I'm a little confused, if this surgery isn't invasive and doesn't cut any part of the stomach, why is it irritated up to six weeks post-op?

I'm not trying to arguementative, I'll do whatever the doctor says once I hopefully get the band, but was just trying to understand the process.

Thanks in advance!

The surgery is invasive as they have to work inside of your abdomen in order to perform the surgery. Sometimes a hiatal hernia repair is required as well. While they don't have to cut the stomach, they do cut a pathway around the upper part of the stomach for the band to feed through. Then of course you have the port stitched to the muscles of your abdomen. Once they place the band, there is a lot of swelling. Also, it takes the band some time to get set around the upper portion of your stomach. Any surgery is traumatic for your body and it needs time to heal inside even though you may feel fine on the outside. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions so that the band gets positioned and secured properly. Any abuse early on in the healing process can result in considerable problems down the road.

One more thing, you may want to view one of the two surgery videos available in the General Lap Band heading. It is stickied at the top along with Frequently Asked Questions and such.

One more thing, you may want to view one of the two surgery videos available in the General Lap Band heading. It is stickied at the top along with Frequently Asked Questions and such.

I second that. I've watched the first one and was totally fascinated. I had never heard about dissecting the muscle behind your stomach before I watched the video. (Or even knew I had one there. :biggrin: ) The other thing that struck me was how little blood or Fluid is involved. That was reassuring.

Thanks for the response :biggrin:

When they put the band around the stomach it can cause irritation and swelling post op. A foreign body has been introduced and there is a physical response to it. It isn't this major, painful, irritation. It just requires care - eating soft things - to prevent slippage. Also,as mentioned above, there is a lot of messing around in there by the surgeon to get the band and port placed - it's major surgery.