Will I be sick a lot after the
operation?
The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System limits food intake.
If you feel nauseous or sick on a regular basis, it may mean you are not chewing
your food well. It could also mean you are not following the diet rules
properly. Another reason you would feel sick may be that there is a problem with
the placement of the band. So you should contact your doctor. Vomiting should be
avoided as much as possible. It can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch. It
can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through the band. That would
reduce the success of the operation. In some cases, it would also require
another operation.
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Will I suffer from constipation?
There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools. That's normal after a
decrease in food intake, because you eat less fiber. This should not cause
severe problems. If difficulties do arise, check with your doctor. He or she may
suggest you take a mild laxative and drink plenty of water for a while. Drinking
plenty of water is a good idea, anyway. Your needs will vary, but you should
drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
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Will I need to take vitamin
supplements?
You may. It's possible you may not get enough vitamins from three small meals a
day. At your regular check-ups, your specialist will evaluate whether you are
getting enough vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron. Your surgeon may advise you to
take supplements.
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What about other medication?
You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules
or break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck
in the stoma and make you sick. You should always ask the doctor who prescribes
the drugs about this. Your surgeon may tell you to avoid taking aspirin or other
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers. That's because they may irritate
the stomach. The problems these drugs may cause could mean the band would need
to be removed.
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What about pregnancy?
Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may
become more regular. If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band
can be loosened. After the pregnancy, the band may be made tighter again. Then
you can go back to losing weight.
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Can the band be removed?
Although the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is not meant to be removed, it can
be. In some cases this can be done laparoscopically. Surgeons report that the
stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is removed. After
the removal, though, you may soon go back up to your original weight. You may
also gain more.
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What if I go out to eat?
Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at
the same time as your table companions. You might want to let your host or
hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much.
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What about alcohol?
Alcohol has a high number of calories. It also breaks down vitamins. An
occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered
harmful to weight loss.
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Will I need plastic surgery for the
surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery will not be considered
for at least a year or two after the operation. Sometimes the skin will mold
itself around the new body tissue. You should give the skin the time it needs to
adjust before you decide to have more surgery.
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What will happen if I become ill?
One of the major advantages of the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System is that it
can be adjusted. If your illness requires you to eat more, the band can be
loosened. This can be done by removing saline from it. When you have recovered
from your illness and want to lose weight again, the band can be tightened. This
can be done by increasing the amount of saline. If the band cannot be loosened
enough, it may have to be removed.
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How is the band adjusted?
Adjustments are often carried out in the X-ray department. They are done there
so the reservoir can be clearly seen. When X-rays are used, your reproductive
organs should be shielded. Sometimes adjustments can be done in an outpatient
clinic or office. Local anesthesia may or may not be needed. A fine needle is
passed through the skin into the reservoir to add or subtract saline. This
process most often takes only a few minutes. Most patients say it is nearly
painless.
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How much weight will I lose?
The amount of weight you may lose depends on several things. The band needs to
be in the right position. And you need to be committed to your new lifestyle and
eating habits. In the U.S. clinical trial, 2% of patients gained some weight. 5%
neither gained, nor lost weight (±5%). 61% of the patients lost at least 25% of
their excess weight. 52% of the patients lost at least 33% of their excess
weight. 22% lost at least 50% of their excess weight, and 10% lost at least 75%
of their excess weight.
You should lose weight gradually. Losing weight too fast creates
a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. Nausea and vomiting are only
the most minor examples. A weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a week in the first year
after the operation is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Twelve to
18 months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember that
your main goal is to have a weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves
health problems connected with severe obesity.
One final point:
It is important that you ask your surgeon all the questions you may have about
obesity surgery and the BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System. It is also essential
that you follow his or her advice.
Caution: This device is restricted to
use by or on the order of a physician.
The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System and
accessories contain no latex or natural rubber materials.
BioEnterics and LAP-BAND are registered U.S. trademarks of
BioEnterics Corporation. The BioEnterics® LAP-BAND® System and accessories are
covered by the following U.S. Patents: 5,601,604; 5,658,298. Australian Patent
No.: 681,674. Canadian Patent No.: 2,162,402. Additional International Patents
Pending.
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