Aftercare

Get the most out of your gastric banding surgery.

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding is an important tool available for those interested in attaining a more healthy lifestyle. However, as a lap band patient, you’ll achieve more satisfying and long-lasting results if you are willing to adopt a nutritious diet and make exercise a part of your regular routine.

Our aftercare program

In order to help you get the most out of your surgery, Credit Valley Clinic provides our lap band patients with:

• Routine check-ups to monitor your progress
• Ongoing lap band adjustments (if and when necessary)
• Nutritional counselling
• Psychological courses
• Exercise programs
• Regular attendance at support group meetings (if needed)
• A commitment to our post-surgery diet and nutrition recommendations for a quicker recovery and sustained results

Adjusting the band

Adjustability is a unique benefit to lap bands for weight loss and a normal part of our weight loss clinic’s follow-up procedure. It’s an innovative feature that lets us help you find the perfect level of restriction that will meet your specific needs.

• The first adjustment is usually about 4-6 weeks after surgery (although the exact time varies from patient to patient).
• Adjustments are performed without surgery, usually during an office visit with your surgeon. A thin needle is used to withdraw or inject saline into the lap band via the access port.
• In determining if your gastric banding needs to be adjusted, our doctors consider how much weight you have lost, the portion size you can comfortably eat, the degree of hunger, and the amount of fluid already in your band.

Removal

In rare circumstances, the laparoscopic gastric band may need removal.  Although it is not meant to be removed, the stomach can be returned to its normal shape and size.  This can almost always be done laparoscopically.  Additional costs may be incurred and weight regain will almost certainly occur.

Top 10 rules for best results after surgery!

• Eat only three small meals a day.
• Eat slowly and chew thoroughly (15-20 chews per bite).
• Stop eating the moment you feel full.
• Do not drink while eating.
• Do not eat between meals.
• Eat only good quality food.
• Avoid fibrous foods.
• Drink enough fluids between meals.
• Drink only low-calorie liquids - water is best!
• Exercise at least 30 minutes every day.

We’d be happy to provide any further information you may need about living with a laparoscopic adjustable gastric band or answer questions about the surgery.

Book a free consultation or contact us to learn more about lap bands for weight loss.

We’ve helped people all over the GTA including in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Kitchener and Cambridge achieve a healthy weight and lead more fulfilled lifestyle. Let us help you too!