Questions
So, I am waiting for my next appointment. I am interested in getting the lap band and I am having it done through Park Nicollet and plan to have it done outpatient. My next appointment is with a psychologist, nutritionist and physical therapist. After my last appointment I came up with a list of questions and I thought I would post them on here as I don't think my next appointment is with someone I can direct these questions towards.
How long can I expect not to drive?
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time)
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching?
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery?
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band?
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery?
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery?
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink?
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band?
Thanks for your help!
How long can I expect not to drive?
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time)
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching?
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery?
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band?
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery?
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery?
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink?
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band?
Thanks for your help!
(deactivated member)
on 3/1/09 5:18 am, edited 3/1/09 5:20 am - Brooklyn Park, MN
on 3/1/09 5:18 am, edited 3/1/09 5:20 am - Brooklyn Park, MN
How long can I expect not to drive?
As soon as you are off narcotics
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time)Depends on how fast you heal. Averages are getting shorter, but most people plan a couple of weeks. I went one week plus a weekend, but didn't even need that. Some take off 4 weeks, but I personally think that is too long. If you are on your feet alot, you will be tired at first. If you are allowed to sit, you can return sooner. This is not an easy question to answer.
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching? It will stretch, but probably not in the way you are worrying about. When food passes it will open. Many people who have the band are not hungry in the AM because it is tight. As the day goes on, it loosens. I think loosening is a better description than stretching. Or dilation. You will not be able to permanently change its shape by simply eating.
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery? The band will not be "filled" until several weeks after surgery. You may feel some restriction, but not nearly what you will need for it to work. Most people do not feel any restriction until it is filled for the first time. You may have some diminished hunger for a week or two after surgery, but that is true with any surgery.
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band? The lap band is not a rubber band. It is made of enduring material rated for use in the body. It won't snap. (It's possible that it could leak, but it's filled with fluid that won't harm the body if it does). Erosion? Not sure what you mean by that, but if you follow the instructions for diet after surgery, those are the steps I'm sure you would want to take.
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery? I cannot tell you what you will end up with, but typically you will have an IV for pain and fluids for the first several hours after you wake up. They will take that off and start to give you oral narcotics. They will send you home with narcotics and possibly refill them through your primary if you need to. I've had surgery twice and was not given antibiotics while in the hospital. Hopefully there will not be a need. If you develop an infection later....like at an incision point, you will be given oral antibiotics.
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery? Your surgeon will have to answer this. However, I've been told if you don't follow your liquid diet properly, they will have to open you to get the job done, or they will cancel you on the table. Talk to your surgeon.
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink? You will NOT be able to guzzel water ever again. But there is NO limit to how much water you will be able to drink. Your body WILL tell you how fast you can drink. Sipping works for everyone....larger amounts are on an individual basis according to what you can handle. Thats why you see the advice to sip. Everyone can do that.
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band? The best advice I can give you is to ask for nausea suppositories, but if you are in the hospital they can also give you an injection to ward off nausea. But again, tell your surgeon of your concern for this.
Good luck and good questions....keep 'em coming until you are totally comfortable.
Paul
As soon as you are off narcotics
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time)Depends on how fast you heal. Averages are getting shorter, but most people plan a couple of weeks. I went one week plus a weekend, but didn't even need that. Some take off 4 weeks, but I personally think that is too long. If you are on your feet alot, you will be tired at first. If you are allowed to sit, you can return sooner. This is not an easy question to answer.
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching? It will stretch, but probably not in the way you are worrying about. When food passes it will open. Many people who have the band are not hungry in the AM because it is tight. As the day goes on, it loosens. I think loosening is a better description than stretching. Or dilation. You will not be able to permanently change its shape by simply eating.
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery? The band will not be "filled" until several weeks after surgery. You may feel some restriction, but not nearly what you will need for it to work. Most people do not feel any restriction until it is filled for the first time. You may have some diminished hunger for a week or two after surgery, but that is true with any surgery.
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band? The lap band is not a rubber band. It is made of enduring material rated for use in the body. It won't snap. (It's possible that it could leak, but it's filled with fluid that won't harm the body if it does). Erosion? Not sure what you mean by that, but if you follow the instructions for diet after surgery, those are the steps I'm sure you would want to take.
