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Your Life After Lap-Band Surgery
DietSince your stomach is basically much smaller, you will no longer be able to consume large amounts of food at any given time. Eating less not only promotes weight loss it reduces the likelihood of your experiencing severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Small portions also minimizes your chances of having major complications from your surgical procedure, such as large particles of food becoming lodged in your esophagus, stomach or gastrointestinal tract.
The day after surgery you will probably feel much better, and can begin consuming small amounts of food in liquid form, progress to soft foods (such as low-fat yogurt) and eventually introduce solids approximately four to six weeks after your surgery. Your solid food needs to be soft, moist and well-chewed to avoid abdominal discomfort or nausea.
Because you will be eating much smaller amounts of food per meal, the types of food you select should be high quality and packed with nutrients, offering more nutritional value for the fewer calories you now consume. Your long-term eating plan should be low in fat and sugar and high in protein.
ExerciseShortly after surgery, your doctor or the hospital nurses will let you know when it is time to get up and walk. This is the beginning of your exercise program, and walking will also speed your recovery. Take it easy at first, but then begin adding more distance as you feel stronger.
Do not perform any vigorous exercise, heavy lifting or strenuous household chores until six to eight weeks after surgery. Ask someone to assist you with shopping. Avoid swimming until your incisions have healed completely. However, once the incisions have completely healed, swimming is a generally well-tolerated form of exercise because it is low impact.
Talk with your doctor about when and what type of exercise program you should begin.
Returning to WorkMost people are able to go back to work in less than a week after having Lap-Band surgery. This will depend on how well you are recovering and what kind of work you perform.
Follow upsYou may have a follow-up appointment with your surgeon within one to two weeks after surgery (or sooner, if you experience any complications). At this appointment, your surgeon will ensure that you are recovering normally, examine your surgical incisions and speak to you about diet, exercise and other activities. Most patients need to return at around four to six weeks after surgery for their first band adjustment. Usually there will be several more visits for adjustments, especially in the first year after surgery. |
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