S/P Lap Band Surgery Tips and Tricks

My Lap Band Journey Tips- Post Surgical

-A pillow will be your best friend for at least 2 weeks after surgery. Hold it tight when sneezing, getting up, coughing, laughing etc

-Fart often- there is no way around it sometimes. Gas-x only works for so long

- Chicken dance baby!!- For stuck episodes or feelings of stuck place your left hand in your arm pit and flap like a chicken about 10 times. You look funny but it definitely makes a difference.

-Heating pad-helps relax things- it is wonderful!!!

-Left side- Lay on it!!! It helps move the food along and the gas!!!

- You will be lucky if you have a BM the first or second day. Third day seems to be the day. You are not constipated you just had surgery and haven’t eaten anything of substance.

-Expect diarrhea until you are a few days into your solid phase. Wet wipes will be your best friend.

-Anything with carbonation will blow you up- very uncomfortable

-Things that give you gas now will still give you gas then- but 10x worse

-Stress, emotions, anger, menstrual cycles and in the Morning your band may be tighter due to stomach swelling. Eat slower.

- Walk walk walk walk….It helps move things along

-Try not to drink when you eat- It really does push the food through, Defeats the purpose of the band.

-Chewable Tylenol tastes better then liquid. Children’s liquid Tylenol is also nice.

-Crockpot…greatest item ever, makes almost any meat very tender and easy to eat

-Blender- Great for blending anything

- Don’t expect dramatic weight loss after the band. You will be lucky if you loose at all until your first or second fill. That is just how it works.

-Burping is hard with the band- although it is a wonderful release of pressure. If you are sitting try standing and take a small walk. Helps moves things around and allows air to escape.