The Center for Videoscopic & Laser Surgery
LIFE AFTER LAP-BAND
The old adage that "good things come to those who wait" certainly applies to the LAP-BAND procedure. This process takes time. Before surgery, the patient must go on a strict diet for a few weeks to reduce the size of the liver. After the surgery, it will be a month or two before saline can be injected into the band to allow the patient to completely recover from surgery. Finally, the patient should only expect to lose one to three pounds a week. While a person suffering from obesity may desire to lose weight more rapidly, it is actually healthier to lose weight more slowly and steadily. One potential bonus from slower weight loss is that the skin will maintain more of its elasticity and may end up less stretched and saggy once the excess fat has disappeared.
Long-term, the responsibility for weight-loss rests entirely with the patient. The Lap-Band is a tool which is why each candidate for surgery must have a resolute commitment to making the procedure work for them.