Lap band surgery is a procedure that is much different than gastric bypass. First of all, it does not involve bypassing a part of the small intestine like gastric bypass does. Second, lap band is reversible when gastric surgery isn’t. Third, lap band involves placing a band around part of the stomach to make it smaller. There is no stapling involved and the lap band can actually be adjusted.
When a person is experiencing discomfort or having issues, the doctor simply injects or removes saline from the band to make it tighter or looser. It is as simple as that. However, there are times in which you may have to call the doctor. You might think you’re exaggerating and worrying for nothing, but you have to remember that any issues you may be experiencing with your lap band is no laughing matter.
When to call the doctor
Really, a good rule of thumb is to call the doctor any time there is discomfort or illness that you may think is a result of your lap band. However, you may want to know some specific reasons, so here are some examples of issues that could occur that may require you to contact your doctor immediately:
• Pain when eating or drinking. If you are experiencing pain, this could mean that the band has slipped or another issue has occurred. It may just need a simple adjustment, but don’t let it go for too long or you may have other complications to go with it.
• Nausea or vomiting is another problem. If you experience either one of these, you need to tell your doctor. Now if you’re fine one day, vomiting the next, and then you’re fine the day after that, that is just an indicator that you may have become ill with a virus of some sort. However, if the problem persists for more than 24 hours, it could be an issue associated with your lap band.
• If you feel discomfort, then you need an adjustment, so you need to call your doctor immediately. Your doctor can make that adjustment for you in just a matter of minutes.
• If you feel “ill” or you are having less energy, that could mean that you could be experiencing a nutritional deficiency of some sort. You may need to have your band adjusted or you may need to be prescribed a supplement that will make you feel better.
• If your weight loss is too rapid, this is something that needs to be brought to your doctor’s attention. Rapid weight loss is a sign that you are not getting enough food.
• If you have sudden stomach pain for no reason, that is a sign of some sort of blockage. This needs immediate attention. This could be a sign that reoperation is needed.
Yes, it seems like there are quite a few things that can go wrong, but the most severe of these issues do not happen often. Most individuals have success with their surgery with very little in the way of issues.
Don’t be afraid
So don’t be afraid to call the doctor if you feel something is wrong. You simply have to listen to your body. If you don’t listen to your body, something could go seriously wrong. Listening to what the body has to say is something that we do not do like we should. Sometimes it is because we are afraid of inconveniencing the doctor over something “insignificant.” However, nothing to do with your lap band should be considered so insignificant that you don’t check with your doctor to make sure everything is okay.
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