Patient Information - Recovery

Procedures are performed laparoscopically in an outpatient surgery center. You will go home the same day. If you experience no complications, you should be able to resume normal activities within a week or two after your procedure.

After your procedure, we will take an x-ray. This allows our health team to see that the Lap-Band System is in the right place and that the new stomach outlet is open. You may be asked to swallow a liquid that can be seen on x-ray.

Immediately following the operation you can take an occasional sip of water or suck on an ice cube. You shouldn't drink more than this.

The day after the operation you can take a little more fluid, but only a small amount at a time. Besides water, you should choose liquids that have an adequate number of calories. To prevent nausea and vomiting, do not drink too much.

It is very important to follow the eating and drinking instructions starting right after the operation to allow the new stomach structure to heal completely and in the right position. This may take a month or more.

It is also important, especially in the early weeks, not to stretch the small stomach pouch above the band. Vomiting can stretch it, so it is important not to vomit. Vomiting can also increase the chance of stomach tissue slipping through the ban. If you begin to vomit, please contact our office.

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