did you empty your lapband before PS?

I was not going to, but I've read some old posts that said you should

Anyone on this list remove the fluid?  All or just some?

let me know - my PS is Jan 6th

donna

Hi Donna,

Here is a link to the post I started and Dr. L replied that we should get an unfill before PS. I'll be checking with my PS next week and also my WLS at next week's appointment. I'm NOT looking forward to recuperating in a recliner that I've rented, unfilled and not exercising. I need to stock up on low calorie foods or I'm going to be putting back on some of the weight I've worked so hard to lose. My PS, a TT is scheduled for January 18th.

http://www.obesityhelp.com/forums/plasticsurgery/4077210/PS-with-Lap-Band-and-N-G-tube-for-anesthesia/


Diana

PS. Who is doing your surgery? I'm having Dr. Mitchel Krieger do mine.

I didn't empty my Lap Band prior to plastics, but I haven't had an adjustment (fill) in over a year and only have 6.3 mls in a 14 ml band, so I think I'm okay.  IF I eat too fast, I feel it, but if I eat right I just get the satiated feeling and it lasts 5 hours.  I think you should ask your Lap Band doctor what he thinks.  If you're really tight, I'd get some taken out for sure.  You don't want to have problems.

I feared the same, but I know our bodies need protein to heal. So I'm doing the higher protein, almost no carb planning during recovery.  It's a little difficult while I'm in Monterrey, but when I get home I'm back on track. I do no**** to gain the 9lbs that he just removed from my tummy and arms!

BTW Donna, I sent your reply to Diana.  Sorry!
YOU LOOK GREAT!

I did not have an unfill before my TT.

The band itself imposes a fair degree of restriction on the stomach, even when unfilled.

Just realized the post was redone...but I'll paste it here anyway.

The modern thinking on this is to unrestrict the band because we all know patients need increased nutrition the first week o two after surgery.  Swelling can also happen around the band in case of any anesthesia-induced nausea/vomiting and we dont want that.

Further, there are going to be medications you need to take...for pain, antibiotics, and vitamins. So an loosened band is what most of my bariatric colleagues and I insist upon.

Both my PS and my Band Doc recommended that I remove most of the fluid before my LBL.  Prior to my other two rounds of surgery, they felt I would be okay based on how I faired with the LBL.  With those other two surgeries I was not as filled as I had been before my LBL though.



To me.. it's better safe than sorry.  Believe me.. I know how protective we are with our fills and the fear of losing the 'sweet spot', etc.

med can be liquid,  chewed or crushed (asked the pharma.)...u can take liquid vitamins and protien.  If u r prone to vomiting that I would unrestrict the band.  I had a FTT w/ MR and dont vomit ...no issues w/ food.  As I am taking more liquids that anything and I still have my band which is pretty snugged.

It is a case by case, talk to ur PS and ur Band doc.

This was good to know, cuz I wasn't even thinking of my band.

I can definitely understand the reasoning, omg the thought of vomiting after abdominal surgery is making me cringe. 

I don't know if I'd want a complete unfill, especially since my first surgery will be my arms this summer, but I would have some taken out.

Is there a time frame where it should remain out before you have a fill again? Like 2-4 weeks?

My diet knowledge and willpower is much better, so I'm sure I can maintain for a month.