Newbie needs advice!

[melli 0]

Hi Everyone,

I've been reading this site for about 3 months and haven't posted because I didn't want to jinx getting approved, sounds dumb I know. Anyway my surgeon called yesterday and I got approved! Yay! Then tells me if i don't have surgery on monday or I'd have to wait until Sept. So I decided to go for it with only 5 days notice. I don't even have time to be happy, I'm really nervous and sneaking out of work to do all my pre-op appts. So with on 3 non-banded days left, I have some questions I hope you guys can help me with:

Getting off of work on such short notice has been my biggest issue, I know how much time off is recommended but how much is necessary?

How do you deal with all the post op issues, I've been reading about on this site (gasiness, soreness, pain etc.) when your back at work and how bad is it?

What did you stock up on before surgery? Protein Powder, popsicles, and crystal light?

What should I wear on surgery day?

I'm sure there is more, but this is what I'm stressing about at the moment. Really happy for all the help this site has provided so far and looking forward on continuing to build relationships here!

Thanks!

[thebandedgirl 0]

Most people say that they were ready to go back to work after a week. I really wished that I could have taken two, and I have a pretty high pain tolerance! Some people are fine after a day or two. It's a fairly individual thing, I think. But, as I said, a week is what you'll probably hear most often.

I have a desk job. I made sure I had plenty of liquid Tylenol, a heating pad, and a small pillow to cushion my stomach against the desk since my abdomen rubbed against the tabletop.

I had chicken broth and Jello for my clear liquid stage (which lasted 2 or 3 days after surgery) in addition to Protein shakes and Soups for the "full" liquid stage. I also made sure to have plenty of Gas-X strips and liquid Tylenol in addition to the narcotic pain meds my doctor prescribed.

I went to the surgical center wearing my PJs and left wearing my PJs. I didn't want to have to deal with keeping track of jeans and a shirt in addition to whatever I wore out of the center. I bought some slippers with hard soles so that walking over rocks wouldn't be painful and wore those, too. Laces seemed like a bad idea to me. Simple is best, in my opinion :redface:

[jingleboob 5]

Wow! You lucked out. May not have a ton of time to get ready... but also don't have to wait and wait and wait!!!

My dr said most people are out for a week, some longer. He also said if you don't have a physically demanding job you can go back sooner (desk job).

I'm getting banded next Friday! 1 week to go! I'm on liquids... 3 Protein shakes a day, crystal light, broth, sugar free popsicles (I go through these like mad and even make them with crystal light too) and I have the special K Protein Water to mix in if I'm hungry between shakes.< /p>

woohoo! Congrats again on the fast date!

[Froggie D 1]

You are so very lucky. You do not have time to sit and worry and fret for long. Most people ride the emotional rollercoaster for a few weeks before surgery.

Make sure you have sugar free Jello and popsicles, Protein drinks or powder to mix up to get in your Protein and control any hunger.

Dress really comfortable for the hospital. Pull on pants and loose top, slip on shoes. You will in and out so fast you won't even think about clothes.

Take Gas-X with you. It helps flatulance and burping. It does not help the gas used in surgery, but walking does, so have some stable shes to walk in.

I wish I had had some liquid Tylenol at home as I did not need the pain meds after day one and did not like how they made me feel. Had to go get Tylenol.

I had surgery on Wednesday and back to work on Monday just fine. I did have to use the bathroom fairly frequently as I had very loose bowels after the surgery for a while. (not so loose as to be an emergency, but frequent).

Good luck with your surgery. :redface:

[luv2eat 11]

Wow, that is fantastic! You should be very happy you are getting it done so quick!

I think everyone already covered your questions. I wore comfortable clothes and actually on the car ride home I took my bra off because it hurt! I had lots of liquids and stuff that was approved for post-op. Gas-x strips.

You are going to do great! You will be so happy when you wake up and realize it is over. Good luck!

[alicez 0]

Wow, that is Good! You should be very happy you are getting it done so quick! No need to worry. The gastric band system can be tailored to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Be Happy

[AmberK 5]

I went to the hospital wearing a pair of loose workout shorts, a tshirt, my bra, and flip flops. I left wearing everything but the bra- I just thought it would be too painful to put on.

I didnt take gas-x to the hospital as I didnt have gas pains until later that night and the next day. But I did send hubby to the store today to get me some liquid tylenol- Ive had a low grade fever and headache today and didnt want to take my lortab for that.

[melli 0]

Thanks for the help!

Tomorrow's the big day and I feel 80% ready

[imagine923 4]

Good Luck!! I'm sure you will do just fine.

[Froggie D 1]

Good luck and post how you are as soon as you feel like it!

[Amaris 0]

Hope everything went well. I'm eager to hear about your experience!