Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery HF#6364

 

The adjustable gastric band is a device designed to limit how much your stomach can hold.  This device is placed around the upper part of the stomach and forms a small gastric pouch. The pouch and narrow outlet limit the stomach capacity and increase the feeling of fullness.  The reduced food intake and decreased rate at which the stomach empties results in weight loss.  No bowel is bypassed the the surgery.

 

 

Getting Ready for Surgery

 

• Make plans to be off work for 1-2 weeks after surgery, this depends on the type of tork you do.
• Do home chores ahead of time or plan for someone to help you for the first 2 weeks.
• Stop for food ahead of time; refer to your diet plan handout.
• Have someone to watch your children for a few days, if needed.

  The Day before Surgery

1. Follow your liquid diet for breakfast and lunch as discussed with the dietician.
2. Your evening meal will be only clear liquids, not your liquid diet.
3. Drink only clear liquids after lunch until 4 hours before surgery begins.  Sugar-free clear liquids include:

 

Water Broth	Clear Jell-O®, must be made at home from a powder, not pre-made, no fruit in it
Hard candy	Juice without pulp, grape, apple, or cranberry
Sugar-free popsicles	No alcohol
Sugar-free Crystal Light®	No dairy products

 

• If you take metformin, do not take it the morning of surgery.
• Shower before bed and in the morning before you leave home.

 

Only clear liquids after lunch until 4 hours before surgery begins.  Nothing buy mouth 4 hours before surgery.

 

After Surgery

 

• Most patients go home the same day.
• You will go home on a clear liquid diet.  Plan to advance to the pureed diet at home.  As described in the diet plan handout, plan to stay on this pureed diet for about 4 weeks.
• Drink plenty of fluids.  You will need at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.  Drink most of this water in small portions between meals.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
• After 24 hours, you may shower and gently wash your incisions with mild soap and water.  Do not soak in a hot tub or bathtub, or swim until your incisions heal.  This may be 2 weeks or longer.  Do not put lotion, ointment, or powder on them.  You may wear Band-Aids^® if you wish. Be sure to change them at least daily and more often if they are wet or soiled to prevent infection.
• Expect small bruises at your incision site.
• Check your incision daily for signs and symptoms of infection.
  • Increased redness, swelling, or warmth
  • Abnormal drainage such as blood or pus
  • Temperature over 100.4° F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart

 

Activity

 

• Plan for rest during the day.  Return to your normal routine, as you are able.
• Do not drive while taking narcotic pain pills.
• Nothing strenuous until okayed by your doctor.
• Do not lift more than 35 pounds for 4-6 weeks.
• It is important to take a number of short walks daily.  Begin the day of surgery.
• Avoid all tobacco products including second hand smoke.

 

Pain

 

You will have pain pills prescribed by your doctor.  After surgery, you may have pain in your neck and shoulders from the gas put in your abdomen during surgery.  Walking may help to relieve this pain.

 

Exercise

 

Exercise is essential for weight loss.  Stick with your commitment to be more active.  Walk for the first 2 weeks after surgery and slowly increase your distance and speed.  After 2 weeks, any aerobic movement will do: walk, bike, dance, or swim.  By choosing activities you enjoy, you will want to exercise daily.  Get into a routine early and stick to it.  No weight training for 6 weeks.  During the winter months, try “mall walking” to avoid the cold and icy conditions.  You may want to join a health club.

 

Follow-Up

 

You will meet often with the UW Health Bariatric Team during the first year after surgery.  Plan to see your surgeon or nurse practitioner at 2 weeks, then every 4-6 weeks until comfortable restriction is achieved, and then yearly.  Plan to see your dietitian at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 6 months, and yearly.  You will see the Health Psychologist at 6 months.

 

When to Call your Doctor

 

• Shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911
• Pain, tenderness, swelling or redness in feet, legs or arms
• Severe pain in lower legs, calves, thighs or arms
• Temperature over 100.4°F by mouth for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart
• Increased redness or warmth at incision site
• Abnormal drainage such as bleeding or pus from incision
• Pain not controlled by pain medicine
• Vomiting that won’t go away
• Not able to keep liquids down
• Problems swallowing
• Any other symptoms that concern you

 

Phone Numbers

 

Bariatric Clinic: (608)-265-7090. 

 

After hours, weekends and holidays, this connects you to the paging operator.  Ask for the doctor on call for Dr. Garren, Dr. Campos, or Dr. Greenberg.  Leave your name and phone number with the area code. 

We will call you back.

 

Toll Free:  1-800-323-8942.

The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 08/08/2011

Copyright © 08/08/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6364

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