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Tips for staying hydrated after the Lap-Band® procedure

March 30, 2022

Drinking enough water should be a priority for everyone, but for people who’ve had weight-loss surgery, like the Lap-Band® Procedure, hydration is especially important. Dehydration is one of the most common reasons bariatric patients return to the hospital after their surgery. However, getting the proper amount of water can be difficult for bariatric patients who are still adjusting to their smaller stomach size and new eating habits. Whether you’re a recent Lap-Band patient or just beginning your weight-loss journey, try these tips for staying hydrated.

How dehydration affects your health and weight loss

Not only can dehydration negatively affect your health, but drinking the proper amount of water can actually aid in your weight loss. Dehydration leads to fatigue, leaving you with less energy to exercise and making you more likely to make unhealthy food choices. Water is instrumental in almost every bodily function, including metabolizing food. Low water levels means your digestion rate is slowed, which can increase your difficulty in losing weight.

Water acts as a natural appetite suppressant, causing the feeling of fullness. Hunger and thirst also feel very similar, so before you reach for a snack, try drinking a glass of water to see if it reduces your hunger. 

Staying hydrated after the Lap-Band procedure 

During the Lap-Band procedure, an adjustable gastric band is placed around the upper section of the stomach. This creates a small pouch that can hold a limited amount of food and fluid, helping you control your feelings of hunger. While the Lap-Band does lead to lasting, sustainable weight loss, it will also require you to make some adjustments to stay properly hydrated. 

Sip, don’t chug

Drinking too fast and too much at once can cause nausea and vomiting after your weight-loss surgery. Instead, aim to sip your water throughout the day. If this isn’t a habit for you, try using a hydration tracker app or timer to remind you to meet your goals.

Don’t drink with meals

To avoid over-filling your stomach pouch, avoid drinking 30 minutes before and after your meals. This also helps prevent washing food through your stomach pouch.

Avoid dehydrating and carbonated drinks

Try to avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee, caffeinated soda, and alcohol. If you want variety in your fluids, try adding fruit to your water for some extra flavor. Steer clear of carbonated drinks, too—all those bubbles can cause bloating and stomach discomfort.

Know the signs of dehydration 

One of the most important tips for staying hydrated after starting the Lap-Band Program: know the signs of dehydration. 

  • Extreme thirst
  • Dizziness 
  • Fatigue 
  • Dark yellow urine 
  • Light-headedness or headache
  • Dry lips and mouth 
  • Confusion 
  • Elevated pulse 
  • Infrequent urination 

Of course, you shouldn’t wait until you notice these signs to drink water, but knowing the symptoms can help you prevent your dehydration from getting worse.

Looking for more tips for success after your Lap-Band procedure? Visit our website for all the resources you need to get on track to a healthier lifestyle. 

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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.