Your Recovery
Adjustable gastric banding is surgery to make the stomach smaller. It is done to help people lose weight. The surgery limits the amount of food the stomach can hold. This helps you eat less and feel full sooner.
The cuts (incisions) the doctor made in your belly will probably be sore for a few days after the surgery. If you have stitches, the doctor will take these out at your follow-up visit.
After this surgery, weight loss is usually gradual but steady. You will have regular appointments with your doctor to check how you are doing. The doctor can adjust the band if you are not losing weight as expected, or if you have problems with the band. Some people keep losing weight for 4 or 5 years after surgery.
It's important to think of this surgery as a tool to help you lose weight. It's not an instant fix. You will still need to eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. This will help you reach your weight goal and avoid regaining the weight you lose.
It's common to have many different emotions after this surgery. You may feel happy or excited as you begin to lose weight. But you may also feel overwhelmed or frustrated by the changes that you have to make in your diet, activity, and lifestyle. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns or questions.
This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter U011 in the search box to learn more about "Adjustable Gastric Band Surgery: What to Expect at Home".