Q: Will I feel sick for a long time after the surgery?

A: The Lap Band System limits the amount of food you ingest. If you have a feeling of general illness or nausea, it may indicate that you are not chewing your foods properly or that you are not following your diet rules. Another reason for not feeling well may be that the gastric band is not placed correctly. Even if you feel like vomiting, avoid doing so much as possible. Vomiting may cause the pouch to stretch or the gastric band to slip, reducing the success of the surgery.

Q: Will I be constipated?

A: It may be that your waste products will be reduced, which is normal when you eat smaller meals and less fiber-containing foods. This should not be a serious problem, though. If it happens, consult your surgeon. He can prescribe you a mild laxative. Drinking from 6 to 8 cups of water per day will also help to prevent constipation.

Q: Will I have to take vitamin supplements?

A: You may not receive sufficient vitamins from eating three, small meals per day. During your regular checkups your surgeon will evaluate whether you are absorbing sufficient vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. If you have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, he will tell you what you need to take.

Q: What about taking medications?

A: You should be able to take prescription medications but you may need to take capsules, break large tablets in half, or dissolve them in water so that they will not get caught in the stoma and cause irritation.

Because aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs irritate the stomach, your doctor may tell you to avoid taking them. If problems caused by this type of medications arise, the band may have to be removed.

Q: What about pregnancy?

A: Pregnancy may be much easier than losing weight. As a result of losing weight, your menstrual cycle may become more regular.

If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band can be loosened. After the pregnancy, the band can be tightened again and you can go on losing weight.

Q: What happens if I get sick?

A: If your illness requires you to eat more, the band may be loosened. After you recuperate from your surgery and you want to continue losing weight, the band can be tightened again.

Q: How is the Lap Band System adjusted?

A: Normally, adjustment of the band is done in the X-ray department, where the reservoir can be seen clearly. Whenever X-rays are used, your reproductive organs should be protected.

Occasionally, the band is adjusted in a clinic or at the doctor’s office. Local anesthesia may or may not be used. A fine needle is inserted into the skin toward the reservoir to add or remove the saline solution. This procedure takes no more than a couple of minutes and is almost painless.

Q: How much weight will I lose?

A: The amount of weight you will lose depends on various factors. The gastric band has to be placed in the correct position and you need to be dedicated to your new life style and diet habits.

A clinical study in the United States showed that 2% of patients gained some weight; 5% did not gain any weight, but did not lose any weight either; 61% lost at least 25% of their extra weight; 52% lost at least 33%; 22% lost at least 50%; and 10% of patients lost at least 75% of their extra weight.

Your weight loss should be gradual. Losing weight very quickly increases health risks and may cause a number of problems, with nausea and vomiting being only the smallest problems. It is possible to lose 2 to 3 pounds per week during the first year after the surgery, but it is more likely that you will lose 1 pound per week. From 12 to 18 months after the surgery, the weekly weight loss is usually less.

Remember that your principal goal is to prevent, treat, and resolve health problems that are related to obesity.

Important final point:

It is important to ask your surgeon all the questions you have about surgery to treat obesity and the adjustable Lap Band System. And remember, the key to success is following your surgeon and dietitian’s instructions.

Q: How is the Lap Band System Placed on my Stomach?

A: Click here to watch an animation

Q: What are the advantages of the Lap Band System over other procedures?

A: Follow this link to discover the advantages

Q: Am I a candidate for Lap Band Surgery?

A: Click here to find out

Risks, possible complications, and adverse situations of the lap band procedure you should know