Procedure Day
Although you may be nervous, the day of your procedure is an exciting day as it marks an important milestone on your road to a healthier, happier life. Below is a general overview of how to prepare for your procedure and what to expect on the day your LAP-BAND® System is placed.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before your procedure, your physician surgeon will discuss your procedure in detail with you. It is also very important to discuss your overall health and your health history. You need to let your physician know if you have any health conditions, are allergic to any drugs, or have ever had a bad reaction to anesthesia. In addition, make a list of all the medications that you take, including aspirin, injections, all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, vitamins, and recreational drugs, to share with your surgeon.
Your doctor may also want you to meet with other experts, such as a dietitian and/or psychologist, to help you understand what will happen during and after the procedure. They will help you ensure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the procedure and your new life with the LAP-BAND® System. Additionally, you will have a number of tests before your procedure to evaluate your general state of health.
On the day before your procedure, you will need to follow specific instructions to ensure all goes well the next day. Here are two general guidelines:
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. Your stomach must be empty for the procedure surgery to minimize risks during the procedure. Ask a friend or a family member to be at the hospital with you for comfort and support and to drive you home after the procedure. You may also want him or her to help you get settled at home. Your physician and medical team will provide you with a complete list of instructions on how to prepare for the procedure.
What to Expect on the Procedure
When it is time for procedure, you will be admitted to the hospital either the day before or on the morning of your procedure. You may be in the procedure room for two or three hours, but the actual procedure typically takes about one hour. Then you will spend a few hours in the recovery room. Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel some pain, which can usually be relieved with ordinary pain relievers. The hospital or clinic staff will help you get out of bed and start moving as soon as possible to help prevent blood clots, respiratory problems, and bedsores.
On the day after the procedure, you may have an X-ray. This allows your health team to see that the LAP-BAND® System is in the right place and that the new stomach outlet is open. You may be asked to swallow a liquid that can be seen on X-ray.
For the LAP-BAND® System procedure, hospitalization is usually less than 24 hours, and in most cases patients go home the same day. The hospital stay may be longer if there are complications or if the surgeon has to convert to an "open" medical procedure.
To learn more about the LAP-BAND® System and to ensure that you are well prepared for your procedure surgery, it is recommended that you download and read the LAP-BAND® System patient booklet below.
