 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I choose the Circle of Care Program?When looking for a surgeon or practitioner you should look for a specialist in the field. Finding a surgeon that is right for you should involve direct, one-on-one consultation and inquiries about the doctor's surgical background and success rate. You don't just want a doctor or practitioner who is comfortable with performing a particular operation as part of a wide repertoire; you want the surgeon and practitioner who are focused on the exact procedure you need done. All AIWC surgeons and practitioners have gained so much experience in weight loss surgery with over 7000 patients that have resulted in fewer complications and better outcomes than the national average. Our ongoing support and care is provided by a specialist team dedicated to help you reach your weight loss goals. Why do I need the Circle of Care Program?Evidence suggests that patients who do not commit themselves to long-term behavioural changes will not be successful - even with surgery. Surgery is not a cure for obesity - it is a powerful tool which, when correctly used, can help to keep the disease under control. The Circle of Care Program includes a 12 month follow-up support program. This gives you the security of knowing that you are being carefully monitored, especially during those first crucial weeks, and that you can achieve the maximum amount of weight loss possible. If you are taking the risk of undergoing surgery, it seems sensible to ensure that all the other behaviours and your lifestyle in general, are supportive of what you are trying to achieve - which is what our program does. Should I expect a lot of vomiting?Usually there is no vomiting at all. This procedure should place a gentle restriction on your eating. If you find that you are vomiting, either there is something wrong with your band adjustments or there is something wrong with your following the rules of eating with the band (see Nutritionist Handouts). This is important as vomiting could lead to the shifting of the stomach within the band and this could then compromise your outcome. Ideally there should be no vomiting at all. There may be some regurgitation experienced while adjusting to your new eating behaviour, i.e., from over eating, eating too quickly. This can be minimised by altering your eating habits as outlined in the Cirlce of Care Program. Will I be constipated?As you eat less food, you eat less fibre and bowel activity will decrease. Usually this is not a problem, however if it does, it is acceptable to use a bulking laxative such as Metamucil/Benefibre with plenty of water to help correct this problem. Should I take a vitamin supplement?Yes, our Nutritionist should have already gone through supplements in your first or second visit. What about other tablets and medicines?Continue your medications prescribed as needed. If they are in the form of a bulky tablet, it is best to break them up to help with swallowing and prevent blockage. Capsules should be ok, these are designed to soften and melt in the body. What happens if I become pregnant?The band should not interfere with your pregnancy. The likelihood of falling pregnant is greater, having lost the weight; your periods should now become more regular. Fluid can be removed from the band during pregnancy and this is usually done if you become nauseous as a result of the pregnancy. The band can be adjusted after the birth if you need to lose more weight. Is the silicone dangerous to me?At present there is no sufficient evidence to support this. The band is made of solid silicone. This cannot leak into the tissues in the way that liquid silicone can, therefore we would expect that the likelihood of problems to be less. If the information of problems becomes available in the future, which is relevant to this question, we would inform you of it. How long will the band last?There is no answer to this question. There had been similar products in use in excess of ten years and show no signs of failure. However we do expect that down the track there will be failure of the adjusting balloon in particular and if this should occur, the band would need to be replaced. This will be determined as necessary Can the band be removed?Yes, however it is not our intention to have the band removed. For whatever reason we can remove the band if appropriate, under keyhole surgery. The stomach is expected to go back to its usual configuration after the band has been removed. If the band is removed you need to be aware that you may regain the weight. What should I do when dining out?Meal sizes should be kept to entrée size due to your limited capacity now. Eat slowly! Maybe if you are going out to dinner at a friend’s house, maybe advise them that you can only eat a small amount of food to save any embarrassment. What about alcohol?Alcohol is high in calorie content and is therefore not recommended. There are some health advantages with modest alcohol intake, particularly wine. Occasionally a glass of wine is not really going to compromise your outcome, just try to avoid this occurring more than once a week. Will I need plastic surgery for excess skin folds once I have lost the weight?A quarter of our patients need to get some help with excess skin folds. Removal of the abdominal apron is the most common. Plastic