Adjustable gastric band removal

Lap band surgery is another name for laparoscopic gastric banding. It's surgery to help people lose weight. A gastric band creates a small pouch in the stomach. The pouch limits how much food you can eat. But in some cases, it doesn't work as well as hoped. The band may be removed. People have their bands removed for different reasons. Some people don't lose enough weight. They might have problems with acid reflux or eating solid foods. Or they might have it removed if their doctor thinks there's a chance that the band has slipped or eroded.

You will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor will make several small cuts in your belly. These cuts are called incisions. Then the doctor puts special tools and a camera through the incisions. Next, the doctor cuts and removes the band and connected tube and port through the incisions. Then the incisions are closed with stitches. The stitches will dissolve on their own.

You may be able to go home the same day as your surgery. Sometimes the removal involves more repairs. If so, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after the surgery. Most people can go back to work or their usual routine in about 1 to 4 weeks.

Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.

Preparing for surgery

• Be sure you have someone to take you home. Anesthesia and pain medicine will make it unsafe for you to drive or get home on your own.
• Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options.
• If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.) Make sure that you understand exactly what your doctor wants you to do.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your surgery. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the surgery and how soon to do it.
• Make sure your doctor and the hospital have a copy of your advance directive. If you don’t have one, you may want to prepare one. It lets others know your health care wishes. It’s a good thing to have before any type of surgery or procedure.

Activity

• Rest when you feel tired.
• Be active. Walking is a good choice.
• Allow your body to heal. Don't move quickly or lift anything heavy until you are feeling better.
• Hold a pillow over your incisions when you cough or take deep breaths. This will support your belly and may help to decrease your pain.
• Do breathing exercises at home as instructed by your doctor. This will help prevent pneumonia.
• You will probably need to take 2 to 4 weeks off from work. It depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
• You may shower, if your doctor okays it. Pat the incision dry. Do not take a bath for the first 2 weeks, or until your doctor tells you it is okay.

Diet

• Your doctor will give you specific instructions about what to eat after the surgery. For the first few days, you will need to follow a liquid or soft diet. Bit by bit, you will be able to add solid foods back into your diet.
• Your doctor may recommend that you work with a dietitian to plan healthy meals.
• If your bowel movements are not regular right after surgery, try to avoid constipation and straining. Drink plenty of water. Your doctor may suggest fiber, a stool softener, or a mild laxative.

Medicines

• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
• Your doctor will tell you if and when you can restart your medicines. You will also be given instructions about taking any new medicines.
• If you stopped taking aspirin or some other blood thinner, your doctor will tell you when to start taking it again.

Incision care

• If you have strips of tape on the incisions, leave the tape on for a week or until it falls off.
• Wash the area daily with warm water, and pat it dry. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
• You may cover the area with a gauze bandage if it oozes fluids or rubs against clothing. Change the bandage every day.
• Keep the area clean and dry.