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery? I cannot tell you what you will end up with, but typically you will have an IV for pain and fluids for the first several hours after you wake up. They will take that off and start to give you oral narcotics. They will send you home with narcotics and possibly refill them through your primary if you need to. I've had surgery twice and was not given antibiotics while in the hospital. Hopefully there will not be a need. If you develop an infection later....like at an incision point, you will be given oral antibiotics.
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery? Your surgeon will have to answer this. However, I've been told if you don't follow your liquid diet properly, they will have to open you to get the job done, or they will cancel you on the table. Talk to your surgeon.
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink? You will NOT be able to guzzel water ever again. But there is NO limit to how much water you will be able to drink. Your body WILL tell you how fast you can drink. Sipping works for everyone....larger amounts are on an individual basis according to what you can handle. Thats why you see the advice to sip. Everyone can do that.
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band? The best advice I can give you is to ask for nausea suppositories, but if you are in the hospital they can also give you an injection to ward off nausea. But again, tell your surgeon of your concern for this.
Good luck and good questions....keep 'em coming until you are totally comfortable.
Paul
How long can I expect not to drive? I drove in about a week.
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time) I went back 6-7 days after surgery
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching? The band. Not to say that you can't stuff yourself full, but the band gives you a new found restriction (at some point).
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery? It has about 2ccs. If you do feel restriction right after... it'll be due to swelling. That often goes away after a few weeks. Then it's 'bandster hell'... where you feel like you have no band for a while until you get a few fills and feel restriction. there are a very lucky few that don't ever need fills.
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band? The band isn't a rubber band... it's a very well-manufactured tool that's made to be in for life. The best way to stay away from erosion is to follow the rules and if you get too tight, get a slight unfill. Never stay too tight.
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery? I had a liquid vicodin or something like that. I had an IV for a bit in the hospital, then it was taken out.
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery? I have a photo of my tummy post-surgery in my profile. Typically 6 holes. I went through PNC too.
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink? Drink as much as you want, just not with meals or 30 min before/after. As you get tighter, the restriction may not allow you to gulp water like you used to, but you should always be able to drink comfortably. Right after surgery... you'll be taking small sips because the stomach is tender.
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band? It shouldn't be but every case is different. I had no nausea.
Welcome Brian and I hope you head over to the LapBand forum and post some of the same questions - there are tons of vets and newbies there and have a TON of helpful info.
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time) I went back 6-7 days after surgery
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching? The band. Not to say that you can't stuff yourself full, but the band gives you a new found restriction (at some point).
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery? It has about 2ccs. If you do feel restriction right after... it'll be due to swelling. That often goes away after a few weeks. Then it's 'bandster hell'... where you feel like you have no band for a while until you get a few fills and feel restriction. there are a very lucky few that don't ever need fills.
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band? The band isn't a rubber band... it's a very well-manufactured tool that's made to be in for life. The best way to stay away from erosion is to follow the rules and if you get too tight, get a slight unfill. Never stay too tight.
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery? I had a liquid vicodin or something like that. I had an IV for a bit in the hospital, then it was taken out.
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery? I have a photo of my tummy post-surgery in my profile. Typically 6 holes. I went through PNC too.
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink? Drink as much as you want, just not with meals or 30 min before/after. As you get tighter, the restriction may not allow you to gulp water like you used to, but you should always be able to drink comfortably. Right after surgery... you'll be taking small sips because the stomach is tender.
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band? It shouldn't be but every case is different. I had no nausea.
Welcome Brian and I hope you head over to the LapBand forum and post some of the same questions - there are tons of vets and newbies there and have a TON of helpful info.
I was banded in December and I was able to drive 2 days after surgery. I was back to work within 8 days and my job requires me to be on my feet most of my 8 hour shift and be ready & able to restrain a patient if needed.
Kristy K.
Obesity Help Support Group Leader
"On the lighter side" Everyone and anyone welcome!
How long can I expect not to drive?
-My doc says you need to wait for 48 hours after taking any narcotic pain meds.
