Lap-Band® Post Surgery Guide
Get the optimal results out of your gastric Lap-Band®
After your Lap Band® procedure, you’ll enter an initial recovery phase with specific steps to follow to ensure proper healing and achieve the best results. Here’s what you can expect and the post-Lap Band® care guidelines to follow:
Immediately After Your Lap-Band® Surgery
Following your Lap-Band surgery, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, particularly around the incision sites.
The small cuts (incisions) made during the procedure may feel sore for a few weeks as they heal. If your surgeon used dissolvable stitches, they will dissolve on their own.
However, if standard stitches were used, they will be removed during a follow-up appointment.
Tip: To alleviate discomfort, particularly when coughing or taking deep breaths, hold a pillow gently over the incision area. This can help reduce the strain on the healing site and make it easier to manage any pain.
10 Days After Your Lap-Band® Surgery
On the 10th day following your Lap-Band surgery, you will have an appointment at one of the Auralia Clinics, where a surgeon or nurse will remove your sutures.
During this visit, any questions you may have regarding when you can resume physical activities like exercise, housework, and more will be addressed.
Your next follow-up appointment will be scheduled approximately four weeks after the surgery to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments.
Your After Lap-Band® Surgery Checklist
Even years after your Lap-Band surgery, you’ll still have access to free follow-up appointments with your Auralia surgeon.
This continued support plays a vital role in helping you maintain your health and achieve your long-term weight loss goals.
Diet and nutrition
Liquid Phase (Weeks 1-2)
In the first 1-2 weeks post-surgery, your diet will be restricted to liquids to allow your stomach to heal without stretching. Typical liquids include:
- Clear broths (low sodium).
- Water and herbal teas.
- Protein shakes (low sugar, high protein).
- Unsweetened apple juice or diluted juice.
Important Tip: Drink slowly and in small amounts, avoiding gulping, as your stomach is very sensitive in the early stages of healing.
Pureed/Soft Foods Phase (Weeks 2-4)
Around weeks 2-4, you will begin incorporating soft, pureed foods that are easy to digest. Focus on high-protein options such as:
- Blended meats like chicken or turkey.
- Smooth mashed vegetables such as carrots and potatoes.
- Low-fat dairy products like cottage cheese or Greek yogurt.
Eat small portions and continue to avoid fibrous, solid, or fatty foods.
This phase helps your stomach adapt to slightly more complex foods without strain.
Foods to Avoid Post-Surgery
Some foods can cause discomfort or interfere with the effectiveness of the Lap-Band®. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:
- Carbonated beverages: They can cause gas and bloating.
- High-sugar foods: Sweets, sugary drinks, and baked goods can lead to weight gain and provide little nutritional value.
- Fried and greasy foods: These can be difficult to digest and may cause discomfort.
- Fibrous vegetables: Raw or stringy vegetables like celery or asparagus can be hard to digest and might get stuck.
- Starchy foods: Bread, pasta, and rice can expand in your stomach, causing discomfort and potentially stretching your stomach pouch.
Activity restrictions
During the first few weeks of recovery, it’s important to avoid strenuous physical activities such as cycling, jogging, or lifting heavy objects.
This helps your body heal properly and reduces the risk of placing undue strain on your incision site.
Heavy lifting: You should avoid lifting anything heavier than 5 kilograms for at least six weeks following your gastric band surgery. This ensures the internal and external healing process is not compromised.
Follow Your Doctor's Advice
Always follow your doctor’s guidance on when it is safe to return to your usual activities, including work and light exercise.
Rest and Listen to Your Body
Even if you feel well enough to return to work or resume your usual activities early, it’s essential to prioritise adequate rest to support your body’s healing.
Sleep position: For the first few weeks, it’s recommended to sleep on your back to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your abdomen, ensuring a smoother recovery.
Additional Tips
Hydration: Ensure you drink plenty of water—around 2 litres per day—to aid the healing process and prevent dehydration, which is crucial after surgery.
Sun protection: Keep your scars protected from direct sunlight or tanning beds for at least six months, as UV exposure can lead to discolouration and hinder proper healing.
Skin care: Refrain from using fake tan on or near the incision site for the first few months to avoid skin irritation and potential infections.
What to Avoid After Your Lap-Band® Surgery
Unhealthy Eating: Steer clear of fast food and high-fat, sugary items as your body adjusts to the smaller stomach size. Instead, focus on a nutritious, well-balanced diet that promotes healing and supports long-term weight management.
Smoking: Avoid smoking for at least four weeks post-surgery, and if possible, consider quitting entirely. Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
Strenuous Exercise: Refrain from any heavy physical activities, such as running or weightlifting, for at least six weeks after surgery. Light activity, like walking, is encouraged to aid recovery, but strenuous exercises should be avoided.
Online Self-Diagnosis: Resist the urge to search for solutions or diagnoses online. Rely on the advice of your medical team at Auralia Clinic, who are best equipped to address your concerns.
