First post. Had lap band yesterday 1-26-14.

[marlenastu 4]

Any advise on helping ease the belly pain without taking to many drugs

[georgiare 63]

sleep, heat pad, or just rest. I remember the band being a lot more painful than the sleeve, oddly. I made a huge pile of pillows to lay up against, and stayed in bed for the better part of 10 days post op, just walking around the house to get a drink or use the restroom. But, really, the most of the pain passes within the first 3 days, so you shouldn't feel bad about using the meds for the first few days because you won't likely need them in a few short days.

[TheProfessor 378]

Hi - congratulations on your surgery! Woo woo! Only a few days until you will be feeling like your old self again.

Apply gentle pressure on your incision sites with your hand(s) anytime you are getting up or down from a chair/couch/bed. Maybe this is psychological, but I found it helped 'stabilize' the sore area and reduced that awful "pulling" feeling.

I also found PILLOWS were a huge help in bed. So at night before bed, make sure your head is a little elevated (or you can do what I did - practically sit upright to alleviate the pressure in my chest and shoulder from the gas pains)... then make sure you have a pillow on each side of you for when you lie on your side to support your tender tummy. I found a pillow under my tum helped take the pressure off the wounds.

Use the pain meds - that's what they are there for, and know that in a couple of days you will likely realize you've forgotten to take them... you won't need them anymore.

Again, congratulations on your band! In no time you will be feeling yourself again.

[Sharpie 3,306]

the pain from lapband surgery is minimal. use a heating pad on your shoulder pain from trapped gas. stay hydrated. I only took Tylenol and walk around as much as possible. You will feel fine in a week just don't overdo it. Best of Luck and congratulations.

[JustWatchMe 7,117]

Welcome to Bandland! Each day should be a little better than the last. Karate chops to the neck and shoulders helps that gas pain. Walking helps too. Take the meds but drink four oz of prune juice to prevent Constipation. Good luck!!

[Cgraham0397 3]

Hello! I'm 15 days post op surgery and feel great! Those gas pains were the worst though.... I used the heating pad often.