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Tag: Lap Band Surgery

What Recovery From Lap Band Surgery Looks Like

One of the main concerns when it comes to weight loss surgery, whether lap band or gastric sleeve, is the recovery process. What if you are looking for a procedure that is quick and doesn’t require a lot of time to recover from? The best option is the lap band procedure. The recovery time after lap band surgery is around 1–4 weeks, after which you can resume your usual daily activities. So, what should you expect during the healing process?

Physical Activity

Remember to give your body enough time to heal, and it starts by taking a break and not lifting any heavy items or doing any strenuous tasks. Rest if you feel tired in any way, and practice breathing exercises whenever you can. The more you feel better, the more you can start exercising, starting with brief walks.

Diet

If you want to reduce how long recovery takes from lap band surgery, remember to watch your diet. Your doctor will be very clear on what you shouldn’t eat and drink because you are supposed to avoid solid foods immediately after surgery. Start with water and gradually introduce solids back into your diet.

Medicine

A crucial aspect to remember during your healing is medication. You will need medication to manage the pain after the surgery and get you back on your feet. If you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medicine, make sure you take it as advised and under your doctor’s guidance.

Incision Care

You will leave the surgery with strips of bandages. If you want to shorten the recovery time for lap band surgery, make sure that you avoid tampering with the tape. Leave it on for at least a week to give it time to fall off on its own, and make sure you wash the areas around it with warm water. However, do not take a bath or directly wash the incisions. In case of a slight oozing of fluids from the wound, make sure that you change the bandage every day.

Call for Help

You should expect a smooth recovery process when the surgery is done by the best in the industry. However, there is no control over incidents like passing out or losing your breath. To avoid problems escalating, make sure you seek urgent medical attention if you have extreme pain that doesn’t go away even after medication, your leg swells up, or there is pus coming from the incisions.

Consult Our Medical Professionals for Your Lap Band Surgery

Follow-up care after lap band surgery in NYC is one of the most important factors in speeding up your recovery. For appointments and emergencies, reach out to our experts at Lenox Hill Hospital.

Overweight Woman Sitting On The Floor Next To A Couch

Am I Eligible for Lap Band Surgery?

Are you torn between lap band surgery vs gastric surgery or any other weight loss procedure? A lap band procedure has the advantages of being reversible and featuring low risks of complications. It has a simple concept where the surgeons put an adjustable band around the stomach to reduce its size. If you are considering it, there’s one pressing concern: the lap band surgery requirements. Read on for more information on what it takes to be eligible for lap band surgery in New York City.

BMI of 30-45

One of the most crucial factors determining who is eligible for lap band surgery is that you must be overweight/obese or at risk of obesity-related diseases. No minimum weight requirement exists, but patients must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30-45. What if your BMI is more than 45? You will be advised to use more effective weight loss procedures like the gastric sleeve procedure.

Long Term Overweight

While you may meet the criterion for having a high BMI, being obese, or at risk of weight-related conditions, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure unless you have been overweight for a long time. Some surgeons state you must have been obese for at least five years to be eligible for the lap band procedure.

Frequent Follow-ups

Before undergoing the lap band, ensure you will be available for frequent check-ups with your surgeon. Like any other weight loss procedure, some risks are involved, especially when you fail to adjust your lifestyle and nutrition. Several patients have the band removed due to complications like slippage or leakages. To avoid that, you should be ready for follow-ups with your doctor.

Open to Change

Another way to know who is eligible for a lap band is by determining whether the patient is ready to change their lifestyle. Surgery is the first step in trying to lose weight, but after that, you will also have to exercise frequently, follow a post lap band diet,eat healthy, take low-calorie meals, and generally change unhealthy habits. You must be highly motivated—otherwise, the procedure will fail.

Doctor Clearance

You must be healthy to undergo the procedure, which means that you should not be suffering from medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease. These are risky cases that could lead to complications during surgery, and you would instead need to opt for safer alternatives.

Talk to a Specialist About Lap Band Surgery

If you meet the above criteria, you are likely a good candidate for lap band surgery in NYC. However, ensure that you consult with our surgeons at Lenox Hill Bariatric Surgery Program for a customized evaluation to confirm that you are ready for the procedure.