Mar 10, 2010 | 4:12 am
FAQs
We have compiled these questions so that if you have them in mind, they can easily be addressed.
Q: Will I be sick a lot after the operation?
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 enough 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 contact your doctor if this problem persists. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible as it can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through the band and reduce the success of the operation. In some cases, it can require another operation.
The Gastric Bypass surgery limits food intake. If a person feels nauseated or sick , it could be a result of not chewing food well enough, eating to quickly, or consuming high sugary foods. Consuming high sugary foods can result in "Dumping Syndrome". The dumping syndrome is a side affect to the gastric bypass surgery, a person may experience nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, abdominal cramping, sweating, or even heart palpations.
Q: How long will it take to recover after surgery?
The 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. Immediately after surgery there are restrictions to lifting, this is because of the need for your abdominal muscles to heal after surgery. In the case of open surgery or if there are complications, recovery may take longer.
If the Gastric Bypass surgery is performed laparoscopically the patient is in the hospital for approximately 3 days. Returning to work after gastric bypass surgery is two to six weeks depending upon a person's physical demands at work. The abdominal muscles need time to heal so there is a degree of weight restriction immediately after surgery.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
Weight loss results with the LAP-BAND vary from patient to patient, and the amount of weight you lose depends on several things. 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 2-3 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 quickly creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. The main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems connected with severe obesity.
Weight loss after the Gastric Bypass surgery does very to some degree with each patient. A person may see anywhere from 15 to 25 pounds the first month after surgery. The greatest amount of weight loss is seen within the first 6 to 9 months after surgery. Weight loss slows down after 9 months but many patients continue to loose weight depending upon several factors. The amount of food eaten, type of food eaten, the type of drinks consumed, and snacking between meals can prevent further weight loss and can actually result in weight gain.
Q: How often do I need to see the doctor after surgery?
Check-ups with the LAP-BAND are very important part of the LAP-BAND® System. Tri-State Bariatrics patients are seen one week after surgery, then two weeks latter, two weeks after that and at least once a month from that point forward. These frequent visits are necessary to assist our patients in progressing with appropriate food choices, eating techniques, and support. Adjustments are performed during some of these visits. Follow-up visits are strongly encouraged every six months once a patient has reached their maintenance or goal weight. Follow up visits must be with a bariatric program that has been certified to care for your Lap-Band.
The Gastric Bypass surgery requires follow-up visits with your surgeon immediately after surgery. Tri-State Bariatrics patients are seen 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, 4 weeks latter, and then at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months and then once a year.
Q: Are the surgeries reversible?
Although the LAP-BAND® System is not meant to be removed, it can be. Surgeons report that 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. You may also gain more.
The Gastric Bypass surgery is considered by most surgeons to be permanent and not a reversible type of weight loss surgery.
Q: What about pregnancy?
With the LAP-BAND pregnancy is discouraged for the first two years, because pregnancy can be safer after you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. During pregnancy the band can be loosened if needed. After pregnancy, the band may be made tighter again and you can resume losing weight.
Pregnancy is strongly discouraged after the Gastric Bypass surgery for at least two years. The malabsorption of nutrients that occurs with gastric bypass surgery can directly impact the development of a fetus especially during the first two years after surgery. Pregnancy after the gastric bypass surgery does require closer monitoring especially for prenatal vitamins and minerals.
Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?
With the LAP-BAND you can only eat a small amount of food it is important to include foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, and nutrients. During the period of weight loss Tri-State Bariatrics strongly encourages patients to focus on protein and to avoid all major carbohydrates. 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 even cancelled.
Food choices after the Gastric Bypass surgery are also in moderation with the exception to high sugary foods or drinks which can cause the dumping syndrome. Many patients also experience lactose intolerance after the gastric bypass surgery. Protein is an extremely important part of recovery and maintenance.
Please don't hesitate to ask questions of our team members at Tri-State Bariatrics!