Gastric Weight Loss Surgery FAQs

  FAQ's for  General

What does “laparoscopic” mean?

Do I have to be referred by my doctor to qualify for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery?

How much weight will I lose?

How long will it take to recover after the procedure?

How do the weight-loss results compare with gastric bypass?

Will I be sick a lot after the procedure?

I’ve been vomiting a lot. Is this normal?

Will I need to come in for a lot of doctors’ visits?

Does the Laparoscopic Gastric Banding surgery limit my physical activity?

How do you adjust the band?

Do I have to be careful about the access port?

Can the band be removed?

Will I need plastic surgery to get rid of the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?

Is it true that the band feels tighter in the morning?

Will I feel hungry or deprived?

What happens if I become ill?

What about pregnancy?

Will I need to take supplements?

What about other medication?

What if I go out to eat?

Can I drink alcohol?

Can I eat anything if I eat it in moderation?

Will I suffer from constipation?


What does “laparoscopic” mean?

Laparoscopic surgery is a technique in which the doctors make several small incisions (each one is much smaller and less traumatic than a typical surgical incision). The surgeons inflate the abdomen with air then feeds a tiny camera through one of the incisions and use it to observe the surgery. It’s a much less invasive technique that involves faster recovery and much shorter down time. After a laparoscopic surgery, most people feel much less pain, have fewer wound complications, recover much faster and can resume regular activities sooner.


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Do I have to be referred by my doctor to qualify for Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery?

No. Although most of our clients do tend to come to us via referrals, it isn’t necessary. We’re happy to discuss options with anyone who feels they might benefit from Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery.


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How much weight will I lose?

Results vary from patient to patient and depend on several factors, including proper positioning of the band, and your commitment to your new lifestyle and eating habits. However, it is important to understand that the surgery is not a miracle cure that will lead to effortless weight loss. The pounds will not come off by themselves. To succeed, you need to be fully committed to changing your lifestyle and eating habits.

It’s important to set achievable weight loss goals from the start. A weight loss of 1-2 pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but 1 pound is more likely. 12-18 months after the operation, weekly weight loss will likely be less. Always remember that healthy weight loss happens gradually. Losing weight too quickly can pose a health risk and lead to a number of problems.


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How long will it take to recover after the procedure?

Unless you’re a high-risk patient or you develop complications, you will go home the day of your surgery. Most people need about a week of recovery time before going back to work, and about a month to six weeks before they start exercising. Recovery may take longer if there are complications.


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How do the weight-loss results compare with gastric bypass?

Surgeons have reported that gastric bypass patients lose weight faster in the first year. However, at five years, many banded patients have achieved overall weight loss that’s comparable to gastric bypass patients.

Click here to view the results of studies about effectiveness of weight loss programs

For a comparison of Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding surgery to other obesity surgery options, please see our comparisons page.


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Will I be sick a lot after the procedure?

The band is designed to limit food intake. If you feel sick or nauseated on a regular basis, it may mean that you’re not chewing your food enough or not following the diet rules properly. However, it could also mean there’s a problem with the placement of the band, so if your problem persists, please call us.


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I’ve been vomiting a lot. Is this normal?

No, it may mean you’re not chewing your food enough or not following the diet rules properly. It could also mean there’s a problem with the placement of the band, so call us if your problem persists for more than a few days. You should try to avoid vomiting as much as possible, since it can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch, or lead to band slippage, which can reduce the success of the surgery. (And in some cases, it can require another operation.)


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Will I need to come in for a lot of doctors’ visits?

Check-ups are an important part of the process. During the first month, we’ll have you come in weekly or biweekly, and then for the first year, we want to see you every 4-12 weeks. We may do adjustments during some of these visits. In the second and third year, you’ll probably need to come in every 3-6 months, but we will make that decision when the time comes.


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Does the Laparoscopic Gastric Banding surgery limit my physical activity?

No. After the first few weeks, you’ll be able to do everything from aerobics and stretching to strenuous exercise.


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How do you adjust the band?

We pass a fine needle through your skin into the access port to add or remove saline. The process usually only takes a few minutes, and most patients say it’s nearly painless.


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Do I have to be careful about the access port?

No. Once the incision has healed, it shouldn’t cause you any discomfort or limit your physical activities. If you do feel persistent discomfort, please talk to us immediately.


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Can the band be removed?

Although it is not meant to be removed, it can be. In some cases, removal can be done laparoscopically. Your stomach will likely return to its original shape, and you may go back to your original weight or gain even more.


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Will I need plastic surgery to get rid of the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?

Not necessarily. We recommend that you wait at least a year or two after the operation before considering plastic surgery. Sometimes skin will naturally mold itself around the new body tissue.


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Is it true that the band feels tighter in the morning?

This is a pretty common feeling, especially for people whose bands are already tight or have recently been adjusted. During the day, your body’s water content changes, and that might make the band feel tighter. Some women also notice that it feels tighter during menstruation.


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Will I feel hungry or deprived?

Not if you follow our nutritional guidelines and chew your food well. The band makes you feel full and eat less in two ways: it reduces the capacity of your stomach and increases the time it takes food to get though your digestive system.


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What happens if I become ill?

If your illness requires you to eat more, we will loosen the band. Once you have recovered from your illness and want to lose weight again, we can tighten it again. If we can’t loosen it enough, we will recommend that you remove it.


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What about pregnancy?

If you need to eat more while you’re pregnant, we will loosen the band, and then tighten it again when you want to resume losing weight.


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Will I need to take supplements?

We recommend a chewable multivitamin be taken by all our banded patients.


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What about other medication?

Talk to us about any medication you’re on. You should be able to take prescribed medication, though you may have to take capsules or break up large tablets so they don’t get stuck in the stoma and make you sick. We also advise that you avoid htmirin or other anti-inflammatory pain relievers because they may irritate your stomach and cause problems.


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What if I go out to eat?

Order a small amount of food like an appetizer and eat slowly so you finish at the same time as your companions. You may want to let them know in advance that you can’t eat very much.


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Can I drink alcohol?

An occasional drink won’t hurt, but remember that alcohol is high in calories and breaks down vitamins, so you should avoid drinking it on a regular basis.


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Can I eat anything if I eat it in moderation?

You’ll be able to eat most foods once your stomach has healed. However, since your stomach doesn’t have a large capacity, what you do eat should be as high in nutrients as possible. If you consume a lot of empty calories, you’ll reduce the effectiveness of the procedure and impact your overall health.


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Will I suffer from constipation?

Since you’re eating less food, there may be a reduction in the volume of your stools, but you shouldn’t have any severe problems. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. If you do experience problems, talk to us immediately.


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