Post Removal Guidelines?

[critterlady 3]

I posted a couple days ago that I have a date scheduled to have my band removed. So excited!!! So tired of these issues. Anyway, I haven't been able to get concise answers from my doc or his staff regarding what recovery post band removal is like. The removal is going to be outpatient and laparoscopic (unless something unexpected happens), and there don't seem to be any issues with the band (I had the EGD earlier this week.). I was between jobs when the band was placed, so I don't remember when I felt like I could do things normally....mostly I was on the couch, dying for something to chew on! Anyway, I do know that my pain wasn't bad with insertion, but I don't remember how long it was until I felt more normal. Anyone have something to offer?

Also, wondering what the post-op diet is like? Obviously I can only do liquids on the day of surgery. I've read some posts from people who still felt the restriction/pain/reflux for awhile after their bands were removed...but what's a general guideline for food after surgery??? (I"M DYING for a good deli sandwich!!!)

Thanks!

[angelize 50]

why do you want to remove your band??

[critterlady 3]

I've had trouble ever since my first fill, which I think was 6 weeks after placement. That was two and a half years ago. I've been suffering with being stuck with every bite, and severe (severe!!!!) reflux. I had finally had enough of the reflux and pain that I had an upper endoscopy done earlier this week , which showed gastric ulcers and esophageal erosion. I never had that before being banded. So it's coming out. And I couldn't be happier.

[angelize 50]

i'm sorry that happened to you!! i am scheduled for surgery on oct 5....and ive been reading everyones blogs on this site.... most have great things to say about being banded,but a few,like you,have had problems.

i am very excited and cant wait to get it done,i know its the right decision for me....hopefully my body thinks so too!!

good luck to you!

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

Recovery was a piece of cake for me....I had a slip and for the 2 weeks or so before removal was living off sips of juice and was worn out and in pain. I think it just felt so good to get that darn thing out and not feel like I was having a heart attack I really didn't notice much else! My diet instructions were 'advance as tolerated' which was no help at all. I had no restriction at all post removal but after the weeks of misery and pain it took a while to get up the nerve to try solids. I did liquids for 2-3 days then soft for a week ish....then I went stark raving crazy with apples, celery, and carrots because I COULD EAT!!!!!! Seriously, I went through 2 bags of celery the week I realized I could eat it again . I did have 6 weeks of no lifting >10 lbs, other than that I felt totally normal about 10 days post-op.

Good luck and keep us updated!!!

[SoccerMomma73 1,867]

And no more reflux!!!! AT ALL!!!!!!

[SunshineSA31 1]

i'm sorry that happened to you!! i am scheduled for surgery on oct 5....and ive been reading everyones blogs on this site.... most have great things to say about being banded' date='but a few,like you,have had problems.

i am very excited and cant wait to get it done,i know its the right decision for me....hopefully my body thinks so too!!

good luck to you![/quote']

Angelize - I know you probably read these and say " it won't happen to me" but really stop and think about what you're about to do. If you imagine the worse symptoms and you think you can live with them for years, then go ahead. But I promise you, I would give everything I have right now to be in your shoes, un-banded. I can't Imagine living like this for much longer, the pain and inconvenience is sometimes too much. I know you have tried everything to lose weight, but through hard work and being really careful, you can lose the weight without the lap band. I promise!