Q: Will I be sick a lot after the operation?
A: The LAP-BAND® System was developed in order to limit the food intake in a patient-friendly way. If you regularly feel nauseous or are frequently 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. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible as it can cause the small stomach to stretch and lead to slippage of the stomach through the LAP-BAND® System, thus reducing its effect.
Q: Will I suffer from constipation?
A: It is almost impossible to avoid a reduction in the volume of the stools if less is eaten and thus less fibre reaches the alimentary canal. Usually, however, this does not cause severe problems. If a problem does arise, the best thing for you to do is check with your doctor. He or she may suggest to take a mild laxative and drink plenty of water for a while to resolve the problem.
Q: Will I have to take vitamin supplements?
A: It is possible that you may not be getting enough vitamins with three small meals a day. In any case, your surgeon may recommend that you take some extra vitamins. Your specialist will evaluate during your regular check-ups whether you are getting sufficient vitamin B12, Folic Acid and Iron. If there is a question of a vitamin deficiency, he will advise you to take supplements.
Q: How does it fit in with other medication?
A: In general, you can take medication that has been prescribed for you as usual. If tablets are too big, break them in half or dissolve them in water to prevent them from becoming stuck and possibly making you sick. Your surgeon may advise you to avoid taking Aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers since these may irritate the stomach.
Q: How does it fit in with pregnancy?
A: The band will probably not have negative effects on a pregnancy. It is possible that you may become pregnant sooner because your menstrual cycle may become more regular as a result of your weight loss. If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band can usually be loosened a bit. After the pregnancy the band may be made a bit tighter again, so that you can go back to working at losing weight.
Q: Can the band be removed?
A: Yes, although it is not intended that the LAP-BAND® System should be removed at any time unless the band needs to be replaced. Bear in mind that you may soon go back up to your old weight if the band is removed. According to the results obtained to date, the stomach reverts to its original shape once the band is removed.
Q: What do I have to do if I go out to eat?
A: Even then you can only eat a little, for example just a starter, eat slowly so that you finish at the same time as your table companions. It might be advisable to let your host or hostess know in advance that you can't eat very much.
Q: How does it fit in with alcohol?
A: As alcohol contains a lot of calories and breaks down vitamins, it should be avoided as much as possible. However, one glass of wine at a reception, a birthday party or a dinner party can't do much harm.
Q: Will I need plastic surgery on the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
A: It is not always necessary. As a rule plastic surgery will not be on the agenda until at least two years after the operation. Normally 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 before you decide to have more surgery.
Q: What will happen if I become ill with something else?
A: The great advantage of the LAP-BAND® System is its flexibility. In the event that you develop another illness which requires you to eat more, the band can usually be loosened by draining liquid from it. As soon as you have recovered from your illness and weight loss is desirable and safe, the liquid in the band may be increased again, thus making it tighter.
Q: How is the band adjusted?
A: Adjustment is usually carried out in the specialist's outpatient clinic. Local anaesthetic may or may not be necessary. A fine needle is passed through the skin into the reservoir. This procedure only takes a few minutes and most patients consider this procedure to be nearly painless. Sometimes it is carried out in the X-ray department so that the site of the reservoir can be clearly seen.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
A: If the band is in the right position and you keep faithfully to your new lifestyle and eating habits, on average you might lose two-thirds of your excess weight. It is important for you to lose weight gradually over a period of 12 to 18 months. 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 1 kilo a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but it is certainly not a rule. In the period from 12 to 18 months after the operation, weight loss will usually amount to less than 1 kilo a week. The aim is to achieve a weight loss that prevents or resolves the health problems associated with obesity or morbid obesity.
One final point:
It is essential that you ask your surgeon all the questions you may have regarding obesity surgery and the LAP-BAND® Adjustable Gastric Banding System.
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