FAQ
How much weight will I lose?
On average, people lose between 50 – 75 percent of their excess weight within two years after the surgery. The amount of weight you lose depends on your motivation, how well you follow the post-op eating instructions and how many calories you burn in a day.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic (also called “minimally invasive” or “keyhole”) surgery is performed by making small incisions in the abdomen and using specialized instruments to accomplish surgery. A small fiberoptic camera projects the image on a computer screen in the operating room. Laparoscopic surgery involves a quicker recovery with less pain. Surgeons who grew up with video games tend to excel at laparoscopic surgery.
How long does the operation take?
The gastric band procedure is usually completed in less than one hour under general anesthesia and when done in an outpatient surgery center you can go home within several hours of the procedure.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Most patients are released on the same day as their surgery. However, in some cases your surgeon may recommend an overnight stay in the hospital if they feel it is necessary due to existing medical conditions such as significant heart disease.
Will you have to remove my gallbladder during surgery?
We do not routinely remove the gallbladder during surgery. If you already have gallstones, you should discuss the treatment options with your surgeon at your consultation. Gastric band patients lose weight more slowly, have fewer gallbladder problems and do not have to take gallstone-dissolving pills after surgery.
How does the gastric band affect your appetite?
When food stretches the stomach wall, chemicals are released into the bloodstream that tells the brain it’s full. The gastric band creates a small stomach pouch above the band that causes the stomach wall to stretch after a small meal. Since you are satisfied, full and not hungry after a small meal, the gastric band is a powerful tool to assist your weight loss.
What can I eat after surgery?
You can eat normal foods with the gastric band, but you simply eat much less. The first 4 weeks after surgery is a healing period so you gradually progress from liquids to solid foods over 4-6 weeks. We will provide specific post-operative diet instructions to help you transition through this healing phase.
What will my long-term diet be like?
In general, you will eat normal foods in smaller quantities. It will be important to make wise food choices, eat slowly, and chew food thoroughly. You’ll want to take advantage of your decreased appetite and stick to eating only at meal times. With eating smaller portions, it will be even more important to choose nutrient rich foods for adequate nutrition. (It’s much easier to choose nutritious foods when your appetite is dimmed.) You may need to drink slower than usual, so it will be important to make sure that you stay well hydrated. You will want to drink plenty of water, but only in between meals. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals tends to flush food through the pouch too quickly and you will not get the prolonged feeling of satiety (fullness) needed to help you eat less. You’ll learn to eat to the point of being comfortably full and then stop. Certain foods should be avoided because they may plug the narrow passage in the band. This varies with each patient, but some examples include doughy bread, sticky rice, dry chicken, raw vegetables and pasta. Fibrous vegetables can be easier to eat when steamed or grilled. You will receive extensive nutritional guidance before and after surgery to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
After weight loss surgery, can I eat anything and still lose weight?
No, it is important for you to understand that weight loss surgery is not magic and does not work by itself. Weight loss surgery helps you feel full on a small amount of food and dims the appetite. It helps control the background hunger so typical of dieting. You must take advantage of that and make healthier food choices. It is possible to sabotage your efforts by taking in too many calories with high-calorie liquids and sweets for example.
How do you adjust the gastric band?
Gastric band adjustments are done in the office by adding or removing saline via the subcutaneous (under the skin) port. The adjustments take minutes and are described by most patients as essentially painless.
Why does the band need more than one adjustment?
As you lose weight, the tissue around the stomach loses weight as well. The band must be tightened as you lose weight to maintain the perfect level of restriction for maximal benefit.
Will I lose any hair?
Temporary hair thinning is not unusual with the metabolic changes that occur with any successful weight loss program. This means more hair in the brush or shower drain, but you will not go bald. Watching your vitamin (especially zinc & biotin) and protein intake may help reduce this. Hair thinning usually occurs during the first year and grows back fully once you stabilize at your healthy weight.
