Surgery, whether or elective or not, can be a scary prospect.  Thankfully, lap band surgery is a minimally    invasive procedure, requiring only a small incision and the introduction of a laparoscopic camera to get the job done.  Even so, a bariatric operation is still surgery and will require a bit of before and after preparation.

Pre-Surgical Exams

Prior to lap band surgery you doctor will go over the risks associated with the bariatric procedure.  He will also inform you of what you will need to do to get yourself mentally and physically prepared.

For instance, there will be a serious of physical exams that you will have to undergo to make sure you are in optimum health.  These tests can include but are not limited to chest X-rays, gallbladder ultra sound, upper G.I. series, EKG, and blood and urine analysis. You may have to pay for these tests up front, so be sure to ask you doctor if this is the case.

You bariatric physician will also ask you a few questions to make sure you are well aware of what you will have to do to facilitate your weight loss goals.  Before the surgery he will reiterate that the lapband operation is a tool and will not make the pounds melt away—there will be work required on your part.

People who understand this are more likely to successfully lose weight after their   operation.

The Day of Lap Band Surgery

You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight on the day before your surgery as your stomach has to be completely empty to ensure that procedural risks are minimized.  Once you arrive at the hospital you will be prepped for surgery and a general anesthetic will be utilized.  The operation will take roughly 2-3 hours, after which you’ll spend approximately an hour in recovery.  Although you probably won’t feel like it, medical assistants will urge you to walk around to prevent blood clots, respiratory problems and bedsores.  They will also run a number of tests to make sure the lap band has been placed correctly.

The hospital stay can range from 24-72 hours, so be prepared.  Length of stay will depend on how successful the surgery was and if there were any complications.

After being released from the hospital, you’ll probably have to take it easy a bit, but most people find that they are able to resume normal activities within a week or so.  Observing a liquid diet for a few weeks is usually par for the course, followed by meals of puréed and blended foods.  Once you begin eating more solid foods you will be instructed to chew it thoroughly and avoid drinking fluids with meals.

Long Term after Care

You’ll have to see a doctor for routine follow up visits for quite some time after the procedure.  During these visits, the doctor will check on your progress, look for any potential problems and ensure steady and adequate weight loss.

If you are having a hard time coming to grips with lifestyle changes, a doctor’s visit is the best time to bring it up.  Combating obstacles can make all the deference between weight loss and a loss of time, effort and money.

Success Depends on You

Remember, 50 percent of people who have lap band surgery find success with it.  That means that for every person who loses weight there are those who do not lose the weight they desired.  As cliché as it sounds, part of your operation’s success has to do with attitude and the willingness faithfully pursue one’s goals.

In the end, losing weight after the lap band procedure is up to you.  This is a good thing however, as you will adopt a healthier attitude, increase your quality of life and leave your life destiny in your own hands.