Upcoming surgery - excitement, fears and questions

Teresa-jade · February 17, 2008

This is where I'm at now. I submitted for a lapband through my insurance and was approved but I had to weight 12 months for physician documented weight loss. I gathered more information and appealed my insurance and won - now I can have the surgery w/o the 12 month wait - yeah for me. I go for my final consultation with my surgeon the 25th of Feb and a surgery date will be schueduled. So needless to say I'm very excited and very nervous. I have lots of questions. Please bear with me. I already know that I stay for 1 night at the hospital for an upper GI to make sure things flow well after surgery. But when can I go back to work? I notice that varies from person to person. I work in a factory so I figure if I don't lift anything over 5 lbs I should be okay with 4 days off - shouldn't I? Also how much pain will I be in after the surgery? Please be honest. I know no pain no gain and I'm fine with that but I want to be prepared mentally. I've been overweight for about 10 years - I eat not because I'm hungry but because I get bored or it's habit - probably some of both. How do you handle the mental part? I know everyone is different but what do you do? I'll accept any tips from anyone - I'll try them all and see what works for me. I guess I'm just nervous. I'm not afraid of the hard work - I just want the surgery over and to know that I'm awake and okay.

mae · February 17, 2008

I am also anticipating a surgery in March/April. Have been getting ready for 12 months also. I have the same questions as you about recovery and going back to work in an office setting. My main concern is babysitting for my granddaughter who is now weighing 12 lbs and growing.

GR8 · February 17, 2008

Welcome and Congrat's on joining BandLand!

How fast you recover is individual? Are you on your feet -- if so I would take the week off at a minimum. I only took one day off - day of surgery - but the rest of the week I worked by monitoring emails on my laptop on the couch and using my blackberry.

Pain -- that is also individual -- I slept in the recliner the first 4 nights -- didn't have the ability to get up from a laying down position. Pain was not unbearable for me. First day felt like someone kicked me in the stomach. It got better the more I moved. I would get up every hour and wander around for 10 minutes - get a drink, take the dog out, look out the window, and such.

Best wishes!!!!!