Lap Band Procedure

The lap band procedure is a medical procedure where a gastric band is placed around the stomach restricting the amount of food that your stomach will hold. A stomach that holds less without the feeling of hunger should allow you to lose weight which is what all gastric band patients are trying to achieve. This procedure is a tool that should give you the ability to become healthy again.

Thinking that this surgical procedure starts the day you go to the operating room is incorrect. There is a lot that goes on prior to going to surgery. It is important that you have a routine physical by your primary care physician. You want to make sure that your body is ready to undergo not only the surgical procedure but the anesthesia that goes along with having surgery. Most potential problems can be found through a physical and blood work.

A preop diet is part of your presurgery plans. Most obese individuals have fatty livers and reducing the size of this liver is important. Any low calorie, low fat diet that is high in protein with be healthy for the liver and reduce it in size. The recommended diet for 3 weeks leading up to this surgery is high protein shakes for both breakfast and lunch. Dinner will consist of lean protein (fish, chicken or turkey), vegetables and fruit. This will help you lose 8 to 10 pounds and will help you get your liver ready for surgery.

You will have to provide a full medical history to your doctor as well as a history of your dieting for the past five years. Many preop programs will give you prescriptions that you will have filled a few days before surgery. You will also be given a rundown of the day that you will have your surgery, so that you know what to expect. You will also be educated on what to eat following your surgery. You will also have to make sure these items are in your home when you come home from the hospital.

The day of surgery you will arrive at the hospital and change into a gown. You will be given an IV where antibiotics are administered. You also be given a small amount of blood thinner that will help prevent blood clots. Simply put, you will be given anesthesia, the surgical procedure will be performed and you will go to recovery upon completion of the surgery. Nausea and pain may be the first things that you feel after waking from surgery. You can be given medication for both of these conditions.

You may have surgery as an outpatient, but many surgeons require you to spend one night in the hospital. Being able to consume liquids is a necessity for leaving the hospital. Once you get home, you will have to spend a few days resting and you may need pain medication. Someone should stay with you for a few days. You should not drive or shower for 48 hours following your surgery. You should begin walking as soon as you can. Your doctor will give you more specific information on your hospital departing instructions.

After care is also part of this procedure. This includes making healthy food decisions, exercise regularly, having a support system and having band adjustments as needed. Having weight loss surgery is a process and it will not be something that you can decide on today and have tomorrow. It is something you will have to prepare for.