How to prepare for surgery

[Dancer 0]

Hi everyone!

I am so excited that I will be getting banded soon! I have never felt more sure of a decision that I have made...except when I married my hubby!

The one thing I want to make sure that I do is to prepare.

1)What things did you all do to prepare and work through your first few weeks banded?

2) What things do you wish you would have done to prepare?

3)What has been the hardest part of being banded for you?

Thanks for your honest answers! I want to be totally prepared!

[Anwyn 0]

Hi MCG! Congrats on your banding date. Before my banding I stocked up on different liquids and mushies and tried out a few Protein Shakes to make sure I had one that I liked. Other than that, I would read as much as possible on LBT to see the issues that you may be facing (i.e. shoulder pain, gas). The more knowledgeable you are, the better you will cope with things that may pop up. Good luck with your surgery - you're going to do great!

[dsrjrr 0]

I love this thread for all of us that are going to be banded!!!!I wish I could help with answers but maybe soon i could help someone else out!!

[Julie* 0]

I am in the same phase as you and it looks like I will be having the surgery in the next 4-6 weeks.

I just went to www.drugstore.com and was able to order some different Protein drinks to try and it had free shipping. Just wanted to let you know.

Good luck!

[mousecrazy 2]

The best thing you can do to prepare is to read, read, read...EVERYTHING! Use the search feature.

I did that...found some lists with stuff that sounded good. liquid gas medicine was a big plus, liquid Tylenol (Sore Throat...not that you'll have a sore throat, but it's in liquid form) and sugar-free popsicles, applesauce, yogurt and Protein Drink. I like Atkins. Carnation Instant Breakfast is good, but doesn't have as much Protein. A heating pad.

The mental prep is more important. Be sure you have a few days that you don't have to do anything big...you won't sleep that great and you will be tired.

I have spent lots of time on LBT, and have learned most everything here. REad the good stuff, and the bad stuff. Ask questions (like you are!). The hardest part of being banded is just adjusting my thoughts...and being patient.

Good luck! Cindy

[Dancer 0]

Thanks everyone!

My mental state is what I want to make sure that I have right. I know that if I have the correct tools in place (meaning Snacks and the correct liquid stuff to eat) that it will make it so much easier!

[ethansgrandma 0]

Welcome Cindy. I Too Will Be Banded In The Next Few Weeks. I Have Cut Out My Caffeine Tho And Carbonated beverages. Im Trying Now Not To Drink 30 Minutes Prior , During, And 30 Minutes After I Eat. Like Everyone Has Said, Read, Read, Read. Have You Gone To A Pre Op Class Yet? That Answered A Lot Of Questions I Had.

Keep Us Posted.

Peggy

[gentlespirit 1]

Welcome, Cindy~

I'm being banded in 12 days and have spent a lot of time here reading everything I can. Someone posted a list of things to shop for prior to the actual surgery, so you could search for that. I stopped the sodas as soon as I made my decision to be banded and have really concentrated on drinking a lot of Water. Also have tried out some Protein shakes (so far I like Atkins chocolate Royale the best...it's not wonderful but cold it's OK). I also got the liquid Tylenol and GasX, heating pad, sugar free popsicles, Propel, etc. YOu could do a search for shopping list and probably find her list, which was great.

Good luck!

Emily

[bandayed 0]

My Doc suggested I live as if banded to get ready for banding. It hekped me alot to already be drinking alot of Water, walking, cutting down on portion size, eliminating caffeine & carbonation (this was the hardest), taking small bites, concentrating on chew, chew, chewing. After I was banded, I had already made some steps towards these goals and the culture shock wasn't as great! MAke sure that you have allowed yourself plenty of healing time after the surgery. Chances are you will feel fine, but IMHOP, reading some of the posts here about people leaving the hospital the same day, and returning to work the next etc I think are misleading. Getting banded is surgery and your body needs time to heal. Look at the liquids phase after surgery as recovery time and TAKE IT EASY. Do not focus on weight loss -- focus on healing. If you hurting, or tired rest. Taking it easy at first can make your recovery in the long run easier. Good luck to you and read all you can here. You'll see it all!

[MyKdsDad 1]

Leading up to surgery, a good supply of liquids...remembering that this is only for 7 days (in my wife's case). Most people here could do that in their sleep. After surgery, healing. You aren't looking to lose weight. Joy would have a instant breakfast and make it taste a bit better with a scoop of ice cream. As the swelling goes down you start getting hungry...stick to your "heavy liquids". She loved the cream of potato Soup and V-8. Joy had her two week post-op appt today and the doc put her on mushies. Her first BIG meal in the last three weeks.......mashed potatoes. Good luck!