Weight Loss Surgery
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Adjustable Gastric Banding Whilst it is difficult to list all the questions our patients ask, we felt it would be helpful to list a selection of the commonest questions we get asked. If your question does not appear here then please contact our team who will be happy to help you.

Will I need to go on a special diet before the operation?

We ask all patients to follow a pre-operative diet for at least two weeks. The primary purpose of this is to reduce the size of the liver and make access during your operation easier. The general principles of this diet are low carbohydrate and low fat. You will be given guidance and a diet sheet to help you
Adjustable Gastric Banding How long will I be in hospital?

Generally gastric band patients will spend one night in hospital, patients having a bypass or switch will spend 3 or 4 nights on the ward.

Will I need injections after the operation?

We take the prevention of blood clots (PE and DVT) very seriously. We prescribe a daily dose of fragmin which you can administer in a small injection yourself, or ask a relative or friend to do for you. We will show you how to do this in hospital. You will need the injections for 7 days if you have a band and 21 days if you have a bypass or switch.

How soon can I go back to work?

It varies depending on two main factors; which operation you had and what your job is. People who have had a gastric band can usually return within 10 days. Obviously people with manual or physical jobs will need longer to recover and can expect to return within 2-4 weeks.

How long before I can drive?

Gastric band patients are usually able to drive with 5 days of their surgery, bypass and switch patients should be fit to drive within two weeks. Patients should satisfy themselves that they are able to safely perform an emergency stop. You may need to consult your insurance company to check your cover.

What can I eat after surgery.

With all operations, we provide a tailored graduated eating plan, starting with pureed food and returning to normal texture foods over a period of weeks. Our dietitian and/or our specialist nurse will see you before you are discharged home.

Will I be able to drink alcohol?

We want you to return to having a full and enjoyable lifestyle after your operation. We would advise a gradual return to drinking alcohol post operatively, and to be aware of the increased effects of alcohol post operatively.

What will my wounds/scars be like?

All of our operations are done laparoscopically (keyhole). Patients will have 5-6 scars about 1-2cms long. These wounds will be closed with staples which will be removed after 10 days. After about 12-18 months these have generally faded and are hardly noticeable.

If I have a problem after my operation who can I contact?

As an extra service we have an on call team you contact and speak to a member of our clinical staff on 07872-184700. This number is for the exclusive use of existing Gravitas patients only. In addition Spire Murrayfield is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, if you have a problem please contact the main switchboard on 0151-929-5340.

Weight Loss Surgery