Recovery
From Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery
|
|
Weight loss surgery can be beneficial to many
people who suffer from obesity. Obesity affects millions of
people each year and the side effects can often be life
threatening. One popular weight loss surgery is the Lap-Band
surgery. This surgery is minimally invasive, making recovery
time easier and less painful for patients. Although many
patients who have this surgery do experience less pain, they
still should expect side effects while recovering from the
surgery.
Doctors who perform weight loss surgery often
stress to their patients that these surgeries are not “quick
fixes”. They do take time recovering and work afterwards.
The surgery cannot work alone. After the surgery, the
patient must make a commitment to change their behavior
towards food and exercise.
In addition, they must adhere to strict dietary
guidelines to avoid getting sick from the surgery. |
The Lap-Band
weight loss surgery does help patients by restricting food and
calorie intake. Patients who have this type of surgery can
expect to lose 26 to 38 percent of excess weight two to three
years after the surgery. Some may lose more than others, but the
key is to understand how to recover from the surgery.
With the Lap-Band weight loss surgery, most patients
can expect to resume regular activities within two to three weeks
after the surgery. During this time following the surgery, it is very
important to follow the surgery guidelines for successful recovery.
This is to allow the stomach to completely heal in the correct
position. Also, if too much or the wrong foods are eaten after
surgery, the new stomach pouch can be stretched. This may lead to
failed surgery and vomiting and abdominal cramping. Vomiting can cause
the band to slip into the wrong position after surgery.
During the first few days following the Lap-Band weight
loss surgery, it is critical to follow all instructions. Right after
surgery, drinking very small amounts of water or sucking on ice is
allowed. Only a very small amount of fluid is allowed right after
surgery. In addition, your doctor may allow a very small amount of
clear liquids for calorie intake.
|
In the first one to two weeks following this
type of weight loss surgery, it is very important to protect
the stomach as much as possible. For this reason, patients
are only able to consume very thin liquids. During this
phase, skim milk, fruit juice, no sugar Popsicles and clear
broth is allowed. After the second week following surgery,
patients may start adding slightly textured foods such as
pureed chicken or fish, mashed potatoes, peas and low fat
yogurt and pudding. It is important to consume only very
small amounts to avoid cramping and vomiting. Solid foods
can often cause difficulties following weight loss surgery
and it must be a very slow transition to solid food. Still,
after this time, patients should avoid fried foods, surgery
foods and foods high in carbohydrates. Following these
guidelines will help ensure weight loss success and that
patients recover from their weight loss surgery. |
|
|
