Frequently Asked Questions
Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers
What is the safest weight loss surgery available?
Studies have shown Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding, which is also known as LAGB or the LAP-BAND System procedure, to be the safest option for surgical weight loss. This means your risk of negative outcomes is less when compared to other surgical weight loss procedures. Unlike more radical procedures, the LAGB procedure does not require cutting, stapling or rerouting of the intestines. 1
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What does minimally invasive mean?
During laparoscopic surgery very small incisions are made and long, thin instruments are inserted into the abdomen. With the help of video equipment surgeons are able to place the band around the upper part of the stomach. Since there is minimal cutting and no re-routing of the intestinal tract, you will experience a must faster recovery and reduced post-operative pain.
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How does the LAGB or LAP-BAND System work?
The Lap-Band is placed around the upper part of your stomach. This creates a small stomach pouch above the band and controls the flow of food into the lower part of the stomach. The Lap-Band® allows you to feel full and satisfied while you eat less and lose weight. The adjustable gastric band can be tightened or loosened by your practitioner by injecting a small amount of saline solution into a small access port that is attached to the band by a tiny tube.
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Why should I consider a LAP-BAND System Procedure?
The LAP-BAND System Procedure is the least invasive weight loss surgery available. It is adjustable to meet your specific health needs. The process is completely reversible and is typically performed in an outpatient or a day surgery setting. Long term studies indicate that the amount of maintained weight loss is equal to bypass when compared at the 5 year anniversary and any complications are less serious.
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Why should I choose TLCEdge Surgical Weight Loss and Prestonwood Surgery Center?
TLCEdge Surgical Weight Loss is dedicated to providing our patients access to the many of North Texas’ finest weight loss (bariatric) surgeons. Your surgery, aftercare, and maintenance will be followed by a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to your positive results. The Texas Clinic at Prestonwood is North Texas' most advanced multi-specialty destination for your complete wellness .
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How might the procedure affect my current medical problems?
Many medical problems commonly associated with obesity such as hypertension, diabetes and sleep apnea are improved or, in some cases, totally eliminated after the Lap-Band System Procedure . It is not necessary to lose all of your excess weight in order to achieve improvement with regards to many of these medical conditions. There are very few health conditions for which the Lap-Band® is contraindicated. Please discuss any specific concerns with your surgeon.
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What will my outpatient experience be?
As with most day surgery you will arrive early on the morning of surgery after following simple preparation instructions at home. The majority of procedures will be complete in less than one hour. A general anesthesia is used and a normal recovery will include drinking liquids and walking within two hours. You will be discharged the same day, but will generally require a family member or friend to help with your care for 24 hours following surgery. Your surgeon will most likely recommend a liquid or soft diet for two weeks following surgery.
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When can I return to my daily routine after surgery?
Recovery time is shortened is as with any laparascopic surgery. You will be encouraged to rest for 3 to 5 days, but will typically be able to return to work and begin an exercise routine as soon as you feel like doing so. Many people schedule the surgery on Friday and are able to return to a normal routine early the following week. Please discuss any specific concerns with your surgeon.
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Will my eating habits change?
Unlike other forms of weight loss surgery, there are no prohibited foods with a Lap-Band®, but some people will have trouble processing different foods. You will eat less, so you will need to concentrate on eating foods that will supply your nutritional needs. Liquids pass through the band easily so you will need to refrain from drinking high calorie drinks. Most Lap-Band patients find they are able to adjust to their band well and don't require any special nutritional supplements.
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How much weight will I lose?
How much you lose depends on how well you are able to use your new tool to manage eating. The LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Band is a valuable tool to help improve your health. A weight loss of 1 to 3 pounds a week in the first year after the surgery is possible. The Lap-Band facilitates a gradual weight loss and helps you improve or resolve health problems associated with being seriously overweight as you reach your ultimate weight loss goals.
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How does this procedure compare to a gastric bypass?
Studies show that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster in the first year. However, at 2 years, many Lap-Band patients have caught up with them and have fewer complications. A recent study indicates that, long term, LAP-BAND patients may actually maintain their weight loss better over time as many bypass patients have gained back significant weight as the stomach stretches back to a normal size after surgery.
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What is required for follow up care?
Your surgeon will typically wish to follow your progress every 6 weeks during the first year after surgery and usually one time each year thereafter.
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What is a fill?
When the Lap-Band is placed around your stomach it will be attached with a small tube to a medi-port located just under the skin of your abdomen. The port will not be visible. As you lose weight, the amount of restriction on your band will get looser as your stomach shrinks away. When you return to your surgeon’s office after surgery you will occasionally have saline injected into the port. The saline will make the band tighter around the top of the stomach once again so you can continue losing weight. The beautiful part of having an adjustable gastric band is that it can be tailored to fit your needs. A fill is a simple office procedure.
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Where is the port located? Will it show?
The FDA recommends that surgeons place the port under the skin of the abdomen on the left side. Once the incision heals, you will be able to feel your port with your fingers, and a healthcare professional will be able to access the port through the skin with a small needle. It should not be visible to others or interfere with your daily activities.
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What about exercise or sports activities with the Lap-Band?
Generally speaking, you should plan for a few days of light activity following surgery. You may then return to normal activity. As you lose weight, you will be able to be as active as you want to be and you'll feel better! You will be encouraged to adopt an active lifestyle.
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What about removing the band?
The adjustable gastric band is designed to be permanent and is not meant to be removed. However, it can be safely removed if another health concern indicates that it should be removed or repositioned. Surgeons report that the stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is removed.
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What happens to my extra skin when I lose weight?
Plastic Surgery may be an option but is not required as a general rule. Most likely, Plastic surgery should not be considered for at least a year after the Lap-Band System Procedure as sometimes skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. Weight loss associated with the adjustable gastric band is more gradual initially and this initial gradual weight loss often results in less skin related issues.
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What will happen if I become ill or pregnant?
The major advantages of the gastric band is that it can be adjusted. Your physician will work with your individual needs to help you achieve your goals as well as any changing nutritional needs due to illness or pregnancy. In fact, the Lap-Band® is indicated for women who have changing nutritional needs due to pregnancy or breast-feeding.
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Will I feel hungry or like I'm "dieting?
The Lap-Band works to control hunger in two ways. First, it creates a small pouch near the top of your stomach which will only hold only about 4 ounces of food. You'll feel full when you've eaten that much. Secondly it works, by slowing down food as it travels through the opening in the band and into the larger stomach below. Liquids will pass right through your band but you shouldn't feel hunger if you eat normal foods. Avoid liquid calories and chew solid foods well.
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Can I have alcohol?
Alcohol is a high calorie liquid so moderation is advised when losing weight. However, an occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage is not considered harmful and generally will not cause any problems with your band. Many recommend abstaining from beer or other carbonated beverages as the bubbles will cause discomfort and stretching in the smaller stomach.3
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What about vitamins or other supplements?
The Lap-Band® shouldn't interfere with the absorption of nutrients as other, more drastic surgical procedures can. However, since you are eating less, it is possible that you might not get enough vitamins from your smaller meals. Discuss this with your primary care physician and they may suggest a daily supplemental vitamin.
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Can I take my medications?
You should continue taking all your medications as your doctor advises. As you lose weight you may need to have your normal medications adjusted and some may be discontinued as your weight reaches a healthy goal. Please discuss this with your primary care physician. Some patients find that large pills will not comfortably pass through the band. If this is the case, you will need to discuss with your primary care physician or your pharmacist the options for crushing medications or replacing some medications with liquids.
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