What should I expect?

[sweet Noelani 0]

Hi, I'm am supposed to get the Lap-band® within the next two months. I am scared as I have heard alot of horror stories about slippage and such.:cool: I was diagnosed with PCOS (Poly C ystic Ovary Syndrome) and have been steadily gaining weight since. I am at a point now where something has to be done, and my doctor has told me this is the best way. I am wondering what can I expect during this procedure and after. I am not very good with pain and have been told it hurts alot to eat after. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Angel

Edited April 14, 2010 by sweet Noelani

[Astrasmom 1]

Hi, I'm am supposed to get the Lap-band®® within the next two months. I am scared as I have heard alot of horror stories about slippage and such.:thumbup: I was diagnosed with PCOS (Poly C ystic Ovary Syndrome) and have been steadily gaining weight since. I am at a point now where something has to be done, and my doctor has told me this is the best way. I am wondering what can I expect during this procedure and after. I am not very good with pain and have been told it hurts alot to eat after. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Angel

It's good that you are reading about the band before you get yours done. Yes there are complications as there is with any type of operation. However they don't happen to everyone. The complications with lapband are far less than the advantages of the band. I have only one regret myself and that is that I didn't get it done sooner. Other than that I have had no problems at all. I was banded 10/23/09 and am down 78lbs so far. I'm loving my new life.

What you should expect after surgery. Yes you will be sore for a few days. But they give you pain pills and I suggest using them. I wouldn't necessarily say that you are in excruciating pain. If you have ever had your gallbladder out it is less painful then that. I had my surgery on a Friday and went back to work on Tuesday the following week. If you work, depending on what you do, you may also. If you have a desk job you should be able to return. If you are on your feet or you have to lift, I would suggest taking more time. If you have small children that you have to lift, you will need help with them. You won't be able to lift anything for 6 weeks. You will be on liquids for a couple weeks and then onto mushies. You will probably experience some gas pains after surgery because of the air that they pump into you when they are operating so they can clearly see inside of you. To help with this you will need to walk as much as you can after surgery and taking Gas-X strips help. You will probably not feel very hungry for the first week after your surgery but you have to force yourself to get the fluids down so you don't dehydrate. Once the swelling goes down you will find yourself getting hungry.

The procedure itself takes about an hour.

It's normal to be nervous and it's normal to be afraid. Keep reading and asking questions. You are in the right place.

You can read my blog. It might help you a little. Good luck and if you have anymore questions please feel free to ask.