Tips For The First Week after WLS (lap band)

Jun 17, 2010

I know everyone has spoken about the amount of discomfort and or pain that will be present after the surgery. I will be completely honest with you and say that the moment I drank my first 1 oz in the recovery room, I felt a sharp discomfort in my chest.  I thought I was having a mild heart attack...but I quickly realized what it was.  Gas.  That's it.  That comforted me. 

My suggestion is that you breath (just like they say to do if you are in labor).   That eased the  discomfort/pain very quickly!!  So remember that tip  if and when it happens.  Try to burp..that helps too.  Ask for a pain reliever...they wont give it if you don't ask for it!  It will ease the discomfort in your belly button and at your stomach area. 

Within 9 hours after the surgery I was walking out the door to go home!  I didn't need assistance.  When I got home, I started with my 4 oz of water.  I didn't want anything else.  I needed to take a pain reliever before bed...I suggest this so you can have a good night sleep.

Next tip:  WALK WALK WALk.  You will feel 100% better!  I promise. 

If you have a fever that next day, take your temp. but not to worry until it gets to 101 degrees. (The hospital nurse told me this).  This is coming from the anesthesia wearing off.  I had a slight fever the next day.   Apparently when you are put under, your lungs actually collapse.  (This little tid - bit came from my Dr.)  So don't panic you will be fine.  I promise! 

I have been drinking the following liquids - 4 oz , (1 x an hour.)

* Diet Snapple
*Water
*Chicken and Beef Broth (low sodium)
*Crystal lite
*Unjury Protein shakes - 3 x's a day - spread out over the day
*Sugar free ice pops - Sugar free is different than "no sugar added" so be careful
*Sugar free jello


Next Tip:  DO NOT forget to have your protein shakes and to be very certain that you get in your 48 - 64 oz a day of liquid.  If you do not follow this, you will be certain to slow down your weight loss and you may even gain.  NO KIDDING!!  I saw the nutritionist yesterday.  I had a very hard time the first few days doing this...and she lectured me about this for what seemed like an hour.  Apparently your body goes in survivor mode and it will literally hold onto your fat cells to keep from dying and it will hold all liquids to keep from hydrating.

So DRINK DRINK DRINK!! 

Next Tip:  Make sure to call your Dr.'s office to set up your first week and second week follow up appoints as soon as you can!  They will not call you and you may be forced to wait because they don't have any room for you.  When you are at your second appoint (or second week appoint), then schedule for your next.  Stay on top of this for your health and to get information that you would benefit from. Trust me on this!! 

Next tip:  Take before pictures.  You will thank yourself later.  It's a great pick me up when your tummy is grumbling and you are wondering why you did this! 


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