Questions about Post-Operative Results,
Adjustments & Follow-Up Care Complications

Q: How much weight should I expect to lose and how fast?

A: The amount of weight you lose and the rate at which you lose it dependent on a number of factors in addition to the Lap-Band® itself, such as: your starting weight, your post-operative diet, the amount of exercise you do, etc.  On average, however, patients have lost about 50% of their excess weight within the first year of surgery.  Most patients find they are losing between 5-10 pounds a month, depending on their individual diet and exercise regimens.  In general, it is not safe to lose weight too quickly;  a weight loss of 1 ½  to 2 pounds a week in the first year after the procedure is possible.

Q: Will I still get hungry following surgery?

A: The Lap-Band® works best with solid foods to decrease hunger. Solid foods tend to stay in the stomach pouch longer, giving you a greater sense of fullness and satisfaction. Following surgery, you will begin by eating/drinking only liquid foods. Therefore during this time you may feel hungry. However, most patients find that they feel less hungry and more satisfied if they eat/drink the foods the recommended number of times throughout the day. Once you begin to eat solid foods you should feel very satisfied with significantly less food than you were consuming before surgery. After 6-8 weeks post-operatively, if your weight loss slows down to less than 1 pound a week, you may need to have a Lap-Band® adjustment to tighten the band.

Q: What kind of post-operative medical care will I require and for how long?

A: You will be seen as often as necessary, of course, but we generally schedule you for a post-operative follow-up appointment two weeks after surgery. Then you will be seen at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-operatively. In addition, based on your rate of weight loss and your personal weight loss goals, your band may require that you come in for band adjustments. Finally, we will have an optional support group for Lap-Band® patients dealing with emotional and psychological issues relating to body image, stress coping strategies, addictive behaviors, etc.

Q: Will there be any medications that I can no longer take post-operatively or that I will be unable to absorb properly?

A: No, you will be able to take any medication necessary. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, the Lap-Band® will not affect your absorption so the effectiveness of medication will not be diminished and/or affected.

Q: How many Lap-Band® adjustments will I need?

A: The number of adjustments (fills) you may need cannot be determined in advance of your surgery. Some patients need one adjustment, while others need two or three in the first year depending upon their individual response to the band and the degree of weight loss desired. Generally, adjustments are not performed until at least 6 weeks after your surgery.

Q: Are adjustments covered by my insurance company?

A: If you paid for your Lap-Band® with cash, you have one year of adjustments included in the cost of your Band. Insurance coverage for fills can be determined by calling the customer service number on your insurance card.  Some insurance plans cover the fills, however, such as Aetna and United Healthcare, do not.

Q: How long will it take to have an adjustment?

A: The adjustment usually takes only a few minutes and you will be able to leave the Center immediately following the procedure. You will be placed back on a liquid diet for a few days following the adjustment in order to give your stomach some time to adapt to the change.

Q: Will I be able to get pregnant after Lap-Band® surgery?

A: During the first year after surgery: A fast rate of weight loss during pregnancy is thought to be harmful to the developing baby. Therefore, we would like for you to use some form of contraception to avoid pregnancy during the first year following surgery. If you become pregnant, however, during this first year, we will leave your Lap-Band® in place without saline in order to ensure adequate nutrition for the baby's growth. After the first year: Many women find it easier to conceive following substantial weight loss. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band can be loosened. After the pregnancy, the band can be made tighter again and you can go back to losing weight.