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Q:
Will I often be sick after the operation?
A: The
LAP-BAND System was developed to limit the food intake in a
patient-friendly way. If you regularly feel nauseous or sick, it may
mean that you are not chewing the food well or following the diet
rules properly. It may also mean 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 because it can cause the small
stomach pouch to stretch or may lead to slippage of part of the
stomach through the band, thus reducing the success of the operation
and, in some cases, requiring another operation.
Q:
Will I suffer from constipation?
A: There may
be reduction in the volume of the stools following a decrease in food
intake, because less fiber is eaten. This should not cause severe
problems, but if difficulties do arise, consult your doctor. He or she
may suggest that you take a mild laxative and drink plenty of water
for a while to resolve the problem. (Drinking plenty of water is a
good idea, anyway.)
Q:
Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
A: It is
possible that you may not get enough vitamins within three small meals
a day. During your regular check-ups, your specialist will evaluate
whether you are getting sufficient amounts of vitamin B-12 , folic
acid and iron. Your surgeon may advise you to take vitamin
supplements.
Q:
What about other medication?
A: You should
be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to break big
tablets in half or dissolve them in water so that they do not get
stuck in the stoma and possibly make you sick. You should always
consult the doctor prescribing the medication regarding this. Your
surgeon may advise you to avoid taking aspirin or other non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory pain relievers since they may irritate the stomach
and could result in problems requiring band removal.
Q:
What will happen if I become ill?
A: One of the
major advantages of the LAP-BAND System is its adjustability. Should
you develop an illness which requires you to eat more, the band can be
loosened by removing saline from it. As soon as you have recovered
from your illness and weight loss is desirable and safe, the band can
be tightened by increasing the amount of saline.
Q:
How is the band adjusted?
A:
Adjustments are often carried out in the X-ray department so that the
site of the reservoir can be clearly seen. When X-rays are used, your
reproductive organs should be shielded. Sometimes adjustments can be
performed in the outpatient clinic or office. Local anesthesia may or
may not be necessary. A fine needle is passed through the skin into
the reservoir in order to add or subtract saline. This procedure
usually takes only a few minutes and is considered by most patients to
be nearly painless.
Q:
How much weight will I lose?
A: If the
band is in the right position and you are committed to your new
lifestyle and eating habits, you may lose between one-third and
two-thirds of your excess weight. It is important that you lose weight
gradually over a period of 12 to 18 months or more. Rapid weight loss
represents a health risk and can be associated with a variety of
problems, of which nausea and vomiting are only the most minor
examples. A weight loss of 2-3 pounds a week in the first year after
the operation is a possibility but certainly not a rule. Twelve to 18
months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less.
Remember that your primary goal is to achieve a weight loss that
prevents, improves or resolves health problems associated with obesity
or morbid obesity.
One final
point:
It is
important that you ask your surgeon all the questions you may have
regarding obesity surgery and the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding
System, and it is essential that you follow his or her
recommendations.
Q:
What about pregnancy?
A: Becoming
pregnant can be easier as you lose weight because 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 so that 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 is possible. In
some cases this can be done laparoscopically. Surgeons report that the
stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is
removed. However, after the removal of the LAP-BAND System you may
soon go back up to your original weight, or more.
Q:
What if I go out to eat?
A: Order only
a small amount, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly so that you 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: Not only
does alcohol contain an excessive number of calories, but it breaks
down vitamins and thus should be avoided as much as possible. However,
one glass of wine at a reception, a birthday or a dinner party should
not do much nutritional harm.
Q:
Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a
lot of weight?
A: It is not
always necessary. As a general rule, plastic surgery will not be
considered for at least a year or two after the operation. Sometimes
the skin is sufficiently elastic to mold itself around the new body
tissue. It is recommended that you allow the skin the time it needs to
adjust before you decide to have more surgery.
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