Deciding to have weight loss surgery is a big decision, and individuals that undergo a
gastric banding procedure must make a lifelong commitment to keeping the weight off permanently.
Gastric banding is a restrictive type of weight loss surgery that helps to limit food intake in the upper stomach so that the patient feels more satisfied with less food. Since weight loss surgery is not a quick fix for any patients, there are several things to consider before beginning the treatment process. The patient needs to make several lifestyle changes before surgery and undergo preoperative testing.
Pre-Surgery Procedure for Gastric Banding
After meeting with a
bariatric surgeon for the gastric banding consultation, the patient will need to undergo a preoperative evaluation. This process includes the following steps:
Registered dietician meeting – a registered dietician will discuss the dietary needs of the patient before and after gastric banding surgery. Most gastric banding surgery patients need to eat a liquid diet and semi-solid pureed foods for several weeks after surgery so that their body can heal. Since the first gastric banding adjustment won’t occur until about six weeks after surgery, the dietician will need to monitor the patient’s diet closely to make sure they do not become malnourished.
Psychological evaluation – patients must be in a healthy mental state and have realistic expectations about their surgery.
Tests of the heart and lungs – part of the pre-operative evaluation process that ensures there are no major blood circulation or breathing problems.
Upper endoscopy exam – testing to ensure there are no ulcers in the stomach, polyps, and tumors present that may interfere with results.
Dietary evaluation – the physician will need to know if the gastric banding patient I taking any types of nutritional supplements, vitamins and herbs, as well as any medications.
Lifestyle Changes Before Gastric Banding Surgery
Weight loss surgery can completely change how the body metabolizes food and absorbs calories, and certain types of foods and beverages will need to be eliminated completely from the diet before surgery. Patients undergoing gastric banding procedures will need to:
- Avoid drinking alcohol for about 48 hours before weight loss surgery
- Practice eating morsels of food to ensure complete digestion
- Stop smoking for at least 30 days before and after weight loss surgery to reduce the risk of fatal blood clots
- Lose about 5 to 10 percent of their body weight before surgery so that the weight loss process is easier and quicker after the procedure
- Become comfortable drinking liquefied foods and foodstuffs such as soups, smoothies and milkshakes as a complete meal
- Eliminate vitamins and herbs that may interfere with the healing process
- Take certain nutritional supplements that help with wound healing
After gastric banding surgery, patients need to make a commitment to eating a well-balanced diet and maintaining a healthy exercise program.
Learn more about
gastric banding in our information guide, or consult with a
bariatric surgeon in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for the gastric banding procedure.
Published: 12/25/2009, Last Updated: 12/25/2009
By LocateADoc.com Medical Staff Writers
Our writers strive to present an objective, upfront and open view of the medical procedures you're interested in. We present you with both the good and bad, and work to represent both doctors' and patients' points of view. Our articles contain facts and statistics obtained from medical associations, medical and surgical journals, and through doctor and patient interviews.