FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How Much Does the Procedure Cost?

The average cash price for the bariatric procedure is $14,500. This cost includes:

• Pre-operative consultation
• Surgeon fees
• Assisstant fees
• Anesthesia
• Film reading by Radiologist
• Overnight hospital stay

After Your LAP BAND Procedure

Where is my port?
The port is located on the left side of your abdomen. Some ports are closer to the ribs while others are closer to the waistline. Some patients are able to feel their ports under the skin. This is normal.

How much pain should I expect?
The physician will give you a prescription for a narcotic pain medication after surgery. Patients differ in their tolerance to pain. Some need little medication while others require more. Take it if you need it. You will not become addicted to it if taking short term.

Patients often complain that most of the pain is at the port site. It is not uncommon for patients to have port pain for about 2 weeks.

What about gas pains?
There are actually 2 different causes for gas pains.

If your shoulders hurt, the pain is due to the gas used to inflate the abdomen during the surgery. This type of gas pain is relieved by walking and walking some more. This pain can last up to 3-4 days.

Intestinal gas pain is another type. This is caused by swallowing air when you eat. After patients have worked on chewing, swallowing, and slowing down while eating, this usually gets better. For some patients, gas can be formed by certain foods. Each patient should monitor food patterns for this particular situation. Using over the counter Maalox anti gas helps to break up the gas allowing you to expel it. It does not keep gas from forming or dissolve it.

Does the 2 ounces of fluid per hour include water?
No. You should sip on water through out the day. It is important to stay hydrated. However, if you are full, stop.

Why is my hair falling out?
Usually hair loss is a sign that you need to add more protein to your diet. The doctors suggest 60grams/day. Compare labels on foods for protein. For example, Braums milk has 13 grams of protein/cup as opposed to many that just contain 8 grams/cup.

Am I losing enough weight?
Every patient loses weight at a different pace. There is no “average.” As long as you are losing 4-5 pounds per month you are on target.

How do I take care of my incisions?
When you shower, let the soapy water run over the steri-strips/incisions. Do not scrub area. Pat dry. No tub baths for 2 weeks. The strips over your incisions should remain in place for at least 5 days. If they fall off before or after 5 days, that is OK.

Is it normal to have drainage from the incision sites?
No. Please report any drainage to our office. 972-981-8440

Is it normal to have diarrhea?
It is not unusual to have diarrhea for the first few days after surgery. This rarely requires any medications. If the diarrhea lasts longer than one week, please call the office.

Can I take medication if I am constipated?
Yes. Do not use over the counter bulking agents. They can fill your pouch, cause you to vomit, and make you miserable. For an acute situation, you may take Milk of Magnesia up to 2 doses. Liquid benefiber is a good choice for a long term problem.

When can I start to exercise?
You should make a goal to exercise 30 minutes per day. You can begin slowly after your surgery. If a particular exercise hurts, stop it, and try again in a couple weeks. Abdominal exercises are fine after 6 weeks. Your band and port are placed so strenuous activities do not affect them. In fact, we want you to exercise. It will improve your over all health.

When can I start driving?
No driving until you have stopped the narcotic pain medication for 24 hours.

Why am I hungry? Can’t I go on real food sooner?
Some patients report they are hungry with the phase II diet. We request patients stay on the phase II foods until 5 weeks post-op. The reasoning is this: The band is settling into place and scar tissue is forming around it. This scar tissue helps keep the band in place long term. When patients begin to eat regular foods, they often test the limits of the band. Occasionally, a patient may vomit. Vomiting can dislodge the band and additional surgery may be required.

Does it really matter if I drink while I eat?
Do not drink while eating. Drinking can wash the food through your band. Since this occurs, you will naturally be hungrier and want to eat more. It can also cause vomiting.

Do I watch fat grams, carbs or calories?
Learn to limit your calorie intake to about 1000-1200 calories per day. Paying attention to calories will ultimately limit the fat and carbs.

Will my medications go through the band?
Medication size can be a problem. If the pill is smaller than an aspirin, it should go through the band fine. Larger medications should be crushed or taken in liquid form. Please talk with your family doctor or pharmacist about what options are available for your medications.

What about daily pain issues?
Many people take ibuprophen or other “NSAIDS” for chronic pain. Our doctors prefer you use Tylenol for acute or chronic pain. If you are on prescription NSAIDS, ask your prescribing doctor what other options are available for you.