Question:
Lap Band Surgery & Thanksgiving
Hi! I'm scheduled to have lap band surgery on Monday, November 23rd. My mom lives 2 hours away and is hoping I can make it to her house to spend the day together (doing anything except eating of course). My question is...will I feel well enough for the car ride and conversation? — Heather C. (posted on November 18, 2009)
November 18, 2009
Everyone is different, and it depends on how far you are traveling. Talk
to your surgeon's office for a better idea. If you choose to go, make sure
you have your pain medication with you. Also, get your food supply ready
now. I wasn't even hungry for the four 1-ounce cups of "food" I
was suppose to be able to eat for that first week. I ate jello, pudding,
yogurt, and broth. Go to BariatricChoice.com. They sell protein
shakes/pudding full of protein and nutrients. Bring these along. You can
experiment now, to see what you like. To increase the protein, make them
with milk (and you can even add an egg). You might even try making one of
the puddings with milk, a little cream cheese, an egg, and some pumpkin.
That should chill into a nice pudding that will at least give you that
"traditional" Thanksgiving taste. Try making puddings now with
water vs. milk, so you know the difference in consistency. The first week,
just eat what you can. Don't worry about even eating plain pudding from the
grocery store. It doesn't have much nutrition, but a couple of times that
first week won't hurt you. If you're like me, you won't be eating enough
calories to worry about. Just realize that you want to progress at the
rate your surgeon recommends. When he says to move on to soft foods, then
solid foods, leave the puddings and shakes behind you. Solid meat fills
you up better, and keeps you full longer (and of course it is almost all
protein). By the way, make sure you've figured out what kind of vitamin
you'll be taking. Remember that swallowing pills will be difficult at
first. I use Vitamist (a spray vitamin). You'll need a multiple vitamin
and a calcium supplement. Congratulations on your upcoming surgery. If you
have any more questions, you can ask me anytime. God Bless.
— KimM
November 18, 2009
First of all, good luck!! I will be 2 months post op on the 23rd. I would
ask my dietician first and foremost. They know more than we do.. hopefully!
:O)
I would also check on Unjury.com These shakes are VERY high in protein and
taste great!! You could take those, and also make puddings from them. There
are recipes on that site. They also have a terrific chicken soup that is
VERY high in protein too.
As far as how you will feel, you should be fine. I was pretty tired the
first day post op but then good after that. I would say just take it easy.
I think everyone will know that you've had surgery and will understand. And
just think... what a great thing to be thankful for!
Lin Fields
Watertown NY
— LinnieJean
November 18, 2009
Find out from your surgeon what your diet will be, mine was clear liquids
for 2 weeks and take some with you, along with your pain meds, plus take a
pillow to slip between the seat belt and your tummy so that it doesn't rub
against any of the incisions. Most of all take your joyful attitude... if
you'll be staying the night, you might want to claim the the recliner to
sleep in, as that helps with any upper body pain caused by gas still caught
in the chest cavity.
— Kathleen O.
November 19, 2009
I was also curious about this, because I am scheduled to have RNY on a
Monday, then that Friday is my dad's Christmas about 3 hours away. My
surgeon was concerned about the drive, but just said make sure to get out
of the vehicle and walk a few times on the way there and the way back (to
keep from getting a blood clot). I have containers to take my
"meals" with me for the weekend as well. I will make sure and
bring my medications that I will need, a heating pad, and comfy clothing!
Good luck on your surgery!
— eyeflirt4fun
November 19, 2009
I had gastric bypass (RNY) on a Monday was discharged on Wed and went to
the movies on Thursday. I would say you may feel up to going to your mom's
especially if there's a place you can lay down and rest if you get too
tired.
— rkurquhart
November 21, 2009
I had surgery April 19, 2007 on Thursday. I took a 5 hr bus ride and a 4
hour airplane ride that Saturday & Sunday. You need to be the one NOT
driving, take your pain meds responsibly & be sure not to over do it.
Take it easy and have a nice time.
— Donna O.
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