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Do you use stitches to close up the incisions?
Dr. Alvarez uses and absorbable suture called Monocryl
So no stitches need to be removed. Your small wounds will be covered
with Steri-strips. They will stay on for about 7 days. You will be able to shower
with regular soap and water. You will be instructed not to
apply any ointments or creams on the wounds for 15 days. You
will not be able to submerge in a bathtub, hot-tub or a swimming
pool for a couple of weeks.
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. |
