The Day of Surgery - What to Expect

(The following is provided for information only and is not intended as a substitution for proper medical care.)

This is the day you thought would never arrive. All the planning, research, talking and studying. You know you made the right decision, but you will no doubt feel anxiety on this day. I did. This is normal. Most likely, you will not have had anything to eat or drink from midnight the night before, except small sips of water to take necessary medications. That’s right, NO COFFEE! Well, for those of us that can’t open an eye without a cup of java, this is a big deal. However, this is a strict order from the anesthesiologist; no exceptions. It’s probably just as well, because the caffeine would just add to the anxiety that we’re already experiencing. Hopefully someone is driving you to your surgery who is a calming influence and understands what you are going through.


Once you get to the hospital, and after all the paperwork is taken care of, you will probably be given a gown (not to be confused with a ball gown!) and a bed (and I don’t think it will be a Sleep Number Bed!) An IV will be placed in your arm and at some point medication to make you sleepy will be added. After surgery, you will feel groggy and sleepy because of the anesthesia, but as soon as you are ready, you might be given some sips of fluid. If your Lap-Band surgery is being done as an out-patient procedure (most are nowadays), once you are up and dressed you'll be able to go home (with your driver, of course!). You might just feel like sleeping for the rest of the afternoon. That’s exactly what I did. You also will probably have some liquid narcotic pain medication prescribed by your doctor to take as necessary for pain that may also make you feel tired and sleepy. Always call your doctor if you have symptoms you are concerned about. Pain after surgery is primarily from the area where the port is stitched to the abdominal muscles. You will find that getting up from a sitting position and sitting down as well as laying in bed and rolling over uses these abdominal muscles. OUCH! But I found that it got better every day. Nausea can be an issue after surgery for some patients. It can be from different causes, but what’s important is to have medication available in the event you become nauseated. This will be prescribed by your doctor so always call your doctor if you have any symptoms that you are concerned about.

Allow your body to heal by sleeping when you are tired and having plenty of liquids as recommended. Most surgeons recommend clear liquids for the day of surgery, but follow your doctor’s instructions. Protein drinks will be an important part of your “liquid phase” after the first day or so, so you will want to comparison shop ahead of time. There are plenty of protein shakes, drinks, powders, etc. out there on the market and in addition to checking out the calories, sugars and protein content, you will want to make sure you actually LIKE the taste! More than one Lap-Band patient has purchased a protein drink on the advice of a friend only to find out that it tastes like POO to them! Buy and taste ahead of time. Remember, if you have any questions after your Lap-Band surgery, always call your doctor’s office and follow their recommendations!

More information about Lap-Band surgery can be found on the Allergan website: 


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