Frequently Asked Questions - Gastric Banding

How much weight can I expect to lose?

With a band between 40% - 60% of your EXCESS weight over the course of 2 years. Many lose weight faster than this, but the band helps achieve a gradual sustained weight loss over a longer time.

Will I need Nutritional Supplements?

Banding does not lead to malabsorption but the reduced food intake may be grounds for multivitamin supplements and this will be discussed in detail in individual cases. B12 injections are similarly not required after banding.

Is the band permanent?

Although the band has been placed laparoscopically since 1993, long term follow up of significant numbers of patients worldwide is limited to about 10 years. Based on the available evidence, the band is permanent and placed for life but longer term follow up is required.

Do I have to avoid salads or bulky foods?

In fact, we recommend a balanced diet that includes salads and fruits. A soft diet is only recommended in the first few weeks after the initial operation to place the band.

Can I travel?

There are no restrictions to travelling once fully recovered from the surgery. Patients have taken short haul flights 24 hours after discharge and long haul flights a week after surgery but special arrangements may need to be made and this should be discussed with the team.

Hospital stay

After the band - 24 hours in hospital.

Time off work post op?

A minimum of 2 weeks with a possibility of returning part-time for desk-type jobs, after 1 week. Strenuous activity and heavy exercise should be avoided for about 4 weeks.

Will I have a lot of vomiting?

No. You should not have any vomiting. The commonest reason for vomiting is failure to adjust eating habits. You may be eating too fast, chewing insufficiently or eating too much. You may also vomit if the band is too tight.

Will I be able to take my normal medication?

In general there should be no problem. It is advisable during the first four weeks after surgery that you should take your medication in liquid form or crush your tablets. You will need to check with your pharmacist or G.P. You should always drink plenty after any medication and avoid lying down afterwards.

Will plastic surgery be required?

About a quarter of our patients require plastic surgery after they lose weight. Generally, it is best to wait until after two years by which time the weight loss should be stabilised.

Frequently Asked Questions - Gastric Bypass

How much weight can I expect to lose?

60-70% of excess weight loss can be achieved after the gastric bypass, usually within 2 years.

Will I need Nutritional Supplements?

Bypass surgery reduces the normal absorption of vitamins and minerals and long term supplements are required. This will include vitamins, iron, calcium and possibly B12.

Do I have to avoid salads or bulky foods?

In fact, we recommend a balanced diet that includes salads and fruits. A soft diet is only recommended in the first few weeks after the initial operation and normal diet can be slowly introduced after 4 weeks. Generally speaking, bread is one of the foods that can be difficult to swallow and digest.

Can I travel?

There are no restrictions to travelling once fully recovered from the surgery. Patients have taken short haul flights 7 days after discharge. It is better to wait at least 4 weeks before a long haul flight as special arrangements may need to be made and this should be discussed with the team.

Hospital stay

The bypass operation requires a 3-5 day hospital stay.

Time off work post op?

A minimum of 2 weeks with a possibility of returning part-time for desk-type jobs, after this time. Strenuous activity and heavy exercise should be avoided for about 4 weeks.

Will I have a lot of vomiting?

No. You should not have any vomiting. The commonest reason for vomiting is failure to adjust eating habits. You may be eating too fast, chewing insufficiently or eating too much. Regurgitation in the first few weeks after a bypass can occur. The outlet from the stomach is deliberately fashioned to be tight. This settles down. Rarely an endoscopy under light sedation may be needed after the first month or so to stretch the outlet by a few mm.

Will I be able to take my normal medication?

In general there should be no problem. It is advisable during the first four weeks after surgery that you should take your medication in liquid form or crush your tablets. You will need to check with your pharmacist or G.P. You should always drink plenty after any medication and avoid lying down afterwards.

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