Knowing what to expect is essential for women and men considering LAP-BAND surgery. In addition to learning about the procedure itself and how the LAP-BAND works, it’s important to understand the significant changes patients make in their lifestyles and eating habits to achieve sustained weight loss.
Even though patients who undergo LAP-BAND surgery often return to work within a week and resume more strenuous activities about 3 to 4 weeks following the procedure, post-surgical care during the first 6 months is crucial.
What’s Included in LAP-BAND Post-Surgical Care?
Among the benefits of having LAP-BAND surgery at SmartShape™ Weight Loss Centre is our exclusive 5-year AfterCare Success Program. Our team of weight loss and nutrition experts helps you make the necessary adjustments in your eating habits and manages your care by scheduling periodic band adjustments. During the first 6 months after the procedure, the post-surgical care program includes:
- Weeks 1 to 2—Meet with your nurse and dietitian
- Weeks 2 to 4—Band adjustments are scheduled as needed with the nursing team at our Ontario facility
- Month 1—Attend post-weight loss webinar
- Months 1 to 3—Meet with your dietitian
- Month 6—Meet with your nurse for follow-up tests
This post-surgical care—which continues for 5 years—is included in the cost of the surgery.
How Often Is the LAP-BAND Adjusted?
Patients work with their AfterCare Success Team at SmartShape to determine the appropriate time to make adjustments to the band. Patients and the SmartShape team monitor certain signals to decide if it’s time to adjust the LAP-BAND. For example, if a patient stops losing weight for 3 weeks or more, has an increased appetite, or feels hungry again less than 4 hours after a previous meal, adjusting the LAP-BAND is probably necessary.
At SmartShape, a nurse specialist adjusts the band at our clinic. The process is relatively simple with minimal discomfort and usually takes only a few minutes. The number of adjustments varies with each patient. Some people may have 4 to 6 adjustments during the first year after the procedure, while others only undergo a single adjustment.
What Happens After 6 Months?
Adapting to eating healthier foods and consuming less each meal can be difficult during the first several months after having LAP-BAND surgery. If you remain dedicated to changing your lifestyle, you may notice significant weight loss after 6 months. Our AfterCare Success Team will continue supporting you to ensure you follow a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle. This includes meeting with a dietitian until the 9th month after your surgery.
Have Questions?
If you’re considering LAP-BAND surgery in Canada and want to learn more about SmartShape and your options at our Toronto clinic, book a free virtual consultation with one of our weight loss surgeons to discuss your goals and how we can help you.