Lap Band surgey Tuesday the 29th

I am wondering how much of a shock to my system is this procedure is going to be. I am worried about everything except the surgery, Eating, drinking, physical activities I don't like change, but I know I have to for a more healthy and active life. Any helpful ideas would be wonderful?

Any surgery is a big deal ... the anesthesia, the post-op pain, getting around during recovery.  But I was home less than 24 hours after surgery and was able to take care of myself with only minimal help from my husband.   Most of my incisions were only sore a few days, but my port site was sore for almost two weeks.  Felt like I'd been punched in the gut, the muscles were tender.  I was at work 8 days after surgery and was fine.  Now I'm 5 months post-op and down 43 lbs and feel great.  I can move so much easier, I'm stronger, more confident ... it's so worth it!  To make your transition easier, get in the habit now of walking and exercising daily.  It's true what everyone says, that walking after surgery helps reduce pain and speeds your recovery.  Have some liquid (pediatric) tylenol around, some dissolve-on-the-tongue Gas-X strips for the post-op gas, and stock up on soft foods like Quaker Weight Smart oatmeal, applesauce, jellos, pudding cups, broth and creamy soups, etc.  Most bandsters can eat pretty much the same as before, after they've recovered from surgery (about a week out****il their first fill.  But don't pu**** ... assume you have some restriction from the start, don't try to eat as much as you did before, chew very carefully and takes little bites.  You'll feel full faster, and get into the good habits that make life with the band successful. Later, as you get restriction with fills, avoid over-eating the soft foods that slip easily through the band.  Start meals with proteins, then do your veggie/fruit, then carby side if you still feel hungry.  If your surgeon accidentally over-fills you, you'll know.  You'll experience pain and a choking feeling in your throat or chest, you might salivate, burp or gag when food gets stuck.  Although being stuck is uncomfortable, it usually passes quickly.  The bigger problem is people who live with this start eating only the soft foods that don't tend to get stuck, and these are the higher fat and higher sugar foods, so the weight goes back up.  If you have the correct fill, you can eat proteins/meats slowly and carefully without pain, but feel full with small portions.  Good luck, and feel free to contact me if you have other questions.

 There isnt much more I can add. I think Jessica did a great job covering it all. I am 5 weeks out. In fact I just had my first post op Dr's visit. I am feeling great and have lost 20 lbs. I am very pleased with that because I have been working on pure willpower for a couple of weeks. I think I was swollen and that was giving me some restriction. I will tell you from my own personal experience the first 3 days was much rougher then I had expected. I really felt bad. I was extremely sore and had terrible nausea. By the 4th day I was feeling much better and every day got better after that. By 3 weeks I felt like nothing had happened. If you have any specific lap band questsions you might want to try the lap band board. It moves much faster and I dont think there are a lot of lap banders on here. Good luck to ya! I know you will do great!