Why is this procedure done?
This surgery is done to treat obesity. You will eat less food after your doctor makes your stomach smaller. Then you will lose weight. ‚
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What will the results be?
- Smaller stomach size
- Weight loss
- You will need to limit the amount of food you eat
- Better health
- You may have a better quality of life
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history, do an exam, and order some tests.
- You will talk with the surgery team and a mental health doctor. You may also meet with a dietitian. This person can help you plan your diet changes after surgery.
- Talk to your doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Tell your doctor about any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor may order a procedure to clear out your stomach and bowel before the procedure.
- You should not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery.
- When you are asleep, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. They also put another small tube in your nose. This one goes down to your stomach to drain out any food or fluid that might come out during surgery. You will have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will make an 8-inch (20 cm) cut in your belly. Then, the doctor will use special staples to split your stomach. Your stomach will have a small upper part and a large lower part. This small part can hold only 1/2 to 1 cup of soft well-chewed food. The upper part has a small opening leading to the lower part.
- A plastic band will be used to wrap around the small opening. This is used to prevent the opening from stretching. The band can be adjusted after the surgery. A device is placed under the skin to adjust the size of the upper stomach. Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure may last for 2 hours.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to a Recovery Room after surgery. The staff will take out your breathing tube when you are awake. You may have a sore throat afterwards. You will get drugs through your IV to help with your pain.
- The staff will help you begin to move around in your bed the same day of your surgery. You will sit at the side of the bed. Doing coughing and deep breathing exercises will help keep your lungs clear.
- The tube in your nose may stay in for a few days. This will keep your belly empty and give your stomach and bowels time to heal. The doctor will take the tube out when your belly is working well and gurgling sounds are heard in your bowels.
- On the day of your procedure, you will not be allowed to eat.
- The day after the procedure, you will have an x-ray test to check if there are leaks from your stomach pouch. If there are no leaks, you will be given a small amount of liquid, about 2 tablespoons, to drink every 20 minutes. If there are leaks, you will get liquid and nutrition through an IV until the leaks are fixed.
- The following days, you may be given small amount of pureed food, about 1 to 2 tablespoons, every 20 minutes. Your diet may continue with pureed foods for about 6 weeks.
- You may need to stay at the hospital for 3 to 5 days or longer if you have problems.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- Walk around the house often when you get home. Try to walk a little more each day. Regular exercise must become a part of your daily routine for you to lose weight.
- Your doctor may have you wear special stockings. These will help to prevent blood clots.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your cut sites. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Eat small meals 4 to 6 times a day. Small is 2 ounces.
- Food must be pureed for the first 6 weeks after the procedure.
- When you are allowed to eat solid food, chew your food properly. Do not eat quickly.
- Eat a healthy diet with enough protein.
- Avoid foods high in sugar which can cause upset stomach and bloating.
- Drink water slowly.
- Start a workout program when cleared by your doctor.
What problems could happen?
- Bleeding at the cut site
- Internal bleeding
- Wound infection
- Blood clot forms
- Gallstones form
- Throwing up if you eat too much or too fast
- Stomach pouch gets bigger and you gain back weight
- Leakage at the stapled area
- Breaking or slipping of the band
- Loss of fluids from not drinking enough water
- Short-term hair loss from not eating enough protein
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery ‚
http://asmbs.org/benefits-of-bariatric-surgery/ ‚
American Society of Bariatric Physicians ‚
http://asbp.org/siterun_data/frequently_asked_questions/ ‚
Weight Control Information Network ‚
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/gastric.htm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