Most Common Questions:

Q: Will I be sick after the operation?

A: The LAP-BAND® System limits food intake. If you feel nauseated or sick on a regular basis, it may mean you are not chewing your food well. It could also mean you are not following the diet rules properly. Another reason you would feel sick may be that there is a problem with the placement of the band. So you should contact your doctor. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible. It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach though the band. That would reduce the success of the operation. In some cases, it would also require another operation.

Q: Will I suffer from constipation?

A: There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools. That’s normal after a decrease in food intake, because you eat less fiber. This should not cause severe problems. If difficulties do arise, check with your doctor. He or she may suggest you take a mild laxative and drink plenty of water for a while. Drinking plenty of water is a good idea, anyway. Your needs will vary, but you should drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.

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 doctor will evaluate whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. Your doctor may advice you to take supplements.

Q: What about other medication?

A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules or 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. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. That’s because they may irritate the stomach.

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. Then you can go back to losing weight.

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. 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.

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 loss

Alcohol causes your stomach to create more acid and the acid is what causes "band erosion" We want you to always avoid spicy food and alcohol.

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 anesthesia 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.

Keep it much more simple.... The band adjustments are done throught the valve or port that is located in your abdomin. The doctor can do this under fluoroscopy to check your band and to get a more accurate fill. Some doctors do it without fluoro as well. This is done in less then 20 minutes and is painless.

Q: How much weight will I lose?

A: The amount of weight you may lose depends on several things. The band needs to be in the right position. Ad you need to be committed to your new lifestyle and eating habits. In the U.S. clinical trail, 2% of patients gained some weight; 5% neither gained, nor lost weight; 61% of the patients lost at least 25% of their excess weight; 53% of the patients lost at least 33% of their excess weight; 22% lost at least 50% of their excess weight.

This is not accurate for the patients from Mexico.... Patients generally lose 60-85% of their excess weight. The weight loss equals out after 2 years when comparing the bypass to the Lapband. Ultimately it will depend on what the patient chooses to eat.

You should lose weight gradually. Losing weight too fast creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. Nausea and vomiting are only the most minor examples. 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 18 months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember that your main goal is to have a weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems connected with the severe obesity.

The more you weigh the faster you lose in the beginning. The weight loss varies from patient to patient. The goal is to continue to lose weight continuosly. When the weight loss stops for approx. 2 weeks (and the patient is able to consume too much food) then it is time for an adjustment.

If your BMI is 40 or more, you are said to have “morbid” obesity. A BMI higher than 40 suggests surgery might be a proper approach. For some people with a BMI between 35 and 40 (“sever” obesity), surgery might also be a good choice.

These are the people who have other conditions. For instance, if your BMI is 37 and you have severe sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, or heart problems, your doctor might suggest surgery to help you lose weight.

I think that this should be determined by the coordinator on a "one on one" basis, to find out whether the surgery can be an option for them. So can you simplify

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 doctor will evaluate whether you are getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. Your doctor may advice you to take supplements.

Vitamins are harmful to the stomach and we advise patients to get their vitamins and minerals from the food they eat. If a patient insists on taking vitamins, we ask them to take liquid vitamins with milk or yogurt.

Q: What about other medication?

A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules or 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. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. That’s because they may irritate the stomach.

Always tell the doctor that is prescribing you medications that you have the Lapband, and you have to be careful not toake meds that are hard on the stomach. There some meds that you need to avoid and you should consult your Lapband doctor about these medications prior to taking them.