Laparoscopic band surgery is a procedure that can help you lose weight. Since it is a surgical procedure, it’s natural to have a lot of questions and concerns about it. We’ve put together a list of questions we get asked frequently. However, if you have more questions, give us a call.
What is Laparoscopic Band Surgery?
Laparoscopic adjustable banding is an effective way to help you lose weight. A band or belt is placed around the upper section of the stomach, which shrinks the volume of the stomach and makes you feel full more quickly. The decreased appetite coupled with a healthy lifestyle (good food and exercise) will help you reach your goal weight.
How long does the procedure take?
Laparoscopic band surgery sounds like a very big deal, but the procedure itself is quicker than you might expect. You will be asked not to eat or drink after midnight the night before the surgery. The procedure itself generally takes about an hour and will involve the doctor making one or two small incisions to insert a tool called a laparoscope.
After the surgery, you will be in the recovery room for another hour or so. You can usually go home the same day if you are able to tolerate drinking liquids and the pain medicine is working well for you.
How long is the recovery period?
Recovery from the surgery is a gradual process. In general, you will be up and moving again soon after the procedure, and able to return to work within one to two weeks. You can return to a full exercise schedule right away, although you may be sore from your incision sites.
What can I eat after laparoscopic band surgery?
Immediately following the surgery, you will be on a liquid diet for the first couple of weeks. After that, you will gradually progress to soft and then regular food, under the guidance of our team.
Will I be in pain post procedure?
Laparoscopic band surgery only requires a few small surgical incisions and is considered a minimally invasive procedure, so post-surgical pain is usually easily controlled. You may be sore near the incision sites for a couple of weeks and you should keep strenuous movements to a minimum during the recovery period.
Why will the surgeon need to adjust the band?
In the weeks following surgery, the lap band will be gradually tightened. Fluoroscopy (X-ray) will guide the tightening of the band a to allow for continued weight loss. Laparoscopic adjustable banding is a tool that helps you customize your weight loss over time as long as the patient is diligent with their healthy lifestyle changes.
Why Choose BMI of Texas?
The doctors and staff at BMI of Texas are committed to helping you lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. BMI of Texas is one of only a few bariatric surgery facilities in Texas to use this advanced, precise form of surgical assistance.