One of the keys to success with your LAP-BAND is realizing that your journey does not end with surgery; in many respects it is only just beginning. For the LAP-BAND to help you, it will be necessary for you to make significant lifestyle changes.

Immediately After Surgery

You can expect to be in the hospital for about 24 hours, and it will be about a week before you can return to normal activities. If you are planning strenuous activity, this will need to wait about 6 weeks.

Nutrition

We will provide you with a nutrition plan to help you through the first few weeks after surgery.  You will start on a clear liquid diet and slowly progress to pureed food over a few weeks. Eventually you will transition through soft foods until you can once again eat solid food.
Eating requires close attention to ensure that your LAP-BAND System is able to help you lose weight.  You will need to drink through the day to stay hydrated, but avoid liquids 30 minutes before and after your meals.  The LAP-BAND System is designed to restrict the passage of solid food, and drinking during a meal will not make you feel full and may flush food through the reduced opening which could make you feel hungry sooner.
Eating slowly and chewing thoroughly are essential.
Because you will be eating less, the quality of your food choices becomes more important.  The Carolina Center for Weight Loss Surgery Team will work closely with you and the nutritionist to provide you with the information you will need about planning your meals, and what problem foods you will want to avoid.  If you follow our tailored program, your journey to a healthier life will be successful.   

One Step at a Time

Up until now, you may have led a fairly sedentary life with minimal exercise.  The One Step at a Time program helps you to begin your journey to a lifestyle that incorporates exercises tailored to your individual progress.  You will meet with our with our exercise physiologist so they can determine your level of activity.  Working side-by-side with your bariatric surgeon, they will advise you when you can start moving around a little more, and begin to participate in our exercise program designed specifically for our bariatric patients.

Fills and Adjustments

The really unique feature of the LAP-BAND system is that it can be adjusted after surgery to control the rate of weight loss based on your specific needs.  The goal is to keep patients in the “green zone”. 
Adjustments are performed in our office and are quick and painless.  You will be scheduled for your first adjustment 4-6 weeks after surgery.  We will see you and evaluate you every 4 weeks for the first 6 – 12 months to assess the need for further adjustments.  On average, 3 adjustments are needed over the long term.