How long until you felt completely normal?

[atlbander 0]

Hi all - I got my band 12/16 - about 2 weeks ago. (and I've already lost 4 pounds!) I am back to work and feeling better, but I still have a LOT of soreness around my stomach (for what it's worth - my surgeon went in through my bellybutton). For those of you who have been banded - how long until this went away? When did you feel 100% again?

[LOJACK 0]

What is the average required recovery time after surgery? How much time do you have to take off from work?

[Soexcited 64]

I didnt feel 100% back to normal till about a month after surgery...I know everyone is different but I have heard that when you go through the belly button only it can take longer to heal.

[atlbander 0]

I didnt feel 100% back to normal till about a month after surgery...I know everyone is different but I have heard that when you go through the belly button only it can take longer to heal.

Oh, good, that makes me feel better. I tried to go back to work about 3 days after surgery and had to leave early because I was miserable - I work in a hospital, though, so I am constantly moving around. I am fine at work now, but I am really sore by the end of the day - especially around where my port is. The surgeon did say that going through the bellybutton would be more painful, I just wasn't quite expecting this. Thanks for the info.

[smitten kitten 0]

mine is through the belly button too -ouch- does anyone know why they use that area? i thought that is where everyone had it done, but apparently not :biggrin:

[atlbander 0]

mine is through the belly button too -ouch- does anyone know why they use that area? i thought that is where everyone had it done, but apparently not :biggrin:

My doctor said that he did it so I would look cute in a bikini this summer :-). I had a lower BMI to start, so I think that helps. I still feel really "full" around the bellybutton area, and I feel like it's pulling when I walk (most of the time). I am SO ready to feel back to normal! Husband and I are gong to Las Vegas next week, and I am nervous about all the walking.