How to Plan for Your Lap Band Surgery

Lap band surgery is a simple yet innovative way to get rid of excess weight and gain a healthy lifestyle. In this procedure, a small part of the stomach is tied with a band, which reduces the food intake and increases the time that the food stays in the stomach. This procedure is much safer than other invasive weight loss methods as it does not require any intestines to be bypassed and it is fully reversible. Here is how to plan for your lap band surgery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Gather information about lap band surgery. Learn about how it is conducted, its varying results, its possible complications and its normal recovery period.

2. Talk to people who have had the surgery. You may even ask your surgeon to refer some of his previous patients.

3. Go online and visit blogs or personal Web sites of individuals who have undergone this surgery.

4. Go online and type keywords such as "lap band surgery" in the search box of your favorite search engine (such as Google or Yahoo) and check out the links that appear on the results page. This will help you find more information about lap band surgery.

5. Talk to your doctor and ask for a list of over-the-counter medications that you should avoid. Ideally, you should not take aspirin or any anti-inflammatory medicines. Also ask him how long before the surgery you should avoid these medicines.

6. Quit smoking and do not drink alcohol at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery. Smoking and alcohol intake increase the risk of complications and may also slow recovery.

7. Get a copy of your surgeon’s protocol.

8. Ensure that you have someone drive you home after the surgery and also arrange for someone to take care of you after the surgery.

9. Get a prescription for painkillers and necessary post-operative medicines from your surgeon. Buy the necessary medicines and keep them at a place easily accessible to you.

10. Make a list of items that you will need during the recovery period. You may need laxatives, a thermometer, anti-bacterial soap and dressings. Consult your doctor while making a list of these things and gather these things before you go in for surgery.

11. Plan the recovery period. Normally, a 6-week break from any strenuous activity is advised. However, patients can resume regular activities after 3 weeks.

12. Select a place where you plan to rest after the surgery. Prepare that place accordingly and as per your doctor’s advice. Make sure that you have an intercom, a whistle or a bell in order to call for help. Also have your favorite videos, journals and books to make your recovery time enjoyable.

13. Select clothes to wear on the day of surgery and while recovering. Make sure that you wear loose clothes on the day of the surgery as well as after the surgery so that nothing constricts or presses against your incision.

Tips & Warnings

• Make a checklist of these things so that you do not forget anything.
• Talk to your surgeon and ask for any additional information, precaution or tips.
• Strictly adhere to your doctor’s prescription and guidelines.

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