How to Recover From Lap Band Surgery

Lap Band surgery is minimally invasive weight-loss surgery. While other surgeries require multiple days in the hospital to recover, you may be able to go home just one day after receiving Lap Band surgery. While you do not need to be monitored in the hospital, your body will need additional time to recover.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Recover Safely and Effectively from Lap Band Surgery

1. Stay at the hospital or Lap Band surgery center until your doctors believe you are ready to leave. Most patients are discharged within 24 hours, but this time can vary based on the patient and any complications that arose during the surgery.
2. Take time off from work immediately following your surgery or make plans to work from home. Most patients are able to recover and return to work within 1 week. During this time, you may be tired or sore and find it easiest to rest in bed.
3. Follow the diet that is laid out by your Lap Band surgeon or your dietician. Your diet will initially consist only of liquids, followed by pureed food, soft food and then solid food.
4. Resume your regular activities after the period of time recommended by your doctor. After you recover from Lap Band surgery, activities can aid in managing your weight.
5. See your doctor for follow-up visits when they have been scheduled. In addition to ensuring that you are recovering properly, she can adjust the Lap Band to the appropriate size. The first visit is typically scheduled 4 to 6 weeks after your Lap Band surgery, though you may need to visit your doctor earlier if you do not feel good.
6. Consider joining a support group for people dealing with weight loss or specifically with Lap Band recovery. Your emotional well-being and a strong support system will be essential to experiencing continued benefits.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask a friend or family member to drive you home from the hospital, as you will not feel strong enough to drive and may be using pain medication.
• Closely following the prescribed diet is not only necessary for you to recover, but also for the weight loss surgery to be effective.
• If you feel nauseous or sick on a recurring basis after your surgery, contact your doctor as soon as possible. He may need to make adjustments to the position of the Lap Band.
• Do not exercise in the weeks following your Lap Band surgery. Patients often require between 4 and 6 weeks to recover before they can begin or resume a regular exercise schedule.