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The importance of hydration

July 1, 2020

Staying hydrated is especially important during the summer months, when it’s excessively hot and much easier to become dehydrated. If you have just had the Lap-Band® Surgery, it is even more crucial to stay hydrated. Some people can be hospitalized following bariatric surgery due to dehydration. It’s important to know the signs of dehydration and to develop strong habits of hydrating regularly. 

Understanding how much water your body needs is not one-size-fits-all as was previously believed, but a good number to aspire to is eight glasses of water per day. How much water you drink per day depends on a few factors, including your weight, any health conditions that can make too much water a problem, and any medications you may be on that can cause you to retain water. A good rule of thumb is to divide your body weight by two and then drink that number of ounces of water per day. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, you would need to drink 75 ounces of water per day. 


If you want your body to function properly, you need to drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated is also an important part of the weight-loss process. Staying hydrated improves your digestion, helps flush the system, and reduces fluid retention. Water is a necessary part of the food metabolizing process, which includes burning fat. Water also acts as a natural appetite suppressant, so sometimes if you feel hungry, you may actually just be thirsty and a glass of water will be enough to satiate you. 

You may find it difficult after Lap-Band Surgery to get your recommended daily ounces of water, as your stomach pouch is smaller. The process may a hard adjustment at first, but you will become accustomed to this. It is important that you do not drink fluids that will dehydrate you further, like caffeinated drinks or alcohol. Any carbonated drinks may also be an issue after Lap-Band Surgery or other bariatric surgeries. They could cause gas, bloating, nausea, and other stomach discomfort. These beverages can also have hidden sugar and calories, which can cause you to gain weight or plateau. 

It’s far too easy to go throughout the day without thinking about how much water you’ve consumed, so track your consumption with an app or set a reminder on your phone to drink water at regular intervals. Make sure you also carry a reusable water bottle with you so that you can refill it regularly. 

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Important Lap-Band® System Safety Information

The Lap-Band System is indicated for weight reduction for patients with obesity, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of at least 40 kg/m2 or a BMI of at least 30 kg/m2 with one or more obesity-related comorbid conditions. It is indicated for use only in adult patients who have failed more conservative weight reduction alternatives, such as supervised diet, exercise and behavior modification programs. Patients who elect to have this surgery must make the commitment to accept significant changes in their eating habits for the rest of their lives.

The Lap-Band System is not recommended for non-adult patients (patients under 18 years of age), patients with conditions that may make them poor surgical candidates or increase the risk of poor results, who are unwilling or unable to comply with the required dietary restrictions, or who currently are or may be pregnant.

The Lap-Band System is a long-term implant. Explant and replacement surgery may be required. Patients who become pregnant or severely ill, or who require more extensive nutrition may require deflation of their bands. Anti-inflammatory agents, such as aspirin, should be used with caution and may contribute to an increased risk of band erosion.

Placement of the Lap-Band System is major surgery and, as with any surgery, death can occur. Possible complications include the risks associated with the medications and methods used during surgery, the risks associated with any surgical procedure, and the patient’s ability to tolerate a foreign object implanted in the body. Most common related adverse events include: Band slippage, pouch dilation, stoma obstruction, gastroesophageal reflux, esophageal dilation, cholelithiasis, incisional infection, abdominal pain, gastroenteritis, or nausea and vomiting may occur. Reoperation may be required. Rapid weight loss may result in complications that may require additional surgery. Deflation of the band may alleviate excessively rapid weight loss or esophageal dilation.

Important: For full safety information please click here or talk with your doctor.