How long will I be on liquids?

All bariatric surgery patients begin with liquids and gradually take in more dense foods beginning with soups and advancing to solid foods over a period of 2 to 6 weeks. This allows for healing and avoids vomiting.

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Is there much diarrhea?

Not usually.  The reputation for diarrhea comes from past procedures that involved longer length of intestinal bypass.  For LAP-BAND patients no small intestine bypass occurs so they have no associated diarrhea.  For all malabsorptive procedures there is a period of adaptation when bowel movements may be somewhat liquid and eventually the intestines adapt and loose stool is not common.    This is rare for the Gastric Bypass because there is a relatively short length of intestine that is bypassed.  The Duodenal Switch patients, who have a longer length of bypassed intestine, have a higher chance of loose and more frequent bowel movements.  Once the body adjusts this usually improves, but diarrhea may occur in response to high fat foods.

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Will I ever eat normally again?

It depends on what you consider “normal”.

Bariatric surgery patients return to eating typical foods between 6 and 12 weeks following surgery.  Of course the quantity will be approximately ¼ to ½ of what you were eating pre-op.

Our program includes post-operative support from nurses and dietitians who will counsel you on proper nutrition and life style changes.  These are the keys to success!

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Will I have a reaction to the LAP-BAND® itself?

The band is made of silicone and titanium and is inert. There is no latex. Many medical implant devices are made of these materials because they are long lasting and well tolerated by the body. For more information about contraindications go to Risk Information at www.lapband.com

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How much weight will I lose? And how fast?

Weight loss varies among individual patients. Factors such as age, mobility, and adjustment to lifestyle changes will influence actual weight loss. We can expect Gastric Bypass and Duodenal Switch patients to lose 60-80% of their excess body weight (EBW) over a period of 9-18 months. Weight loss is more gradual for LAP-BAND® patients. We can expect them to lose 60-70% of their EBW over 18-36 months with proper follow-up and adjustments. It is very important to understand that weight loss surgery is a tool and patients must use this tool along with proper nutrition and exercise to achieve long-term weight loss success.

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Will I regain the weight?

It is possible to overcome the tool you have been given and regain weight. This can be done by 1) grazing, or eating continuously throughout the day. 2) Drinking high calorie liquids throughout the day. 3) Eating high calorie soft foods like ice cream, mashed potatoes, or chocolate. 4) Giving up water and exercise.

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How much time should I take off from work?

We recommend that you plan to stay home from work for 10-14 days after surgery. Open procedures would of course take longer to recover. Everyone is unique and this can vary with the job duties and the individuals’ health.

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Does insurance cover this procedure?

Many insurance companies cover weight loss surgery.  Policies vary with employer contracts and companies.  It is best to read your policy for exclusions.  Our Patient Advocates are Nationally Recognized for their experience in gaining insurance approval.

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