Missing Follow-Up Appointments: Ensure you attend all scheduled follow-up appointments. These are essential for monitoring your progress and addressing any issues that may arise during your recovery.
Sleeping on Your Stomach: Avoid sleeping on your stomach for at least the first three weeks to protect the incision site and allow proper healing.
Baths and Swimming: Do not take baths, use jacuzzis, or go swimming for at least five weeks post-surgery to avoid exposing the incision to water, which can delay healing or cause infection.
Unveiling Your Sculpted Silhouette After Lap-Band® Surgery
4-5 Weeks Post-Surgery
On average, most patients experience a weight loss of about 1.5 stone (9.5 kg), or approximately 8% of their starting weight within the first 4–5 weeks after surgery, based on previous patients’ experiences.
Long-Term Weight Loss
Long-term results from Lap-Band® surgery vary for each patient and largely depend on your adherence to post-surgery guidelines regarding diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
On average, patients can expect to lose around 50-60% of their excess weight within the first two years following surgery.
However, this is just an estimate—some individuals may lose more or less depending on their commitment and efforts. Maximising your results is closely linked to following the provided dietary and exercise recommendations.
Results May Take Time
Some patients feel fully healed within the first few months, while others may need more time for their body to adapt to the changes.
It’s important to remain patient and consistent with your post-op care to see optimal results.
Your Post-Lap-Band® Consultations at Auralia Clinic
At Auralia Clinics, we prioritise your recovery and long-term success.
All patients receive three post-operative consultations to monitor their progress.
If at any point you feel the need for additional support, we are happy to facilitate extra consultations free of charge.
What To Do If You Feel Something Is Wrong ?
If you experience any concerning symptoms or feel something is not right, you can contact your surgeon or visit the clinic during business hours. After-hours, you will have access to the surgeon’s emergency mobile for immediate concerns.
Will Follow-Up Appointments Cost You?
Absolutely not! At Auralia Clinics, you are entitled to as many follow-up appointments as you need after your gastric sleeve surgery, with no additional cost.
Long-Term Support After Your Surgery
Even years after your surgery, you’ll still be able to schedule free follow-up appointments with your Auralia surgeon. This ongoing support is a key part of ensuring you maintain your health and weight loss goals in the long term.
Why Choose Auralia Clinic for Your Gastric Lap-Band®?
With over 23 years of expertise in performing gastric sleeve surgeries, our highly skilled surgeons at Auralia Clinics are committed to delivering the highest level of care, ensuring both safety and successful outcomes.
From your initial consultation to comprehensive long-term aftercare, our dedicated team will be with you throughout your journey, offering support at every stage.
Put your trust in our experienced surgeons—schedule your consultation today!
We are a CHKS and ISO Approved Private Hospital in Ireland
All patients receive three post-op consultations, but if you feel you require more support, we can facilitate you without any extra cost.
Lap-Band® after care FAQ
Following your visit to Auralia, you will be given pre- and post-operative instruction to guide you on how to be well prepared for your Lap-Band® and what to do afterwards. This will also contain the clinic's contact details.
You will also be given your Auralia surgeon’s emergency mobile number for calls after hours. During work hours, you should contact the hospital.
If you suspect anything is wrong outside of business hours, you are welcome to call the emergency number of your surgeon and speak with them directly, day or night.
Alternatively, you can drop straight into the clinic during working hours.
Absolutely not! You are entitled to as many appointments as you feel you need with your surgeon, following your Lap-Band®.
Absolutely! From the time you have your Lap-Band® with your Auralia surgeon, you are entitled to see them for appointments for as long as necessary.
If the surgeon no longer works for Auralia, you would still be entitled to see one of our surgeons for free.
- Have more questions or concerns?
Lap-Band® Surgery With Auralia
Want to lose weight and considering a Lap-Band® surgery? Get in touch with our expert team to get more insights and guidance to make your journey a success
Your Weight Loss Journey With Auralia
Step 1.
Free, No Obligation Consultation Booking
To start your surgery process, firstly book your consultation by calling us on (01) 612 0551 or filling a consultation form here.
Step 2.
Meet Our Team
Once you have booked your consultation, you will meet with your patient care co-ordinator then your surgeon to discuss your weight loss goals, your health status, concerns and the procedure details.
Step 3.
Book Your Surgery
After your comprehensive consultation, your patient care co-ordinator will work with you to book a convenient date for your procedure.
Step 4.
Pre Op Assessment
Prior to your surgery date, you will have your pre-op assessment where we will go through your medical history with you, and instruct you how to prepare for your surgery day to avoid any risks.
Step 5.
Surgery Day
On your surgery day, you’ll have a dedicated medical team to take care of you. The surgery duration depends on which procedure you will have, and you will leave on the clinic same day or in few days depending on your specific case.
Step 6.
After Care
You will enjoy unlimited aftercare appointments and surgeon reviews as much as you need to ensure your safety and satisfaction with the results.
You will get access to the Auralia’s after care App to assess you further in your recovery period.
Furthermore, you will also have your surgeon’s emergency number so you get access to him any time 24/7.
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