Bowel Resection and the Lapband

Cota129 · October 29, 2008

I had my lapband placed 11/7/07. This past Friday, during a routine colonscopy, it was discovered that I have a large pre-cancerous polyp that was not able to be removed during the colonscopy. I will have to have open surgery in the next month, have the pre-cancerous section of my intestine removed and then the 2 ends re-attached. I don't see why this would affect my lapband, as in REMOVAL :w00t:. Doctor hasn't said anything yet, but in my mind, it's two different parts of the body. Has anyone else had a bowel resection since lapband placement and what was their experience? Thanks.

jjsmiles · October 29, 2008

I had a bowel resection in September of 2008 (had band placed September of 20007) - also an open procedure. I made sure my surgeon was aware of the band and placement of the port, since the incision is usually midline and vertical (not far from where lots of ports are placed).

The surgery didn't have any impact on my band. I didn't even get unfilled for the surgery, although my band was quite fickle for about a month after surgery. You will likely be on Clear liquids for several days to a week after surgery anyways, so food isn't any issue.

Good luck.

Cota129 · October 30, 2008

Did you have a large weight loss after the resection? What should I expect as far as recovery? Thanks.

jjsmiles · October 30, 2008

I am not a good example, as my body responds to trauma by retaining Water. My doc told me most people lose 10-15 pounds because they can't eat much - I was in hospital for 10 days and actually gained 30 pounds (all Water retention in my legs). I didn't even start on any solid foods until day 9 in hospital. Today is exactly 7 weeks since surgery and I am still up about 3 pounds from surgery.

My appetite was pretty non existent for about 2 weeks, then I had a few troubles with a fickle band, but I would say I have been back to normal appetite for about 2 weeks.

If they are doing it as an open surgery, it is a big deal as they are cutting through muscle. The lap band surgery is nothing in comparison. The most important things are to follow your dr's instructions, control your pain and not doing anything abdominal for at least 6 weeks (i.e no vaccuming, don't lift more than 10 pounds).

I think I did really well (except for the water retention) because I was very fit before I went into surgery. It is really important to be physically strong before the surgery, so you want to make sure you eat really well for as long as possible before surgery (you do not want to be nutritionally deprived in any way). If you are having trouble eating a nutritious diet (including fruits, vegetables and carbs), I would consider an unfill before surgery.

Brandy~ · October 30, 2008

My mom doesn't even have the band and she lost 40 lbs after they did resectioning. Now she is considering the band lol She got a jump start on weight loss.