Before Surgery

Before Sugery | Hospital Stay | Life After Surgery | Lap Band Patient Surgery Diary | FAQ

• Avoid aspirin, products containing aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin etc… for two weeks before surgery. However, if you are talking aspirin once a day for a heart related reason, check with your doctor for special instructions.
• Stop estrogen supplements one week before surgery.
• Stop smoking four weeks prior to surgery. One can significantly reduce postoperative risk of lung infections by not smoking for at least two to three weeks before the date of surgery.
• You must start a low fat diet (1200 calorie per day) two weeks prior to surgery. In addition, your surgery will be postponed if your weight increases.
• By eating a low fat diet prior to surgery, one can shrink the size of the liver and significantly reduce the chance of surgery performed through OPEN TECHNIQUE (an incision that extends from the breastbone to the navel).

After 3 p.m. on the day before surgery:

• You must only eat or drink clear liquids
• Do not eat or drink anything after 12 midnight

Day of Surgery:
On the morning of surgery:

• Shower well, paying particular attention to the operative site (belly).
• Bring all medications that you are currently taking with you to the hospital.


• Most of your medications, if you take any, should be taken right up until the time you come to the hospital. This is especially true for heart medications, blood pressure medications, and diuretics (water pills). Take only with a sip of water.
• If you take insulin, take only half of your normal morning dose, at your usual time.
• Don’t bring any valuables to the hospital
• You should bring your C-pap Mask if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea and are using C-pap machine at home.

You will arrive at the hospital about two hours before the scheduled time for surgery (unless given another time by the surgeon's office). The surgery will take approximately two to three hours. Your family may wait in the waiting room and we will contact them as soon as the operation is complete. You will then be moved to the recovery-room where your family can visit you after the surgery.