Obesity Surgery FAQs
Below are some useful answers to common questions we receive from our patients. If you can't find an answer to any question or concern you may have please feel free to contact the support team for some friendly advice.
Click here for Stomach Balloon (BIB) FAQs
Click here for Gastric Band FAQs
Stomach balloon (BIB) Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight can I expect to lose?
Some NOSC patients have lost up to 6 stone in 6 months with their balloon. However, the amount of weight you lose and how long you maintain that weight loss will depend on how well you adapt to long term lifestyle changes.
How quickly will I lose weight?
Most NOSC patients have a significant weight loss in the first 6 months and steady weight loss afterwards.
I’ve tried so many diets over the years and I always put weight back on. How is this different?
It’s a fact that diets alone rarely change long-term eating habits. Many people find themselves in a cycle of gaining and losing weight, as they switch from one failed diet to another – the so called ‘yo-yo’ effect. The simple truth is that most people find it extremely difficult to maintain a rigorous dietary regime over the long term.
With your balloon in place you will have a feeling of fullness and you will be better able to control your eating and make healthy changes.
At the same time the NOSC Support Team will be working with you on a regular basis to help you adapt to your new regime and assist you in making your lifestyle changes.
Who are the Support Team and how can they help me?
The Support Team is made up of healthcare professionals who have experience in diet, nutrition and cognitive behavioural therapy. Several of them were in your position at one time and opted for the stomach balloon as their way of gaining control over their weight. They have since become dedicated to helping others in the same position.
How often must I attend for support appointments?
It’s your choice. You have 24 hour telephone access to the NOSC team. If geography or time makes it difficult for you to attend a clinic, then you can have all of your appointments over the telephone. You may prefer to see the Support Team weekly or monthly and have the rest of your appointments over the telephone. No matter which way you decide to take your support, there is no limit to the number of appointments available to you.
Will I be able to feel the balloon in my stomach?
There will be some discomfort during the first few days. After that, the primary sensation of the balloon is a feeling of fullness.
How long does the procedure take?
Around 15 minutes. You are usually ready to leave the hospital about an hour after your procedure.
Are there any side effects?
The first three days can be the most difficult. Cramping and nausea are common and should be expected. Medications are made available to help ease the discomfort and if you follow instructions, you will quickly recover.
Can I drink alcohol?
Although alcohol consumption in moderation will not affect your gastric balloon, the extra calorie intake won’t help with your weight loss.
What can I eat?
For the first few days you will be instructed to take liquids and soft food, such as yoghurt, soup and jelly. You will then be ready to begin your transition to solid foods. The Support Team will be in constant communication with you and they will advise you on your nutritional requirements. You will find that you will not feel like eating as much as you used to.
Will anyone know that I have a balloon?
Not if you don’t want them to. They may notice that you have more control and that you are eating smaller portions. They will probably think you are on a diet.
Will I be able to exercise?
During the first week you should not plan any heavy activity. Once your body has adjusted to the balloon, you can continue your normal activities. Starting a regular exercise programme is highly recommended and will improve your success.
What happens if the balloon leaks?
In the extremely rare event of a leak, you will notice a change in your urine colour. This is due to the non-toxic blue dye added to the saline in the balloon. In this case, we will make arrangements for you to have your balloon removed.
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Gastric Band Frequently Asked Questions
(Questions and answers refer only to the Lap Band System)
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM SURGERY?
Patients typically spend 24 hours in hospital, although it is occasionally possible to return home the same day. Most patients resume work after one week and start to exercise in about 4 to 6 weeks.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL I LOSE?
Weight loss results vary from person to person, and the amount of weight you lose depends on several things. You need to be committed to your new lifestyle and eating habits. Weight loss surgery is not a miracle cure and the pounds won’t come off by themselves. You will have to work with your band to achieve optimum results. It is important to set achievable weight loss goals from the start. Losing weight too quickly creates a health risk and can lead to a number of problems. During the first year, a weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds a week is possible (6 stone to 10 stone in a year). After the first year most patients find that their weight loss will slow down.
WILL I FEEL HUNGRY?
Your gastric band will help you eat less and feel full in two ways. Firstly, it will reduce the capacity of your stomach and secondly, it will increase the time that food takes to get through the digestive system. After a small meal you should feel full and if you follow the nutrition guidelines when you choose your food, you should not feel hungry or deprived.
SHOULD I TAKE VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS?
It may be necessary if you do not choose your foods carefully. You will be evaluated and advised by the NOSC Support Team.
WHAT IF I WANT TO EAT OUT?
As you will be ordering a small meal and eating slowly you will probably finish your meal at the same time as everyone else.
WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL?
Your gastric band will not affect your ability to consume alcohol. However, alcohol does have a high number of calories and little nutritional value. It also breaks down vitamins. An occasional glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage is not considered harmful to your weight loss regime.
CAN I EAT ANYTHING?
After your stomach has healed you may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort. However, because you can only eat a little, it is important to include foods full of important vitamins and nutrients. If you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat or drink liquids full of ‘empty’ calories, the effect of your gastric band will be greatly reduced.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I BECOME ILL?
One of the major advantages of the Lap Band System is that it can be easily adjusted. If your illness requires you to eat more, the band can be loosened by removing saline from it. When you have recovered and want to lose weight again, the band can be tightened by increasing the amount of saline.
WHAT ABOUT PREGNANCY?
Becoming pregnant can become easier as you lose weight. It is usual during pregnancy to have your band loosened. After pregnancy, your band can be tightened again and you can resume losing weight.
HOW IS THE LAP BAND SYSTEM ADJUSTED?
It is usual for the first adjustment to be carried out under X-Ray. Subsequent adjustments are usually carried out as clinical adjustments, without the need for X-Ray. The process takes just a few minutes and most patients feel only slight discomfort. A fine needle is passed through the skin into the access port to add or remove saline.
CAN PEOPLE SEE THAT I HAVE A PORT?
The port is placed underneath your skin and is generally not noticeable.
DO I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH THE ACCESS PORT?
The access port is placed under the skin in the abdominal wall, and once the incisions have healed, it should not cause discomfort or limit any physical exercise.
CAN THE LAP BAND BE REMOVED?
Although the Lap Band is not meant to be removed, it can be. The stomach generally returns to its original shape when a band is removed and it is possible to gain weight.
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