea that 1/3 of our usual intake really is enough to sustain and even satisfy us. It's a concept that takes some getting used to, and the band gives us time to do that. Who is your doctor? Please feel free to contact me by e-mail or PM if you want to talk about anything specific. Welcome to LBT!!!

Hi Lady, Em and Lots - I just got the call today from my surgeon's office that October 9th will be my big day, too! My doctor does not require a pre-op liquid diet, either, so don't stress about that part too much. As you can tell by reading the posts here, every surgeon does things a little bit differently. I am confident with my doctor, as I have had the chance to talk to a few of his patients and they are all very pleased with their lap band results, so I am going to take my medical advice from him, rather than from everyone here who does not know my personal medical history. It sounds like some of you will be headed home a little earlier than me -- I will be kept overnight in the hospital and he will make sure everything is working properly the next morning before I go home. Another difference from what some doctors do, but I am sure that each doctor has his or her reasons for what they do. Forums like this can be great resources, but sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in what everyone else is doing and forget that each of us is different. Your doctor knows you and he knows your body. If you have a doctor you are comfortable and confident with -- a doctor you trust -- you are off to a great start. The other thing to be careful about around here is to let the negativity (not in this particular thread, mind you) or the horror stories scare you. When I first found this forum, I read the lap band horror/complication stories and it made me start to worry that I had made a bad decision. As long as you keep thinbgs in perspective, I think you'll be fine. Meanwhile...it looks like I am in very good company on the 9th!

Hi folks, well I have done all the preliminary visits and will finally meet iwth the doctor. It i a 3 hr appt that I have been told will end with my date being set. The process was a little backwards as I have not even had a consultation with the doctor, I had to see the psychairist and nutrionist before I could get to see the doctor. I am nervous, but so excited. It has taken me a long time to get to this point in my life where I am ready to do it. My husband, although very supportive, is not thrilled about me having surgery and a friends husband just (within the last 2 wks) had surgery and had many complications including 2 days in ICU, so that has really made him not happy. but enough about what is flying through my head, any suggestions on questions I should ask? Thanks for listening and being here Bonnie

I have been diagnosed with Lupus (SLE), and have a Realize band. I also have had psoriasis for many years. My physicians, specifically my PCP and surgeon knew of these diagnoses prior to my surgery. I've not experienced any complications or exacerbation with either of these medical conditions post band surgery which could be attributed to either diagnosis. I was never informed that the band would be contraindicated for someone with either of these diagnoses. I also don't see the logic why the band would be contraindicated. I would like to know more about this topic...as an aspect of lupus treatment does involve lowering the body's autoimmune responses.

Thank you. I didn't have a stent put in. I guess they wanted to try and let my stomach heal on it's own. My mom has been staying with me while I recover and asked to get another test performed since I've had so many complications...just to be sure. My surgeon was against it and I'm wondering if I should push the issue.