Frequently
Asked Questions FAQ's
Click on the desired question to find
out more.
Q: Will I be sick a lot after the operation?
A: The LAP-BAND System limits food intake. If you feel nauseated
or sick on a regular basis, it may mean that you are not chewing
your food well or that you are not following the diet rules
properly. However, it could also mean that there is a problem
with the placement of the band so you should contact us if
this problem persists. Vomiting should be avoided as much
as possible. It can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch.
It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through
the band, which would reduce the success of the operation.
In some cases, it would also require another operation.
Q: How long will it take to recover after
surgery?
A: If LAP-BAND surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients
typically spend less than 24 hours in the hospital. It takes
most patients about a week to return to work and a month to
six weeks to resume exercising. In the case of open surgery
or if there are complications, recovery may take longer.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
A: Weight-loss results vary from patient to patient, and
the amount of weight you may lose depends on several things.
The band needs to be in the right position, and you need to
be committed to your new lifestyle and eating habits. Obesity
surgery is not a miracle cure, and the pounds won't come off
by themselves. It is very important to set achievable weight-loss
goals from the beginning. A weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a
week in the first year after the operation is possible, but
one pound a week is more likely. Twelve to eighteen months
after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember
that you should lose weight gradually. Losing weight too fast
creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems.
Your main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves,
or resolves health problems connected with severe obesity.
Q: How do the weight-loss results with the
LAP-BAND compare to those with the gastric bypass?
A: You should focus on long-term weight loss and remember
that it is important to lose weight gradually while reducing
obesity-related risks and improving your health.
Q: Does the LAP-BAND require frequent office
visits after surgery?
A: Check-ups are a normal and a very important part of the
LAP-BAND System follow-up.
Q: Does the LAP-BAND limit any physical
activity?
A: The LAP-BAND does not affect or hamper physical activity
including aerobics, stretching and strenuous exercise.
Q: How is the band adjusted?
A: Adjustments are often carried out in the X-ray department.
They are done there so the access port can be clearly seen.
When X-rays are used, your reproductive organs should
be shielded. Sometimes adjustments can be done in an outpatient
clinic or office. Local anaesthesia may or may not be needed.
A fine needle is passed through the skin into the access port
to add or subtract saline. This process most often takes only
a few minutes. Most patients say it is nearly painless.
Q: Do I have to be careful with the access
port just underneath my skin?
A: There are no restrictions based on the access port. It
is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the
incisions have healed it should not cause discomfort or limit
your movements or any physical exercise. The only sensation
you may have from the port is when you go in for adjustments.
If you feel persistent discomfort in the port area, let us
know as soon as possible.
Q: Can the band be removed?
A: Although the LAP-BAND System is not meant to be removed,
it can be. In some cases this can be done laparoscopically.
The stomach generally returns to its original shape once the
band is removed. After the removal, though, you may soon go
back up to your original weight or even gain more.
Q: Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus
skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
A: That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery
will not be considered for at least a year or two after the
operation. Sometimes the skin will mold itself around the
new body tissue. You should give the skin the time it needs
to adjust before you decide to have more surgery.
Q: Is it true that the LAP-BAND seems "tighter"
in the morning?
A: This is a fairly common feeling, especially for people
with bands that are tight or just after an adjustment. During
the day the water content in the body changes and this may
cause the band to feel "tighter" some of the time. Some women
have also noticed that the LAP-BAND feels tighter during menstruation.
Q: Will I feel hungry or deprived with the
LAP-BAND?
A: The LAP-BAND makes you eat less and feel full in two ways
- by reducing the capacity of your stomach and increasing
the time it takes food to get through the digestive system.
After a small meal, the amount of which varies from person
to person, you should feel full. If you follow the nutrition
guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well,
you should not feel hungry or deprived. Remember that the
LAP-BAND is a tool to help you change your eating habits.
Q: What will happen if I become ill?
A: One of the major advantages of the LAP-BAND System is
that it can be adjusted. If your illness requires you to eat
more, the band can be loosened by removing saline from it.
When you have recovered from your illness and want to lose
weight again, the band can be tightened by increasing the
amount of saline. If the band cannot be loosened enough, it
may have to be removed.
Q: What about pregnancy?
A: Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose 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 may be made tighter again, and you
can resume losing weight.
Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
A: You may. It's possible you may not get enough vitamins
from three small meals a day. At your regular check-ups, your
specialist will evaluate whether you are getting enough vitamin
B12, folic acid, and iron.
Q: What about other medication?
A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. You
may need to use capsules, break big tablets in half or dissolve
them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make
you sick. You should always ask the doctor who prescribes
the drugs about this.
Q: What if I go out to eat?
A: Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer.
Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as your table companions.
You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance
that you cannot eat very much.
Q: What about alcohol?
A: 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 loss1.
Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?
A: After your stomach has healed, you may eat most
foods that don't cause you discomfort. However, because you
can only eat a little it is important to include foods full
of important vitamins and nutrients such as those recommended
in the nutrition section of this booklet and as advised by
your surgeon and/or dietitian. If you eat foods that contain
lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of "empty" calories,
such as milkshakes, the effect of the LAP-BAND may be greatly
reduced or cancelled.
Q: Will I suffer from constipation?
A: There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools,
which is normal after a decrease in food intake because you
eat less fibre. This should not cause you severe problems.
If difficulties do arise, let us know as soon as possible.
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