Weight Loss Surgery Experience St. Louis – Heart of America Bariatrics
What a person can expect with their surgical experience begins about a week before surgery. At that time, the patient will come to our office. We have a number of things that they will do. They will then go to the hospital facility to get blood work done and any specialized testing. Also about a week to two weeks before surgery, patients will start a clear liquid diet. At the time of surgery, every person will show up in the morning of their operation. If you have a Lap-Band, it can be done as an outpatient procedure in the surgery center, or if you have it in the hospital, it is typically a one-night stay in the hospital. If you have a laparoscopic gastric bypass, that is typically two nights in the hospital. At our hospital, we do have accommodations. Everyone will get a private room and family members are able to stay with the patients while they are in the hospital. After surgery, our patients will come back to my office where I will see you one week after surgery. As far as deciding when you can return to work with a Lap-Band, I recommend that patients take one week off of work. Some people choose to go back sooner. If you have a laparoscopic gastric bypass, I recommend two weeks off of work and again some patients want to go back as soon as one week.