Gastric banding is a type of bariatric surgery that is usually performed on people who are obese and have developed other health problems due to the excess weight. Some of these health problems may include diabetes, dangerously high blood pressure and sleep apnea. A candidate for gastric banding typically has a body mass index that is up over 30, and has tried all of the conventional weight loss methods without sufficient success. The surgery itself makes your stomach smaller with the help of the adjustable band. This in turn severely limits how many calories you can take in and helps you lose weight quickly and get out of the danger zone.
Gastric banding is a laparoscopic surgery, which means it isn't overly invasive. Small slits are made in your abdomen instead of a larger incision, and the surgery is performed through a small camera on a monitor in the operating room. Despite its non-invasive nature, gastric banding is still a surgery and requires a general anesthetic and subsequent recovery process.
After the gastric banding surgery has concluded, you will awaken in the recovery room. You may be given some pain medication, if necessary as the effects of the anesthetic wear off. You will notice an IV drip in your arm to administer fluids and you may even be able to drink water shortly after the gastric banding procedure has finished. To help prevent blood clots in your legs or a chest infection, you will be encouraged to get out of bed to move around as soon as you're able. Once everything is stable and it's apparent you're in no immediate danger, you'll be left to rest overnight and will usually be allowed to go home the following day. You will also be given detailed instructions about what you can eat and how much you can eat. You will also be given tips to care for your wounds and likely a date for a follow up appointment.
You will need a drive home from the hospital if you are discharged the day after your gastric banding surgery, as your coordination may be compromised for up to 48 hours. Over the counter pain medications should keep your pain at bay if you need any help. Once at home you'll be on just liquids for a time specified by your doctor, then you'll switch to pureed food and finally on to solid food. You may also have to take vitamins or supplements after gastric banding to ensure proper nutrition. You will likely be instructed to take it easy physically for the first couple of weeks following gastric banding, but once you're all healed up, exercise should be part of the process.
Regular exercise will help you to maximize your weight loss and will help with loose skin as the pounds melt away. Regular blood tests may be a part of the recovery process if your doctor wants to monitor your intake of vitamins and minerals. If you follow your medical team's advice, you should make a full recovery and be able to do everything you could pre-surgery except eat large amounts of food.
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