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The Procedure

Your Lap Band procedure: before, during and after

Preparing for your procedure can be intimidating, but having a good idea about what to expect can help ease your concerns. Before you can schedule your procedure, you’ll meet with your surgeon to discuss any questions you may have. Your surgeon will also go over your medical records and prepare you for the procedure.

Before your procedure:

  • Take care of any work, errands or chores that need to be done, so you won’t be bothered immediately following the procedure.
  • Make sure your kitchen and fridge are stocked with the right kind of foods.
  • Arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you to the surgery center and drive you home after.
  • Confirm your arrival time and get any pre-op instructions, such as your post-surgery nutrition plan.
  • Stop eating and drinking at midnight before your procedure date.

During your procedure:

  • You will be placed under general anesthesia.
  • Typically, your Lap Band will be inserted laparoscopically and implanted around the upper part of your stomach.
  • Your Lap Band will then be connected, by a tube, to an access port fixed deep beneath the skin of your abdomen.
  • If needed, saline will be injected into your Lap Band through the access port.

After your procedure:

  • You will spend a few hours in the recovery room. When the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain or discomfort that will be treated with pain relievers.
  • You’ll have an X-ray to view your Lap Band.
  • Schedule your follow-up appointment and go home.

True Results usually performs the Lap Band procedure on an outpatient basis at one of our specialized surgery centers, and recovery is relatively quick. Typically, our patients spend about 4-5 hours recovering at the surgery center. Most are able to return to work within a week or less, and can resume strenuous activity in a month to six weeks. 

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