[PDXgirl]

Hey everyone!
My mother is going in for Lap-Band surgery next week. I'm getting ready right now to go in to the pre-op meeting with her and her doctor. I'm sure her doc will have all sorts of good information for me as her post-op caregiver, but I was wondering if anyone who has been through the surgery (or taken care of someone who has) could give some 'if I had only known I could have been more prepared' pointers. I'm scouring the general FAQs, but I know there are always those little things that made a difference that come from personal experience.

My mom is in her early 60s and is just a wonderful, supportive, loving person. I want to help her be as successful and comfortable as humanly possible!

[shcirerf]

No pointers, other than follow doctors orders, but good luck!

[jillybean720]

With the band, there shouldn't be much in the way of actual surgical after-care type needs. Is she having it done as an outpatient procedure, or is she spending a night in the hospital? Help her to stick to the prescribed post-op eating plan (likely a progression of liquids to soft foods to regular foods over a period of time) - I know some people who get the band don't feel much restriction at first because the band is empty, so they tend to be lax with the post-op eating plan, which doesn't do anyone any good!

[jiffypop]

i agree with Jilly - follow the doc's instructions. she may have a little trouble bending over, and her doc might restrict her from lifting too much weight [like toddlers or groceries].

biggest issue [and one of the hardest] is SIP not GULP. and whatever 'food' is consumed - even a protein shake - reduce the amount of air that's swallowed.

you're now putting food/liquid into a confined space, and air literally takes up too much space and it can hurt. for this reason, be very careful with blending protein shakes with ice in the blender to make it thick. you're beating a lot of air into it as well. for taht reason, try to pour it over ice, or eat it slowly with a spoon.

[Leenie]

Some people experience little or no pain after surgery and then there is me. I was miserable for about 5 days, could barely walk. So, be prepared. A recliner, lots of pillows, some gas-x, clear liquids, broths, ice pops with no chunks of fruit in it, etc.

Like Jiffy said, remind her to sip sip sip, make sure she gets plenty of fluids so she doesn't dehydrate and when she is ready to eat, even mushy food, she must go slow.

When you leave the hospital, make sure the doctor gives you a prescription for pain meds because you never know if you are going to need them. I certainly used mine... I was in tears on the way home.

I had plenty restriction right after surgery and I think most people do, its the 6-8 weeks post op when the swelling goes down and there isn't much restriction there. But that is when the fills should start to happen. SLOW IS GOOD !!!

Mostly !!! follow her doctors orders.. there is nothing more important than that. The first few weeks post op is not about weight loss, its about healing inside.

Good luck to your Mom and you sweetie.. you are a good daughter for taking care of her.