Recovering after LAP Band Surgery

After the surgery and the general anesthesia have worn off, the patient will feel some pain in the abdominal area. This pain can be easily relieved by taking in painkillers. The patient will be assisted by health care providers so he/she can get out of bed and start walking and moving around. This is done to prevent blood clot formations, respiratory problems, and bedsores. An X-ray will also be done to check if the LAP Band is the proper place. The patient will be asked to drink a liquid that will be seen on the X-ray. A patient will be asked to stay in the hospital for a maximum of three days after the surgery, or longer, if needed. If complications do not arise, the patient will be able to resume his/her regular activities a week or two after the surgical procedure.

A new diet will be designed for a person who has undergone LAP Band surgery. This new diet should be carefully discussed by the patient and the surgeon. A dietitian may be also be called in. The surgeon and the dietitian will be help the patient understand the changes in his/her new lifestyle and eating habits. It is important for the patient to follow the instructions that the surgeon and dietitian will prescribe after the operation to ensure that the new abdominal structure will heal properly and completely.

Immediately after the surgery, the patient may take occasional sips of water or suck on an ice cube, but no more than these. During the first few days after the surgery, the patient can start taking in more fluid but in small amounts only. Taking in too much fluid might induce vomiting which the patient must avoid to prevent stretching the small pouch over the LAP band.

During the first four weeks after the surgery, the patient can start drinking more fluids and eat soft foods including clear soups, yogurts, skimmed milk, fruit juices, and pureed fruits. On the sixth week, the patient may start having thicker soups with pureed vegetables and fruits. He/She may gradually move on to more eating foods that are more solid by this time, including soft white meats of chicken and fish. Red meat, grains, and bread may still cause problems so it is better to avoid them at this time. It is advised to chew food thoroughly to avoid vomiting and nausea, regurgitation, stomach irritation, and swelling. Over time, the patient will be advised to move on to eating more solid foods by his/her surgeon and dietitian.