My Lapband Surgery Story

[reed3580 18]

I had my surgery on Thurs. November 14 2013. I went in with the hopes that it wouldn't be any worse than having my gallbladder removed. However when I came too, I realized that they had to also remove a hiatal hernia. Wasn't sure what that meant, but still was hopeful. I came home and slept off the anesthesia. Once I awoke, I realized my hopes were not happening. My shoulders definitely were hurting from the gas, to the point that I couldn't lay down flat in the bed. Instead I had to sit up on the couch and sleep. My stomach was also sore, but that was the least of my pain at that point. I started trying the Protein Shakes, and they were almost unbearable to drink. I have now tried 4 different flavors, and none of them taste good at all. The soreness and gas pressure has lessened each day...thank goodness it has because I was already second guessing my decision. I hope I can jump on this wagon with the shakes, but it isn't looking to great at this point! In four days I have lost 6lbs so far...............

[kcgal62 133]

Hi there. Congrats on getting the band. I'm not an expert by far, but recently had this done myself. I was banded on Oct 15th. The first few days I was only supposed to drink Clear liquids...broth and such. I was able to move to full liquids like the Protein shakes a few days after surgery. I slept in my recliner the first 4 or 5 nights. I just couldn't lay flat. I probably had the gas pains for a week or two....however, it got less painful each day. I found that the pre-made shakes were easier for me to drink then the ones than the powders. I'm feeling great now....I've had one fill....lost 14lbs since surgery, for a total of 22 including my pre op diet. Down around 3 inches from my stomach!!

I also had my gall bladder removed several years ago and didn't have any gas pains...not much recovery time. I thought this was going to be similar, but found out it was a bit more recovery!

Good luck on your journey.

[vowen 24]

I had a hard time right after surgery as well. i got really sick from the anesthesia and had to stay the night. Once I was home, I had horrible gas pains and Constipation. I finally had to get meds to help with the constipation. Once that passed I was great. I ate Jello pudding and Protein shakes. I got the vanilla and put bananas or Peanut Butter or strawberrys in. I like them with the fruit added. I almost second guessed my choice to have it done when it wasn't going like I thought it would right off the bat, but I have NO regrets. Best choice I have ever made. I had my surgery August 2012 and am down 84 lbs. Good luck to you!

[MzEboni912 177]

I had a hard time right after surgery as well. i got really sick from the anesthesia and had to stay the night. Once I was home, I had horrible gas pains and Constipation. I finally had to get meds to help with the constipation. Once that passed I was great. I ate Jello pudding and Protein shakes. I got the vanilla and put bananas or Peanut Butter or strawberrys in. I like them with the fruit added. I almost second guessed my choice to have it done when it wasn't going like I thought it would right off the bat, but I have NO regrets. Best choice I have ever made. I had my surgery August 2012 and am down 84 lbs. Good luck to you!

I want to thank you for your post. I am having my endoscope today. I am a little nervous but I know this will get me closer to my goal.

[vowen 24]

Like any surgery it is a little rough in the healing stages, but you will be glad you did it. Good luck today!

[Bandista 7,466]

I had my surgery on Thurs. November 14 2013. I went in with the hopes that it wouldn't be any worse than having my gallbladder removed. However when I came too, I realized that they had to also remove a hiatal hernia. Wasn't sure what that meant, but still was hopeful. I came home and slept off the anesthesia. Once I awoke, I realized my hopes were not happening. My shoulders definitely were hurting from the gas, to the point that I couldn't lay down flat in the bed. Instead I had to sit up on the couch and sleep. My stomach was also sore, but that was the least of my pain at that point. I started trying the Protein shakes, and they were almost unbearable to drink. I have now tried 4 different flavors, and none of them taste good at all. The soreness and gas pressure has lessened each day...thank goodness it has because I was already second guessing my decision. I hope I can jump on this wagon with the shakes, but it isn't looking to great at this point! In four days I have lost 6lbs so far...............

Hi Reed, I hope you had a good night. I was banded on 11/5 and my protocol was one day clear then on to full liquids. I really thought I'd be having Protein Shakes, too. For pre-op diet I had four different ones and I really liked them then, but after my band? No way! Also I bought a couple of ready-made Protein Shakes (Muscle Milk, etc.). Have not even attempted those. I was able to have broth and really enjoyed the salty savoriness of that, and then some thick Soups. There's a brand called Imagine that has a potato leek Soup that comes in a carton. It's organic, no-dairy, etc. and I really enjoyed that. Also popsicles. LOVED having the popsicles. I'm a tea drinker and had plenty of tea, plus Water with a splash of juice which I like a lot. I didn't do pain medication so I didn't have to deal with any side effects from that. Even still, I had Constipation and that didn't clear until I had some laxative tea. My weight was up for the first few days following surgery -- I think it was day four or five that it went down. There was a general release. One thing that has really worked for me is the walking. I started at the hospital and continued at home, getting myself up and outside to walk around the driving circle. One day I did that 40 times. I had left shoulder pain and stiff neck and that seemed to help tremendously. I used a heating pad but then one day I realized that ice works so well for inflammation. A couple of ice packs on that upper chest/shoulder area and I felt much better. This is all a distant memory now as I have felt so great the last week or so. For me it was only those first couple of days. Popsicles and movies got me through. I hope you're able to get out and about and that you can find a way to sleep well. Your body is healing more each day. And as for any feeling of regret or "what have I done?!" I think that is very common. I had a tad of that myself, not sure why as I am extremely happy with this decision. Maybe just a little shocked that it was finally all over after so many months in the works. Take it easy, give yourself all the time and room you need to heal up. Sending best wishes your way!