What Is It REALLY Like to Live with a LAP-BAND

Will I feel hungry with the LAP-BAND?

The LAP-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 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

Will I have constipation?

There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools, which is normal after a decrease in food intake because you eat less fiber.

Can I drink alcohol?

Alcohol has a high number of calories. It also breaks down vitamins and increases cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that promotes fat development in the body, and impairs muscle growth. While you can drink alcohol, it may impede your weight loss.

What about my medication?

You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules, break big tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick.

What if I go out to eat?

Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as your table companions. Since you can only eat a small amount of food no matter where you are eating, your choices really need to be smart, high nutrition choices.

What about pregnancy?

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.

Will I need to take vitamins and other supplements?

Yes. Most Lap-Band patients need a daily multivitamin, along with a couple of protein shake supplements per day. These are essential in providing the nutrients to optimize muscle growth, and augment fat selective weight loss.

Will I need plastic surgery for the surplus skin when I have lost a lot of weight?

That is not always the case. Generally, plastic surgery will not be considered for at least a year or two after the operation, when you've lost your weight. Sometimes the skin will mold itself around the new body tissue. This is another advantage of Lap-Band over other bariatric surgeries - weight loss is slower and more consistent. You should give the skin the time it needs to adjust before you decide to have more surgery.

Is it true that the LAP-BAND seems "tighter" in the morning?

This is a fairly common feeling, especially for people with bands that are tight or just after 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 LAP-BAND feels tighter during menstruation. If your LAP-BAND feels tight all the time, call your doctor immediately for an adjustment. Failure to adjust the band may result in more serious complications.