Lap-Band Recovery
Different than other weight loss surgeries, lap-band is considered a minimally invasive procedure. This means that the surgery is much less invasive than an open surgery, and is performed with virtually no scarring or altering of the digestive tract. As a result, the procedure can be performed in approximately one hour, does not require an overnight hospital stay, or a lengthy recovery.
Recovery Time after the Lap-Band Procedure
Depending on your general health, the expected recovery timeline with gastric banding is normally between two and ten days. If you are responsible and careful about following the dietary guidelines offered by the lap-band dietitian in Chicago, the recovery time is minimal.
Right after you wake up after the procedure, the nurse will have you walk around a little in the recovery area. The reason for that is the need to minimize the gas pain following the surgery. Gas pain is normal and follows any laparoscopic procedure, and it is no different with the lap-band procedure. The discomfort may stay with you for the first 2-3 days. During that time we strongly recommend our patients to keep moving around the house and take some anti-gas or antacid medication to relieve the pressure.
When talking about the recovery time one has to differentiate between healing of the stomach itself and the lap-band’s port site. While the lap-band itself won’t cause you any discomfort if you keep to your dietitian’s recommendations, the port site may stay sore for a while. In regards to healing of the stomach, it usually takes up to three weeks to progress from a liquid diet to the regular foods. The rationale behind it is to not aggravate the stomach fresh out of surgery. Once your stomach loses the swelling, you’ll be ready to eat regular foods and get your first adjustment. By then, your port will heal also.
In general, following the surgery you’ll be asked to stay home for 4-7 days. During the first month we strongly discourage heavy lifting. Every patient is different and depending on how strenuous your job is, the weight loss surgeon will give you his recommendations regarding limitations for your recovery period.
Recommended Foods and Diets after Lap-Band
After gastric banding, a bariatric dietitian usually recommends foods that are consistent with healthy eating. Foods containing high levels of proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and selected meats will provide you with a well-rounded diet that will give you all the nutrients you need. If you are a multivitamin type of a person, you can always enrich your diet with additional vitamin supplements such as vitamin B9 (naturally found in lentils, peas, turnips, leafy greens), vitamins B1 and B9 (naturally found in brown rice, cauliflower, carrots, broccoli).
Recommended Activities after Lap-Band
Lap-band patients are encouraged to become as physically active as possible. It is highly recommended that you work on your overall shape with at least 30 minutes of targeted exercises a day. Exercising will not only make your weight loss faster but help prevent skin sagging during and after major weight loss. Dynamic walking, swimming or biking are excellent ways to prevent the weight regain and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Talk to a Lap-Band Advisor in Chicago Today
If you are interested to learn more about gastric banding in Chicago, feel free to contact us by calling 312-239-3838, or registering for one of our lap-band support groups.
