Recovery Period?

How long do you have to stay out of work after having Lap band surgery? Are you in a lot of pain? what is the average monthly weight loss after the procedure?

Every patient is different and every doctor has their own requirements/guidelines on this. You should discuss this with your surgeon. Joanne

Shannon, I would agree with Joanne, ask your surgeon would be the best bet! I know for my RNY I was out 3 weeks and then on the 4th week I went back 1/2 days but that was just me..... Also you might want to post this on the lap band board because they might be able to give you some idea. I wish you all the best! ~hugs~ Debra P

Shannon: Wt loss is so individual, based on what lifestyle changes you employ (dietary/exercise/psychological)....Some say 2# week is AVERAGE, of course age, gender, diet history, medical comorbidities, medications, starting wt all are factors in wt loss. Recevery is individual as aweel based on the above, your surgeon, how you recover and if you have any complications. (Any surgery puts one at risk for infection, blood clots, pneumonia, adverse rxn to anesthesia, etc etc etc) can't ever plan on complications. Sorry there are no set answers! Be well. Take Care, Jamie Lap RNY 10/9/02 Dr. Singh 320/163 5'9'' (lost 45# before surgery) Plastics 6/9/04 & 11/11/2005 Dr. King http://www.obesityhelp.com/morbidobesity/members/profile.php?N=c1132518510 "Being happy doesn't mean everything's perfect, it just means you've decided to see beyond the imperfections!"

Hi Shannon, I'll echo everyone's response by saying recovery times vary. I don't work, but had my surgery Wednesday, and went to church the following Sunday. I had to step out of church to have a jello cup, but otherwise, I was fine. The average weight loss for a lap bander is 1-2 pounds a week after your first fill. I say that because the first 6 weeks are about healing, not weight loss. But you may lose some in that time frame. I did. Kristine

hi Shannon, I had my surgery on a Wednesday, went home Thursday, and was back at work on Monday!! I knew that the recovery period would be fast (faster than the RNY, even if done laparascopically as well), cause there is not cutting you inside and re-routing your intestines. The average monthly weight loss, after the initial (larger) one is supposed to be 1-2 lbs. per week for us lap banders, which is what I am doing right on target. Initial was about 10-11 lbs., and then first follow up visit was an additional 5-6 lbs. (after a month). As far as fills, my doctor says I don't need one and to keep doing what I am doing. So, my loss so far is with an unfilled Inamed band. Yours, June