Will the Gastric Band cause feelings of hunger and deprivation?
You won’t feel hungry or deprived with the band, as long as you follow the guidelines that are given to you for nutritional food choices. While you will eat less and feel full for hours, you need to be sure to chew your food well.
If I become ill, what will happen?
If you need to eat more because of any type of illness, the band is adjustable so you can have it loosened, if necessary.
What if I become pregnant?
The band can be loosened temporarily, if you experience nausea or morning sickness. Since your odds can increase for pregnancy, you can rest assured that no harm is done to you or your baby from the band.
Are vitamin supplements necessary?
Vitamin and mineral supplements are recommended to make sure you don’t experience any long term deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.
Is it safe with prescribed medications?
Prescribed medications can be taken, although you might need to adjust the way you take your medication, so they don’t become stuck in your band. This means you might need to use capsules, dissolve them in water or break larger pills into pieces.
Can I eat at restaurants?
Order smaller appetisers and entrees because you won’t need as much food to feel full.
With a band, can I still drink alcoholic beverages?
Drinking a glass of wine or another alcoholic beverage occasionally is not considered harmful to weight loss, but keep in mind that it breaks down vitamins that can be essential to your health.
Does constipation occur?
You can take Metamucil or a similar medication if you need to. The main difference is in the volume of your stools, however.
What’s the lifespan of the band?
This is presently unknown, but there are cases where lap band patients have had the band for over 12 years and never needed it removed.
Is the band removable?
Through a simple procedure, the band can be removed. However, you might regain your lost weight and possibly more so it isn’t recommended.
Is cosmetic surgery necessary because of excess skin or flab?
About 25% of patients need a plastic surgery treatment, but we offer competitive prices and can give expert advice, should this become necessary.
What is the average weight loss with gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy?
50-60% of excessive weight can be expected to be lost in gastric banding and those that choose sleeve gastrectomy can expect 60-70% weight loss, within 2 years of the operation.
After surgery, can I exercise?
While you could start walking once you feel comfortable, 4 weeks is recommended before you undertake any kind of strenuous exercise.
Are there patients that have had the weight reduction surgery that I can talk to?
We can get you in touch with one of our patients, if you just let us know.
