How to Prepare Yourself For Lap Band Surgery
Studies have proven that when you lose weight, you also lose with it the risks to diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure and can move forward towards a healthy lifestyle. Lap banding is a serious procedure for the morbidly obese people who are in utter despair because of their weight. It gives them the option of springing back to a normal life after all the restrictions given by the excess fat. Lap banding is indeed a healthy step for those who want to lose a great deal of weight.
Know your procedure
Lap-band is the trademark associated with adjustable gastric banding system that uses a silicone elastomer band that is placed around the upper section of the stomach. The surgery is done via laparoscopic procedure. But you need to follow some basic rules and be aware of certain things before you take the plunge.
How to Prepare
1. First have a consultation with the family doctor to consider if this is a good option for you. If you are life-threateningly obese, then the surgery may be covered by insurance. There is also the option of Medicaid.
2. Attend a seminar or workshop to educate you on the subject of Lap-band surgery. If any confusion prevails, clear it up with your surgeon.
3. You need to stop your smoking habits and start on a healthy diet and exercise schedule. Your motivation as well as commitment is required to follow and maintain a controlled diet and a continuous exercise program. Surgery is not possible until you prove your motivation.
4. Get all the recommended screening tests done including meeting with the anesthesiologist. You need to be honest with the doctor right from the moment you have decided to undergo the surgery.
5. You need to be mentally prepared for this surgery, which means that you will to restrict the intake of your favorite eatables like jam, milkshakes, syrups, pastries, certain breads, popcorn, nuts, dried fruits, fried food, pasta, tea, coffee and other alcoholic beverages etc. Killing your desires of having them is not a piece of cake. But if you want results from Lap band surgery, then this is very important. Cultivate good eating habits.
6. Make sure you have someone to drive you as well get you back from the hospital.
Tips to help you get going
* Get the help and support of your family and friends in your efforts to control the amount of food intake as well as to keep an eye on your weight.
* Following a regular exercise regimen is important but at the same time, it is of importance that the regimen is sensible and realistic.
* Since you will be fed on liquid diet immediately after the operation, you need to get used to it by consuming more of juices and broth.
* You must be aware of the complications arising out of the surgery, though only a 2% major complication record has been seen so far. The most common risks are those that come with any surgery such as vomiting, soreness at the place of incision, poor reaction to anesthesia.