What to expect when you're expecting?

[dink007 15]

Hi Everyone

Sorry couldn't help myself with subject line.

I'm just had my first specialist appointment where we discussed what the 3 options are and worked out that lap banding was the best option.

Costs etc I'm a bit shocked at the out of pocket expense. Was thinks it was going to be huge turned out to be $2800.

My post op questions are .....

What would be the normal recovery time before I can return to work?

I like swimming so I'd like to get into the pool ASAP after surgery. How long before you can do physical activities like this?

How much pain will I be having?

And for how long?

I'd appreciate all comments.

[Leepers 1,195]

If you have a sedentary job, some docs will send you back after about 5 days or so.I'm a nurse and do a lot of pushing and pulling so I got 2 weeks. I'm glad of it, as I have had what seems to be a little more pain/discomfort than most people. Swimming would likely be off the list for a bit, I would think.

These are all questions you'll have to ask your surgeon. They all have such different directions. Just remember to follow his orders and you will be s success!

[kimk1999 450]

I thought you were preggers and have the lap band, lol.

My doc 'normally' does the procedures on a Wednesday and 'most' people can return on Monday. For me, like Leepers, I have been in a lot of pain and I'm glad I took longer time off. Something else to consider, for a while you'll probably be struggling to get a decent calorie intake and your mind maybe a bit foggy. It will probably be difficult to focus.

Again, my doctor, won't allow us to go swimming at least until they see us 2 weeks post-op. No soaking in a tub or hot tub either for the two weeks. They want the incision site to heal without being soaked. We can take showers just fine, just no soaking.

Pain - well that's really up to how your body handles pain. I was in a lot of pain that day, lived off painkillers and was basically drugged the first day or two. Some people are able to go out and walk a mile the same day as surgery. My pain mostly lasted about 5ish or so days. I still need pain killers at night after moving around all day. I still use the heating pad and ice packs and it's been almost two weeks.

Good luck!

[terrydumont46 1,954]

i actually couldn't use my jacuzzi for over a month. it was a nightmare for me, i wanted in that pool so bad. everyone is so different with what they are able to do after surgery. just ask your doctor. swimming sounds like it might be good as long as you aren't doing a marathon. but to move your muscles in Water sounds delightful. the warm Water of the pool could actually be beneficial for gas and pain. but still ask your doctor. and do let him know how important it is to you. sometimes they bend the rules for those that ask. we always advise ppl to move after surgery so swimming is a low impact exercise. i want a pool. i love to swim but i live where there are no pools. i envy you

[kll724 3,055]

Most surgeons won't allow swimming, even in your own personal pool until your wounds are completely healed. I was going to the gym much earlier than swimming in my pool. If you are using a pool at the gum, or the Y, you might have to wait even longer as they are full of other peoples germs,even if cleaned everyday! Sorry to burst you balloon, you will probably have to use other exercise for awhile, but as always, check with your own surgeon!!Karen..aka..kll724

PS: I was going to refer you to the pregnant after lapband forum!!!

Edited December 28, 2013 by kll724

[SandyM 1,956]

Stagnant waters, tons of germs. Most likely your surgeon will want complete wound healing before ok'ing this. Believe me, the last thing you want is an incision infection.

[dink007 15]

<p>PS: I was going to refer you to the pregnant after lapband forum!!!</p> <p></p>

Hi Karen

It felt like the subject line fitted me at the moment.

[dink007 15]

Stagnant waters, tons of germs. Most likely your surgeon will want complete wound healing before ok'ing this. Believe me, the last thing you want is an incision infection.

Gems in the Water didn't think about. Thanks.