FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Lap band® surgery is often day surgery here at our surgery center, on an outpatient basis. However, in some cases your doctor may recommend an overnight stay in the hospital.
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How long does the operation take?
The Lap band® procedure typically takes 45 to 60 Minutes. The length of the operation depends on many different factors. Click here to see an animated video of the procedure.
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How do you adjust the gastric-band?
The band adjustments are done in the office by adding or removing saline solution via the subcutaneous (under the skin) port. The adjustments take minutes and are described by most patients as essentially painless.
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How much weight will I lose?
On average, people lose between 50 to 75 percent of their excess body weight within two years after the lap band® surgery. The amount of weight you lose depends on your motivation, how well you follow the post-op eating instructions and how much you exercise. On average our patients are losing one to two pounds per week.
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What can I eat after surgery?
You can eat normal foods after lap band surgery, but you simply eat less. You can go to restaurants, but you will typically order appetizers or eat a portion of an entree and take the rest of it home. The only special diet is the first two weeks after surgery, in which you start with liquids and work up to soft food. After two weeks you will be eating regular foods in much smaller quantities.
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What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic (also called "minimally invasive" or "keyhole") surgery is performed by making tiny incisions in the abdomen and using specialized instruments to accomplish surgery. A small fiberoptic camera allows the surgeon to see what's being done. Laparoscopic surgery involves less pain and a quicker recovery.
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What will my longterm diet be like?
You will eat normal foods in smaller quantities. You will learn to chew your food well. Certain foods should be avoided because they plug up the narrow passage in the band. They include doughy bread, sticky rice, fresh fibrous vegetables, and gummy pasta. Vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and asparagus should be steamed or cooked until soft. You must learn to eat to the point of feeling comfortably full and then stop. Eating too much at once, eating too fast, or not chewing well will cause discomfort and other side effects that will discourage you from improper eating again. It will be hard to gulp large quantities of liquids, so you will need to sip liquids throughout the day to avoid dehydration.
You will need to concentrate on the number of calories you are eating, by making good food choices. We will ask you to avoid liquid calories and soft foods as they will go right through the band. It is best to steer clear of sugar - it is excess calories that will need to be burned with more exercise. Lap band patients are instructed to eat the protein portion of their meals first as protein is essential to weight loss.
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Will you have to remove my gallbladder during surgery?
We do not routinely remove the gallbladder during surgery. If you already have gallstones, you should discuss the treatment options with your surgeon.
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Why do you lose your appetite after weight loss surgery?
One of the reasons weight loss surgery is so successful is because it helps control background hunger. Patients no longer crave food and sometimes, if you can believe it, forget to eat!
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Will I lose hair?
Hair thinning is typical of massive weight loss. Your body will be going through a metabolic change. This means more hair in the brush or shower drain. You will not go bald. Watching your vitamin (especially zinc & biotin) and protein intake may help reduce this, but many patients who lose a significant amount of weight will experience some hair thinning. It typicall will grow back. Hair thinning usually occurs during the first year.
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