Here are some of our commonly asked questions. If you are unable to find the answer you are looking for please contact Sun Coast Bariatrics at: 1(866)440-HOPE – Local: (727)585-9623
Please click on the question to take advantage of the “jump to” option.
• How long will it take to recover after surgery?
• How much weight will I lose?
• Does the adjustable gastric band require frequent office visits after surgery?
• Does adjustable gastric band limit any physical activity?
• How is the band adjusted?
• Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin?
• Can the band be removed?
• Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
• Is it true that the adjustable gastric band seems “tighter” in the morning?
• Will I feel hungry and/or deprived with adjustable gastric band?
• What will happen if I become ill?
• What about pregnancy?
• Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
• What about other medication?
• What if I go out to eat?
• What about alcohol?
• Can I eat anything in moderation?
• Will I suffer from constipation?
• Will I be sick a lot after the operation?
Q: How long will it take to recover after surgery?
A: If adjustable gastric banding surgery is performed laparoscopically, patients typically spend less than 24 hours in the hospital or just a few hours in an outpatient surgery center. It takes most patients a few days to to return to work – although we recommend you plan for up to a week. In the extremely rare case of open surgery or if there are complications, recovery may take longer. – back to top -
Q: How much weight will I lose?
A: Weight-loss results vary from patient to patient, and the amount of weight you may lose depends on several things. The band needs to have the right amount of tightness or restriction, and you need to be committed to your new lifestyle and eating habits. Obesity surgery is not a miracle cure, and the pounds won’t come off by themselves. It is very important to set achievable weight-loss goals from the beginning. A weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a week in the first year after the operation is possible, but one pound a week is more likely. Twelve to eighteen months after the operation, weekly weight loss is usually less. Remember that you will lose weight gradually. Your main goal is to have weight loss that prevents, improves, or resolves health problems associated with severe obesity. – back to top -
Q: Does the adjustable gastric band require frequent office visits after surgery?
A: Check-ups are a normal and a very important part of follow-up. Patients will be asked to follow up on a monthly basis during the acute weight loss phase. – back to top -
Q: Does the adjustable gastric band limit any physical activity?
A: The adjustable gastric band does not affect or hamper physical activity including aerobics, stretching and strenuous exercise long term. You will be asked to avoid abdominal crunches and strenuous abdominal exercises for the first month. – back to top -
Q: How is the band adjusted?
A: Most adjustments can be performed in the office. A fine needle is passed through the skin and into the access port to add or subtract saline. This process most often takes only a few minutes. Most patients say it is nearly painless. You will be asked to drink some water to assess the tightness of the band. – back to top -
Q: Do I have to be careful with the access port just underneath my skin?
A: There are no restrictions based on the access port. It is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the incisions have healed it should not cause discomfort or limit your movements or any physical exercise. The only sensation you may have from the port is when you go in for adjustments. If you feel persistent discomfort in the port area, let us know as soon as possible. – back to top -
Q: Can the band be removed?
A: Although the adjustable gastric band is not meant to be removed, it can be. In most cases this can be done laparoscopically. The stomach generally returns to its original shape once the band is removed. After the removal, though, you may soon go back up to your original weight or even gain more. The goal is to leave the band in place for as long as it lasts. Hopefully a lifetime! – back to top -
Q: Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?
A: That is not always the case. As a rule, plastic surgery will not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation. Sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. You should give the skin the time it needs to adjust before you decide to have more surgery. – back to top -
Q: Is it true that the adjustable gastric band seems “tighter” in the morning?
A: This is a fairly common feeling, especially for people with bands that are tight or in the time period shortly following an adjustment. During the day the water content in the body changes and this may cause the band to feel “tighter” some of the time. Some women have also noticed that the adjustable gastric band feels tighter during menstruation. – back to top -
Q: Will I feel hungry or deprived with the adjustable gastric band?
A: The adjustable gastric band makes you eat less and feel full in two ways – by reducing the capacity of your stomach and increasing the time it takes food to get through the digestive system. After a small meal, the amount of which varies from person to person, you should feel full. If you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you should not feel hungry or deprived. Remember that the adjustable gastric band is a TOOL to help you change your eating habits. – back to top -
Q: What will happen if I become ill?
A: One of the major advantages of the adjustable gastric band system is that it can be adjusted. If your illness requires you to eat more, the band can be loosened by removing saline from it. When you have recovered from your illness and want to lose weight again, the band can be tightened by increasing the amount of saline. Any vomiting, even if not caused by your adjustable gastric band, can harm your stomach and band. You will need to be seen for deflation of your adjustable gastric band if vomiting occurs. –back to top -
Q: What about pregnancy?
A: Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become more regular. If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band can be loosened. After the pregnancy, the band may be made tighter again, and you can resume losing weight. If you have a straightforward pregnancy, without much nausea and vomiting, the band will be kept with at least some fluid in it. – back to top -
Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements?
A: A multivitamin once a day is sufficient for most patients. – back to top -
Q: What about other medication?
A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. Most patients are able to continue their medication regimen with making major changes. However, on a individual patient basis, you may need to use capsules, break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the opening of the stomach inside the band and make you sick. You should always ask the doctor who prescribes the drugs about this. – back to top -
Q: What if I go out to eat?
A: Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as your table companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much. Also, remember that drinking with your meal may cause vomiting or allow you to eat more food. This is because the liquid pushes the food out of the small upper stomach pouch making you hungry faster. – back to top -
Q: What about alcohol?
A: Alcohol has a high number of calories. Remember, you only have to consume 3,300 calories to gain 1 pound. It also breaks down vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered harmful to weight loss. – back to top -
Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?
A: After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort. However, because you can only eat a little it is important to include foods full of important vitamins and nutrients. If you eat foods that contain a lot of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of “empty” calories, such as milkshakes, the effect of the Adjustable Gastric Band may be greatly reduced or canceled. This is because sugary foods and liquids dissolve quickly allowing passage from the stomach pouch faster. You will need to consume between 60-80 grams of protein per day. So, for each meal you must eat your protein first.- back to top -
Q: Will I suffer from constipation?
A: There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools, which is normal after a decrease in food intake and fiber. This should not cause you severe problems. If difficulties do arise, let us know as soon as possible. – back to top -
Q: Will I be sick a lot after the operation?
A: Adjustable gastric banding system limits food intake. If you feel nauseated or sick on a regular basis, it may mean that you are not chewing your food well or that you are not following the diet rules properly. However, it could also mean that there is a problem with the placement of the band so you should contact us if this problem persists. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible. It can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch. It can also lead to slippage of part of the stomach through the band, which would reduce the success of the operation. In some cases, it would also require another operation. – back to top –
One final point:
It is important that you ask us all the questions you have about obesity surgery and the adjustable gastric band system. We want you to feel educated and comfortable about your weight loss surgery choices.