How to Prepare Yourself for Lapband Surgery
Studies have shown that losing weight may reverse diabetes and improve health tremendously in the obese. One of the obstacles people mention is the feeling of hopelessness attached to losing more than a hundred pounds. While gastric banding is not a procedure to be taken lightly, it may be a healthy step for someone who is in the category of having to lose a great deal of weight. "Lap-Band" is the trademark of an adjustable gastric banding system using a silicone band around the upper part of the opening of your stomach. It is done through a small opening in your stomach. If you want to pursue this alternative for weight loss and overall health, follow a few simple steps to prepare yourself for Lap-Band surgery.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- A family doctor's referral for surgery
- A surgeon approved to perform bariatric surgery
- An understanding of how you will pay for the surgery
- A pre-surgery diet and exercise program
- A commitment to diet and exercise after surgery
- A commitment to stop smoking before surgery
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How to Prepare for Lap-Band Surgery
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1
Check with your family doctor to see if this is an option for you. If you are obese to the degree that it threatens your health, your surgery may be covered by your insurance policy. Medicaid also covers some procedures. Some patients pay privately.
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2
If possible, attend a seminar to educate yourself on Lap-Band surgery. Meet with your surgeon and find out exactly what it entails.
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3
Stop smoking and start on a diet and exercise program. Your surgeon will not perform Lap-Band surgery unless you have a commitment to follow a controlled diet and continue to exercise.
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4
Have whatever screening tests your surgeon recommends, including meeting with the anesthesiologist and answering all questions truthfully.
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5
Arrange to have someone drive you to and pick you up at the hospital or doctor's office. Bring loose-fitting comfortable clothes, and arrange for a friend or family member to look in on you if you are going home right after surgery.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Enlist the help of family and friends to support you as you try to control your food intake and your weight.
Plan a sensible and realistic exercise program to follow as you work to improve your health.
Stock up on clear broth and juices for the first few days home.
Be aware that, although mortality is very low, there are sometimes complications to the Lap-Band surbery. A little more than 2 % are major complications. The most common are those that occur with any major surgery, such as nausea, soreness at the incision, or bad reaction to the anesthesia. This surgery has a lower risk than gastric bypass surgery.
