Gastric Banding Aftercare
After your operation you will have regular follow ups with the
physician and Dietician. A programme will be devised to ensure that
the best results are achieved.
You will probably feel more tired than normal for a day or two
but you will return back to normal quickly.
Lifting - Avoid heavy lifting for 4-6 weeks,
but continue with normal activities
Driving - You can drive as soon as you can make
an emergency stop without significant pain.
What about sex - You can restart sexual
relations as soon as the wound is comfortable enough.
Work - You should be able to return to a light
job after about two weeks and a heavy job within four weeks.
Complications - Complications are not common
and are seldom serious.
If you think all is not well, please ask the nurses or
consultant.
- Bruising or swelling may occur around the ports. The swelling
may take a couple of weeks to settle down.
- Wound infection is an occasional problem and settles down with
antibiotics in a week or two.
- An occasional problem is migration of the band upwards which
can require another operation to reposition the band.
- Aches and twinges may be felt in the wound for up to six
months.
- Occasionally there are numb patches in the skin around the
wound which get better after two to three months.
General advice -The operation should not be underestimated. Some
patients are surprised how slowly they regain stamina. However,
virtually all patients are back to normal duties within one
month.