surgery is not usually considered for some months after reaching your goal weight. The skin usually has enough elasticity in the skin to take up the slack, and this is assessed before considering reconstructive surgery. We have a specialist plastic surgeons available that has expertise in body contouring required after massive weight loss. What should happen if I develop another illness?If you have another illness, which makes the restriction of food inappropriate, then we can easily remove the fluid. Once you have recovered from the illness then the fluid can be placed back into the band. Can I burp after the gastric band placement?This is not done so easily. As we eat we swallow air and normally this is brought up without conscious effort. The band interferes with the easy bringing up of wind. In the first weeks after surgery, people notice difficulty with bloating and feeling like they want to burp but cannot. This is NORMAL, but usually subsides as the months go by. Presumably the stomach below the band changes shapes enough to reduce the problem, and does not seem to be troublesome. How are the adjustments to the band done?Generally the first adjustment is done 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. The procedure only requires local anaesthetic and you will need to allow about an hour for the procedure. A local anaesthetic is first placed over the site of the access port. A special needle is passed through the skin into the access port. This only takes a few minutes and does usually not cause discomfort. You will be required to stay for about an hour for this procedure, to make sure that there are no problems with swallowing after your band adjustment. If you have any discomfort, vomiting or difficulty swallowing inform the staff immediately prior to leaving the hospital or contact the office as soon as these symptoms become apparent. (Some patients may require an x-ray) The band is adjusted according to your weight loss, degree of restriction and feeling of fullness and this can take up to 4 or 5 adjustments. Once the band is adjusted to the correct level, this remains so until you reach your goal weight. You may wish to reduce and readjust your band restriction when your goal weight has been achieved and you feel in control of your eating behaviour. You need to be aware that as long as you have the band in place you will need to come back for periodic review as the fluid put into the band may evaporate into the body therefore the fill amount may require re-adjustment. How will I know if I need a band adjustment?You will nee a band adjustment if: Is this cosmetic surgery?NO, it definitely is not. Obesity is potentially a severe and a life threatening disease. It is recognised by health funds and Medicare. Item number 30511 is the item number that you should quote to your fund if you are considering the surgery. How much weight can I expect to lose?If your band is in the correct position and if you are following the program regarding eating and exercise then, we should expect that you should be able to reach your goal weight. Generally we find that people lose more than half their excess weight. Your weight should decrease slowly and gently over 12-18 month period. We are not aiming for a rapid weight loss, which can be potentially harmful and may be associated with vomiting which we want to avoid. Weight loss should be between 0.5-1kg per week early on, and then gets less as you get towards the 2 year period. What happens if I go overseas or to remote locations?Generally there should be no problems. The way to avoid problems whilst away is to double check the foods you are eating and follow the eating guidelines. You would have been given a Patient ID card to keep in your wallet that shows that you have a gastric band insitu. You can also discuss this with your Obesity Physician if you have any further questions regarding this. What if I don’t belong to a health fund?The health fund waiting period for gastric banding surgery is 12 months as obesity is considered a pre-existing condition. However there may be other options available to you. For further information please contact us. What can I do before the appointment to speed up the process of getting ready for obesity surgery? Will I have a lot of pain?Usually there is minimal pain after surgery, every attempt is made to control pain to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Several drug options are used to help manage your post-surgery pain if required. What about follow up care after I have finished my Circle of Care Program?Patients who have a gastric band insitu are required to be followed up every six to twelve months with all practitioners, for the rest of your and your bands life. We will place you on a recall system to remind you. When can I resume exercising or swimming?You need to avoid swimming in public pools for about a month as they present an infection risk. Avoid vigorous exercise for a month following the surgery. Gentle walking could be commenced earlier. Can I speak with someone who has had the surgery?Of course! We have a gastric band patients as part of the Circle of Care support team. What information can you give me to help family and friends better understand this surgery?We encourage a friend or family member accompany you on your consultation with the surgeon.
|