Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be in pain after the procedure?
You may feel some pain around the incision sites, especially under the skin of the abdomen where the access port is placed. You may also experience pain and discomfort in your joints and shoulders. This pain is caused by gas-different from intestinal gas-that’s lingering in the body after being used to inflate the abdomen during surgery. It will go away, but it’s important to walk around after your surgery to allow it to dissipate.
How long is the average recovery period?
The average hospital stay is less than 24 hours. Typical, it takes about one week before you can return to work. You can start preparing yourself by making sure you get out of bed and move around in the first two days after surgery-even if you’re just able to take a few steps at first. In the first one to two weeks, walking is recommended as a simple, safe way to start getting exercise and building up stamina. You can also try other light forms of exercise-for example, moving your arms up and down or, while seated, raising or stretching your legs. But give yourself at least a full month before you attempt anything more strenuous, like light aerobics. And always check with your doctor about the amount and type of exercise that is best for you.
How much fluid is needed in the band for it works?
The LAP-BAND System is designed to suit your individual needs. Because every person is different-some people need less fluid and some need more-there is no set formula to determine how much you need. Do not compare someone else’s fluid fill to yours. Your doctor needs to evaluate you and will consider:
- The size of your small upper pouch
- The size of the opening (stoma) to the lower pouch
- Your weight loss progress
- How and what you eat
How would I know if the LAP-BAND System is “too tight” or “overfilled”?
If the adjustment results in too tight a stomach opening, you could have a hard time eating most foods. Sometimes this causes people to avoid solid food and instead drink liquid meals-but this can result in weight gain, especially if the liquid is high in calories. If the LAP-BAND System is too tight, it can cause reflux symptoms (“heartburn”), particularly at night. It can also cause frequent vomiting. The opening into the larger stomach could become completely blocked and prevent you from being able to keep any food or fluids down. Should you develop these symptoms, notify your surgeon at once.
Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
It is recommended that you begin taking a daily multivitamin after you have the LAP-BAND System procedure. Your doctor can help you choose the right supplement.
Is it okay if I drink alcohol?
Alcohol has a high number of calories. It also breaks down vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered harmful to weight loss.
Will I feel sick a lot after the operation?
If you feel nauseated or sick on a regular basis, it may mean you need to chew your food more thoroughly or follow your new diet’s rules more strictly. However, feeling sick could indicate a problem with the placement of the band-so contact your doctor if you feel sick regularly. In either case, chew your food slowly and as thoroughly as you can to help prevent vomiting or regurgitation-which can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch or lead to a part of the stomach through the band. These scenarios could reduce the success of the operation or require an adjustment (to remove some of its fluid content). In some instances, another operation may be required.
Will I suffer from constipation?
There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools. This is normal because with decreased food intake, you eat less fiber-and it shouldn’t cause severe problems. If difficulties do arise, speak with your doctor. He or she may suggest you take a mild laxative and drink plenty of water for a while. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is a good idea, anyway.
What should I expect at my first follow-up appointment?
You should expect to discuss your eating and exercise habits, and your rate of weight loss. This discussion will help determine whether it is the right time for you to have an adjustment. If it is, you can expect the following.
- A pre-adjustment evaluation of your pouch size and stoma size. (This isn’t always done: your surgeon may or may not evaluate your pouch size and stoma size before the adjustment)
- Adjustment of your LAP-BAND System
- Evaluation of your pouch size and stoma size after the procedure to confirm that the procedure to confirm the proper adjustment was made. (This may simply confirm that you can comfortably take a sip of water)
What is the most important thing I need to know about adjustment?
Do not be in a hurry to have one too soon. The LAP-BAND System offers you a way to achieve steady and safe weight loss. Finding the right balance between losing weight gradually and receiving adequate nutrition. Also, you could have symptoms such as reflux (“heartburn”) or vomiting.
How much does an adjustment cost-and will my insurance pay for it?
The answers to these questions will vary. Ask your clinical coordinator or office manager.
What about my other medications?
You should be able to take prescribed medications. You may need to use capsules, or break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water, so they do not get stuck in the stoma. Always ask the doctor who prescribes your drugs about this. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. That’s because they may irritate the stomach, which may cause you to have the LAP-BAND System removed.
What about pregnancy?
Placement of the LAP-BAND System is contraindicated for patients who currently are or may be pregnant. Patients that become pregnant after band placement may require deflation of their bands.
For more information about affordable LAP-BAND surgery at our hospital, please contact us today.
