A lap band is a surgically implanted device that restricts the amount of food your stomach can hold. It is an effective and extreme weight loss solution for those whose body mass index is 40 or greater and for those with a BMI of 35 or greater and who have increased medical problems associated with normal weight loss. According to Dr. Helmuth Billy, a lap band specialist in Ventura, California, follow-up after surgery is one of the most important parts of the procedure.
Pre-Surgery Planning
Before undergoing the lap band implant surgery, prospective patients must undergo several appointments with the surgeon and a counselor. In addition to reviewing medical concerns and conducting preparedness evaluations, the surgeon will set up a plan to find a local qualified physician who can monitor the patient's progress over the long term. If proper adjustment appointments are not made, the patient's weight will plateau and the device will be ineffective.
Outpatient Follow-Up
Most lap band patients are released from the hospital within 24 hours after surgery. The outpatient follow-up is typically scheduled for seven days after the operation. During this first follow-up, the surgeon may briefly examine the patient while the nursing staff will make any adjustments to the lap band. Since the lap band is not yet filled, this first appointment usually lasts only a few minutes.
Adjustment Appointments
In the first year after surgery, patients have between five and eight adjustment appointments (including the outpatient follow-up one week after the operation). The lap band is filled with saline fluid four to six weeks after the surgery to give your body enough time to heal from the initial operation. During the adjustment appointments, the nursing staff and physician will determine if the patient's band needs to be tightened or loosened based on her progress and any health concerns the surgeon may have. To tighten the band, the nursing staff injects a small amount of sterile saline solution into the subcutaneous lap band access port. To loosen the band, the nurse removes a predetermined amount of saline solution with a syringe. The port is located by either feeling around the abdominal skin manually or by using X-ray equipment as the port is not externally exposed. Most adjustment appointments only take a few minutes.
Long-Term Follow-Ups
The lap band system remains in the body for the patient's lifetime, so regular follow-ups are required. After the first year, patients are advised to schedule follow-up appointments every three to six months. Additional follow-ups are required for pregnant women and those undergoing other digestive treatments. Appointments can be made for special circumstances as well, such as unrelated illnesses that could be affected by the lap band.
Tags: after surgery, adjustment appointments, nursing staff, after operation, band filled, first year