Post Surgery

Following discharge you should restrict your intake to Optifast® only as this promotes weight loss and avoids stretching the small stomach pouch. A prescription for an antibiotic liquid will be given and this should be taken if there is any sign of infection around the wounds (particularly where the port is buried). The band will only be inflated after 3 months once scar tissue to hold it in place has formed. Thereafter further adjustments will be made at 6 months after surgery and monthly as required after that.

The most noticeable effect is that food will pass more slowly and vomiting will occur if too much is eaten at once. Foods such as firm meat (e.g. steak, chicken), fresh white bread and chunks of vegetables can cause obstruction and should be avoided. Eating sweets, chocolate and other very high calorie foods or drinks can defeat the purpose of the band and these should also be avoided. It is better not to take drinks at the same time as meals and to eat slowly.

Many patients find that health problems such as diabetes and high blood pressure improve after weight loss. On occasion further operations are needed to remove redundant skin on the abdomen, arms etc after successful weight loss. If a woman becomes pregnant after laparoscopic banding the band is deflated for the duration of the pregnancy to allow unrestricted eating.

Most people can get back to work after 2 weeks.