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time)
-Everyone is different. I took a week off and went back the next week for 1/2 days. There are lifting restrictions, so it depends on the type of work you do. As a nurse, you may need a little more time.
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching?
-I've heard of pouch dialation and esophageal dialation which can usually be fixed by getting an unfill and letting the stomach rest and shrink back down.
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery?
-Everyone is different as to what they need and it depends if your surgeon puts any fill in the band during surgery. "They" say it generally takes 3-5 fills to get good restriction - took me 6 fills to get there, but there is a person in our support group who is over a year out and has never had a fill.
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band?
-The band won't break
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery?
-I stayed overnight and had some IV meds - had a horrible headache (probably from anesthesia) which they gave me morphine for during the night. I was sent home with Lortab which I only used once - didn't like how it made me feel. I used liquid Adult strength Tylenol for a few days, as needed.
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery?
-I had 5 or 6 incisions. The only one I can even find anymore is the incision for the port which is about 1" long.
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink?
-You'll be able to get in enough water -just at a slower rate. I can still swallow several sips at a time. It depends how tight your band is. I've always kept mine on the looser side.
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band?
-Definitely tell them about it beforehand. They can give you a patch or some other anti-nausea meds. It's bad news to throw up with the band. It needs to set into place after surgery - that's why its so important to follow the post-op eating rules too.
You'll find that everyone is a little bit different as are the rules that will be given to you by your doctor and hospital. There are general guidelines, but its amazing how different programs vary. Follow your doc's rules.
You're doing a great thing for yourself! If you have other questions, let us know.
Jean B.
-My doc says you need to wait for 48 hours after taking any narcotic pain meds.
How long can I expect to be out of work? (I am an RN, would like to take the least amount of time)
-Everyone is different. I took a week off and went back the next week for 1/2 days. There are lifting restrictions, so it depends on the type of work you do. As a nurse, you may need a little more time.
With regards to stomach stretching. The stomach is a muscle that can stretch now, with the band what is preventing the "new little stomach" from not stretching?
-I've heard of pouch dialation and esophageal dialation which can usually be fixed by getting an unfill and letting the stomach rest and shrink back down.
How tight is the band after surgery and will I feel a restriction immediately after surgery?
-Everyone is different as to what they need and it depends if your surgeon puts any fill in the band during surgery. "They" say it generally takes 3-5 fills to get good restriction - took me 6 fills to get there, but there is a person in our support group who is over a year out and has never had a fill.
Are there steps to prevent erosion? This risk is the scariest for me. If you put a rubber band around something, it usually always breaks into two, why not with the lap band?
-The band won't break
Will I have IV antibiotics after surgery, or any IV fluids running after surgery? What kind of meds will I be sent home with after surgery?
-I stayed overnight and had some IV meds - had a horrible headache (probably from anesthesia) which they gave me morphine for during the night. I was sent home with Lortab which I only used once - didn't like how it made me feel. I used liquid Adult strength Tylenol for a few days, as needed.
How many lap holes will there be and what are the chances of having to have a larger incision made during surgery?
-I had 5 or 6 incisions. The only one I can even find anymore is the incision for the port which is about 1" long.
I have heard and read you are to sip water between meals. What about after exercising when you feel like you can drink a gallon of water? Will I have this feeling or will I be satisfied with what I can drink?
-You'll be able to get in enough water -just at a slower rate. I can still swallow several sips at a time. It depends how tight your band is. I've always kept mine on the looser side.
I remember having nausea issues with coming off anesthesia after surgery as a kid. I am not sure if I am going to have those same problems, and if I am, will the nausea and possible vomiting be a problem with the placement of the band?
-Definitely tell them about it beforehand. They can give you a patch or some other anti-nausea meds. It's bad news to throw up with the band. It needs to set into place after surgery - that's why its so important to follow the post-op eating rules too.
You'll find that everyone is a little bit different as are the rules that will be given to you by your doctor and hospital. There are general guidelines, but its amazing how different programs vary. Follow your doc's rules.
You're doing a great thing for yourself! If you have other questions, let us know.
Jean B.
267/237/171/149 1st nurse's visit/surgery/current/goal
down 66 lbs. since surgery; 96 lbs. total
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