FAQ's
What is the recovery time after surgery?
What kind of weight loss should I expect?
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
I want to become a healthier me! What now?
Do I qualify for surgery?
The LAP-BAND® system can help adults, over the age 18 who have a BMI (body mass index) of >40 or BMI of > 35 with significant comorbidities (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea). An evaluation by the surgeon will help determine if you are an appropriate surgical candidate. We also have you evaluated by the members of our counseling care team and our bariatric dietician. Use our BMI Calculator to determine your body mass index.
What is the recovery time after surgery?
Within several hours after surgery, we expect you to be out of bed and walking. Our patients typically spend 1 night in the hospital. There tends to be only a minor amount of post-operative pain and discomfort and patients typically return to work within 1-2 weeks. A gentle exercise program may be initiated 1 month after surgery.
What can I eat after surgery?
Solids: Once you have healed from the surgery, you can eat normal foods. However, you will eat a significantly smaller amount. You will be encouraged to eat high protein, low caloric foods. You will learn to chew your food well and stop eating when you feel full. Eating too much at once or not chewing your food thoroughly may cause discomfort, reflux or vomiting.
Liquids: It is also important to drink low caloric beverages throughout the day. It is recommended that you separate solid foods and beverages. After eating a meal, you should wait for 30 minutes before consuming liquids. This will prevent food from slipping through the band and keep you feeling full for a longer period of time.
Vitamins/minerals: we do recommend that you take a daily multivitamin and calcium supplement.
Foods to avoid: There are a few foods that should be avoided because they can plug the narrow band passageway. Doughy bread, sticky rice, fresh fibrous vegetables and reheated pasta can cause an obstruction of the band.
What kind of weight loss should I expect?
Patients will generally lose 1-2 pounds per week after the initial post-operative period. Individual results will vary. We would like to see you lose 60% of your excess body weight over 1-2 years after surgery (about 100 pounds).
Typically when you lose weight, there will be a significant improvement in other medical comorbidities (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and sleep apnea). Many patients will no longer need medications for these conditions.
Will my insurance cover the procedure?
Each insurance company has different policies regarding weight loss surgery. The first step is to call and ask them! We also have insurance specialist who can assist you with this process. Or you can call 1-800-LAP-BAND (option 3) to find out more about your insurance requirements and coverage. Healthy You Band Center also has self-pay options available to interested individuals.
We regret that Healthy You Band Center does not currently participate in the Medicare or Medicaid programs.
I want to become a healthier me! What now?
Your next step is to call (608)364-1429 and make an appointment at the Healthy You Band Center for an individual consultation.
To learn more general information about our program and the LAP-BAND® surgery, we encourage you to attend one of our free seminars. See our schedule.
