>> General
follow-up
Except for the diet, the patient should lead a normal professional, family and sportive life. Concerning the lap-band, the operation has been designed to be reversible. This means that one can remove the band easily, possibly through laparoscopy again. This is yet not a reasonable option in most case, and very few patients ask for it.
If the patient in not satisfied with his symptoms, the adjustable band may be deflated. Weight-regain is also possible in the long-run, because of frequent high-calorie food consumption. Snacking is a typical cause of failure, and patients must be educated before surgery in order to avoid this kind of behavior.
Patients should understand that they have to comply by the follow-up, which is not a constant surveillance. Moreover, physicians need to have accurate datas, which will be eventually profitable to the community of patients. >> Advices
Here is an exemple of the advice given to a patient postoperatively:
You have just been operated through laparoscopy with an adjustable band. The first inflation of your band will take place in one month in the radiology theatre, after a postoperative visit with your surgeon, depending on your weight and your ability to eat. Here are some advice for the period beyond: | - | As it has been explained to you, a technical failure of your device is always possible, such as a gastric dilatation above your band. In the vast majority, such cases occur only after six months postoperatively. They result in frequent vomiting, and later on total solid or liquidf ood intolerance. You should then immediately contact the medical team that has taken you in charge to have a rapid deflation of the band, which will avoid an emergency reoperation. | | - | Early pain can occur due to the subcutaneous access-port. They are regularly relieved by usual pain-killers such as those that were prescribed postoperatively. | | - | Heartburn or night saliva regurgitations are frequent and caused by a too much inflated band. Weight-loss is usually too fast meanwhile. You should have then anti-acid drugs, and contemplate an appointment for deflation of the band. | |
