As weight-loss surgery goes, gastric bands are one of the most effective and well known procedures on the market.
Most people are aware of the dramatic effect that weight-loss surgery can have and these before and after pictures highlight this perfectly.
However, as with any surgery, patients should prepare fully by reading about gastric bands, meeting their surgeon and asking questions about the procedure.
Here, obesity surgery expert Why Go Abroad has compiled a list of questions and answers to start you thinking about the treatment.
Gastric band Q and A
1) Apart from weight loss, what are the side effects?
There may be temporary side effects after the surgery, such as bruising and pain around the healing area, and possible nausea from the anaesthetic. These should heal fairly quickly leaving you free to resume normal activities.
2) Can I eat normally after a gastric band?
You should follow your surgeon’s instructions for the first few weeks after surgery, but you will be able to return to a healthy, balanced diet (that is high in fibre and low in fat) within approximately four weeks.
A Lapband will help reduce the amount you can eat so you may also be advised to take vitamin tablets to supplement your food intake.
3) How much weight will I lose?
This is impossible to answer. Different patients lose totally different amounts of weight with gastric bands (up to 15 stones in one case), though developing a healthy diet and active lifestyle will increase your chances of significant weight loss.
4) Can my gastric band be removed after I have reached my recommended weight?
The operation is totally reversible and your band can be removed at any time. As long as you stick to the same sensible eating habits you have developed with the Lapband, you should not gain weight.
Contact Why Go Abroad for more information on obesity surgery.
