Do you use stitches to close up the incisions?
Dr. Alvarez uses and absorbable suture called Monocryl

How many incisions are done in the surgery and what size?

How much protein per day should I be eating?
Studies show that you should take between 40 to 70 grams of protein daily, especially in the first 6 to 12 months post-op.

What kind of diet will I be on Post-op? Do you send me information?
We take our patients by the hand step by step. We will inform you pre surgery what will be required of you. This includes your post-op diet guide, book and many special instructions you may need as well as aftercare directions.

What kind of follow-up do I need with my primary care doctor/lab tests?
We give all our patients the “paperwork” needed for follow-up. You take home your surgery report, lab test, chest X-ray, etc. If you are looking at the Lap-Band, we will give you a list of doctors in the states that perform fills. (You are more than welcome to come back to our center for fills.) Our coordinators keep in touch with all of our patients via email or telephone to answer any questions you may have post-op.

Should I be taking a Vitamin everyday?
Although there are no reported vitamin deficiencies, we recommend a multivitamin (chewable) to our patients once daily.

Will I lose my hair?
Hair loss is the result of bad eating habits. You can prevent it by eating enough protein and taking your vitamin supplement.

Will I have nausea?
There are people who are very sensitive to the anesthesia. These people tend do be a bit more nauseated than others. The manipulation of the stomach during surgery may also produce some nausea in some patients. The post-operative Lap-band patient that presents with nausea is around 5%. Nausea does subside in the next few hours post-op. All of our patients receive medications to prevent nausea in the recovery room.

Will this fix my heartburn?
Probably. Heartburn or acid reflux (GERD) is directly related to being overweight (there are other causes of GERD). Once you start losing those pounds you should notice that the heartburn starts to disappear. Patients who undergo the Lap-band procedure may notice a drastic improvement in the heartburn because the band acts like a valve preventing the acid reflux.

Can I drink alcohol?
Yes but it is not recommended. Alcohol has many calories and will not help on your progress with your weight loss.

How much time off work?
After a bariatric procedure done through laparoscopy, you will be able to do your regular activity once you get home. Drive in 3 to 4 days and return to work in 5 to 7 days. Some people who have desk-jobs return to work immediately. We restrict our patients on “heavy” weight lifting for 30 days.

What if I hit a plateau, what can I do to lose weight again?
If you’re eating more than usual, have stopped losing weight/ and or inches, it may be time for you to get a fill.

Where can I get a fill back when I get to the U.S.?
We will give you a list of doctors closest to your area with their phone numbers to make an appointment for a fill.

Will the Lap-Band sound off the alarm if I cross the metal detector in an Airport?
No.