On average, people lose between 50 – 75 percent of their excess weight within two years after the surgery. The amount of weight you lose depends on your motivation, how well you follow the post-op eating instructions and how many calories you burn in a day.
What is laparoscopic surgery?
Laparoscopic (also called “minimally invasive” or “keyhole”) surgery is performed by making small incisions in the abdomen and using specialized instruments to accomplish surgery. A small fiberoptic camera projects the image on a computer screen in the operating room. Laparoscopic surgery involves a quicker recovery with less pain. Surgeons who grew up with video games tend to excel at laparoscopic surgery.
How long does the operation take?
The gastric band procedure is usually completed in less than one hour under general anesthesia and when done in an outpatient surgery center you can go home within several hours of the procedure.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
Most patients are released on the same day as their surgery. However, in some cases your surgeon may recommend an overnight stay in the hospital if they feel it is necessary due to existing medical conditions such as significant heart disease.
Will you have to remove my gallbladder during surgery?
We do not routinely remove the gallbladder during surgery. If you already have gallstones, you should discuss the treatment options with your surgeon at your consultation. Gastric band patients lose weight more slowly, have fewer gallbladder problems and do not have to take gallstone-dissolving pills after surgery.
How does the gastric band affect your appetite?
When food stretches the stomach wall, chemicals are released into the bloodstream that tells the brain it’s full. The gastric band creates a small stomach pouch above the band that causes the stomach wall to stretch after a small meal. Since you are satisfied, full and not hungry after a small meal, the gastric band is a powerful tool to assist your weight loss.
What can I eat after surgery?
You can eat normal foods with the gastric band, but you simply eat much less. The first 4 weeks after surgery is a healing period so you gradually progress from liquids to solid foods over 4-6 weeks. We will provide specific post-operative diet instructions to help you transition through this healing phase.
What will my long-term diet be like?
In general, you will eat normal foods in smaller quantities. It will be important to make wise food choices, eat slowly, and chew food thoroughly. You’ll want to take advantage of your decreased appetite and stick to eating only at meal times. With eating smaller portions, it will be even more important to choose nutrient rich foods for adequate nutrition. (It’s much easier to choose nutritious foods when your appetite is dimmed.) You may need to drink slower than usual, so it will be important to make sure that you stay well hydrated. You will want to drink plenty of water, but only in between meals. Drinking liquids during or immediately after meals tends to flush food through the pouch too quickly and you will not get the prolonged feeling of satiety (fullness) needed to help you eat less. You’ll learn to eat to the point of being comfortably full and then stop. Certain foods should be avoided because they may plug the narrow passage in the band. This varies with each patient, but some examples include doughy bread, sticky rice, dry chicken, raw vegetables and pasta. Fibrous vegetables can be easier to eat when steamed or grilled. You will receive extensive nutritional guidance before and after surgery to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
After weight loss surgery, can I eat anything and still lose weight?
No, it is important for you to understand that weight loss surgery is not magic and does not work by itself. Weight loss surgery helps you feel full on a small amount of food and dims the appetite. It helps control the background hunger so typical of dieting. You must take advantage of that and make healthier food choices. It is possible to sabotage your efforts by taking in too many calories with high-calorie liquids and sweets for example.
How do you adjust the gastric band?
Gastric band adjustments are done in the office by adding or removing saline via the subcutaneous (under the skin) port. The adjustments take minutes and are described by most patients as essentially painless.
Why does the band need more than one adjustment?
As you lose weight, the tissue around the stomach loses weight as well. The band must be tightened as you lose weight to maintain the perfect level of restriction for maximal benefit.
Will I lose any hair?
Temporary hair thinning is not unusual with the metabolic changes that occur with any successful weight loss program. This means more hair in the brush or shower drain, but you will not go bald. Watching your vitamin (especially zinc & biotin) and protein intake may help reduce this. Hair thinning usually occurs during the first year and grows back fully once you stabilize at your healthy weight.