5 Tips for Preparing for Gastric Band Surgery
Taking the time to do a little pre-procedure research on what to expect before your gastric band surgery can help you feel more confident and prepared for this life-changing procedure. Here, our Inland Empire weight loss surgeons share 5 essential tips to help you prepare for your gastric band surgery and enjoy a smoother surgery and optimal results.
1. Learn as much as you can about the procedure
It’s important to understand what your weight loss surgery procedure entails. During gastric band surgery, our surgeons place an adjustable band around the upper part of your stomach to create a smaller pouch to limit the amount of food you can eat and help you feel full sooner. There are multiple FDA-approved devices used in adjustable gastric banding procedures, and at Surgical Arts of Inland Empire, we offer both the LAP band and Realize band to our gastric band patients.
Understanding the procedure details, the recovery process, and the results you can expect from gastric banding ensures you’re fully informed and can help identify questions you may want to discuss with your surgeon ahead of your surgery.
2. Follow your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions
Following the specific pre-op guidelines your surgeon provides is one of the most important steps to a complication-free gastric banding procedure and recovery. Our surgeons personalize pre-operative instructions to make the necessary adjustments to your diet (most patients are asking to follow a liquid diet a few days before surgery) and certain medications, if needed, to minimize unnecessary risks during and after the procedure.
3. Start making lifestyle changes early
Life with a gastric band can be an adjustment, so we encourage our weight loss surgery patients to adopt a healthier lifestyle before their procedure to help make the transition much smoother! Start by rethinking your diet and incorporating more nutritious foods in smaller portion sizes. You’ll also want to find a physical activity you enjoy and can sustain once your surgeon clears you to resume exercising. Making these changes sooner rather than later can help you lose some weight before surgery and also set the stage for long-term success after your procedure.
Don’t wait until after your gastric band surgery to start making healthy changes—you’ll get the most out of your weight loss procedure if you start making lifestyle adjustments as soon as possible!
4. Arrange for post-surgery support
Have a friend or family member help you during the first few days after surgery, especially with daily tasks and getting to follow-up appointments. Recovering from gastric band surgery requires time and patience, and having a solid support system can make all the difference. You may also consider joining a support group where you can share experiences and tips with others who have undergone similar procedures. Studies show that having this kind of support is effective in obtaining and maintaining weight loss results that last!
5. Plan for your post-surgery diet
Post gastric band surgery, you’ll gradually transition from liquids to soft foods and eventually solid foods as you adjust to your new stomach size. We provide very clear guidelines on when and how to incorporate new foods so you remain safe and comfortable. You can prepare at home by stocking up on protein-rich, nutrient-dense foods and supplements that will fuel your body with the nutrients you need without overburdening your new, smaller stomach pouch. And remember to keep yourself hydrated before and after surgery. Water is vital for your overall physical and mental well-being and greatly supports your body’s healing process.
“I was excited to finally get the lap band surgery done… The procedure was done early in the morning and I went home the same day feeling fine… I’m sure part of it was that I was well prepared ahead of time. I had seen a nutritionist at Inland and had been told exactly what was going to happen and what I needed to do afterward. They walk you through every single thing you need to know and everything you have to do to take care of yourself.”
-LAP band patient story, read Debbie’s full story here
We’re here to help you prepare for gastric band surgery
From consultation, to pre-op care, to post-op support, our entire weight loss center staff is here to make your gastric banding and weight loss journey as smooth as possible. If you have questions about gastric band surgery, other weight loss surgery options, or our medical weight loss treatments, call Surgical Arts of Inland Empire at 909-579-3111 today to schedule your free consultation or fill out a contact form online.
