Your First Few Weeks: Recovering from LAP-BAND^® Surgery

Video Transcript 

Beginning life with your LAP-BAND^® System.

The early days and weeks after surgery are an important part of your journey. It’s a time to recover and contemplate your new, healthier lifestyle. And you should pamper yourself a little, too.

When you first get home

Be sure to get plenty of rest and don’t lift anything heavy. (Isn't that what friends are for?) Try to walk as much as you comfortably can to help your recovery, as recommended by your doctor.

Follow your immediate postsurgical instructions given to you by your healthcare team — such as not showering for a day or so after surgery, to help prevent infection. If you were on medication before your surgery, make sure you’ve talked to your doctor about how you should take medication after you get home. Remember, right after surgery you will be on a liquid diet, although you will gradually progress to solid foods over the next few weeks.

It’s normal to have some soreness, especially in the area of your LAP-BAND^® System access port. Your surgeon may prescribe medications to help. But if you have pain for more than a few days, call your surgeon.

Things to watch for

The LAP-BAND^® System has been proven to be safe. But as with any surgery, there can be complications. Some physical reactions are normal. You may have difficulty taking in liquids. There may be soreness at the incision site, or in your shoulder (both usually dissipate in a few days). Don’t hesitate to call your surgeon if you experience anything you think is unusual. Call right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A fever of 101 degrees or higher.
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
• Pain, redness, or swelling in one or both of your legs.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Severe pain in your belly.
• Pain, swelling, or fluid leaking from your incisions.