Your First Few Weeks: Recovering from LAP-BAND^® Surgery

Video Transcript 

Setting short-term expectations for long-term weight loss success.

It’s natural for you to want to start losing weight right away. However, you should know that the first month after surgery is a healing period. Right now it’s more important to let your stomach adjust to the LAP-BAND^® System than it is to lose weight. In addition to the list here, your surgeon can help you understand what to expect in the early weeks after surgery.

How you may feel

• Physically: Due to the minimally invasive technique used with LAP-BAND^® System surgery, your discomfort should subside quickly. However, your body will still need to heal. Be sure to get plenty of rest.

• Emotionally: With the changes that are now taking place in your life, being home may have you feeling excited — or even a little nervous. No matter what, it’s important you stay connected to your feelings. That way, your emotional progress can be as significant as your weight loss progress.

What you can eat

• In the first few weeks after your LAP-BAND^® System surgery, your diet will gradually progress from liquids to soft foods, and finally to solid food. As you explore your new relationship with food, you’ll follow a general timeline for your dietary progression. Remember that every body is different. Always ask your doctor or dietician for advice specific to you.

What you can do

• Follow up with your surgeon. Many surgeons see patients weekly or biweekly in the month after surgery. This is to be sure your recovery is going well and answer any questions.

• Begin exercising. Although you should start slow, with your surgeon’s approval, you can start becoming physically active. Your duration and activity level will gradually increase as you recover.

• Return to work. In about a week, you should be able to return to work. If you have a more physically active job, you may require a bit more time. Talk to your surgeon.