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Recovering from Lap-Band Weight Loss Surgery

Obesity affects millions of people each year and the side effects can often be life threatening. One popular weight loss surgery is the Lap-Band surgery. This surgery is minimally invasive, making recovery time easier and less painful for patients. Although many patients who have this surgery do experience less pain, they still should expect side effects while recovering from the surgery.

Doctors who perform weight loss surgery often stress to their patients that these surgeries are not “quick fixes”. They do take time recovering and work afterwards. The surgery cannot work alone. After the surgery, the patient must make a commitment to change their behavior towards food and exercise. In addition, they must adhere to strict dietary guidelines to avoid getting sick from the surgery. The Lap-Band weight loss surgery does help patients by restricting food and calorie intake. Patients who have this type of surgery can expect to lose 26 to 38 percent of excess weight two to three years after the surgery. Some may lose more than others, but the key is to understand how to recover from the surgery.

With the Lap-Band weight loss surgery, most patients can expect to resume regular activities within two to three weeks after the surgery. During this time following the surgery, it is very important to follow the surgery guidelines for successful recovery. This is to allow the stomach to completely heal in the correct position. Also, if too much or the wrong foods are eaten after surgery, the new stomach pouch can be stretched. This may lead to failed surgery and vomiting and abdominal cramping. Vomiting can cause the band to slip into the wrong position after surgery.

During the first few days following the Lap-Band weight loss surgery, it is critical to follow all instructions. Right after surgery, drinking very small amounts of water or sucking on ice is allowed. Only a very small amount of fluid is allowed right after surgery. In addition, your doctor may allow a very small amount of clear liquids for calorie intake. In the first one to two weeks following this type of weight loss surgery, it is very important to protect the stomach as much as possible. For this reason, patients are only able to consume very thin liquids. During this phase, skim milk, fruit juice, no sugar Popsicles and clear broth is allowed. After the second week following surgery, patients may start adding slightly textured foods such as pureed chicken or fish, mashed potatoes, peas and low fat yogurt and pudding. It is important to consume only very small amounts to avoid cramping and vomiting. Solid foods can often cause difficulties following weight loss surgery and it must be a very slow transition to solid food. Still, after this time, patients should avoid fried foods, surgery foods and foods high in carbohydrates. Following these guidelines will help ensure weight loss success and that patients recover from their weight loss surgery.

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