Pre-op LAP-BAND® Surgery Instructions: What Patients Should Know
Here at Tijuana Bariatrics, we offer various surgical procedures that can help patients lose weight and look their very best. This includes LAP-BAND® surgery (gastric banding), which can help people lose weight safely and rapidly.
Rather than consider how LAP-BAND® works in this post, we want to go over pre-op instructions for the procedure. As you're about to find out, pre-op instructions are an important part of the overall surgical procedure.
The Importance of Pre-op Instructions
Pre-op instructions are an important part of preparing for surgery and ensuring that you heal properly. In essence healing begins before the first incision is even made, and following pre-op instructions closely is an important part of promoting good healing that is free from complications.
Longer pre-op instructions will be provided during the consultation process, but these basics should give you a good idea of what to expect.
Refrain from Tobacco Products and Alcoholic Beverages
Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages tend to increase a person's chances of infection. These substances can also lead to slower healing times, which makes a whole host of complications more likely. If you smoke or drink alcoholic beverages, it's best to quit in the weeks before your surgery, and to refrain from both substances after the surgery is performed.
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine has been linked to a number of negative side effects after bariatric surgery has been performed. Patients should avoid caffeinated beverages before their surgery and consider avoiding caffeine as much as possible after their LAP-BAND® has been performed.
Hydrate Regularly
Hydration is key for wellness. Break habits that involve drinking soda and fruit juice in the lead up to your surgery. Instead, hydrate with water. It's something you'll wind up doing after your surgery, so start good habits early.
Avoid Medications as Advised by Your Surgeon
Certain types of medications (e.g., blood thinners) can have a negative impact on your body's ability to heal. Be sure to avoid certain medications as instructed by your bariatric surgeon. This can make a major difference with regard to healing time and the potential for complications. You can resume taking certain medications in the weeks after the surgery if you surgeon deems it all right.
Begin a Food Diary
Bariatric surgery makes you learn a lot about your eating habits and what they involve. Before surgery, keep a food diary listing all of the meals and foods you have through the day and how you feel after having these meals. Continue to keep it as you recover from surgery. This log will help you understand your body's dietary needs and how your health has been impacted by LAP-BAND® surgery.
Your LAP-BAND® Pre-op Diet
Before any bariatric surgery, you will be asked to alter your diet in order to prepare for the surgery. This is done to reduce body fat, improve surgical results and healing, increase your intake of protein, and reduce the size of your liver.
We can discuss the exact nature of this LAP-BAND® pre-op diet and when it should be started during the consultation process.
Discuss Your Feelings and Concerns
While general health and wellness is crucial, don't neglect your feelings when it comes to surgery. Any kind of surgical weight loss procedure can be the source of lots of stress, so be sure to talk about your feelings and your anxieties with your loved ones. This can be quite a help and relief.
Contact Tijuana Bariatrics
For more information about bariatic surgery and how it can help you achieve total wellness, be sure to contact our advanced weight loss surgery center today. The team here at Tijuana Bariatrics will work with you to improve your overall health.
