Pain Post
Lap Band Surgery
During lap band surgery, a surgeon places an adjustable band around the stomach. This band restricts the amount of food the patient can consume. Lap band surgery is less invasive than a gastric bypass, but it is still major surgery and there is some pain afterward.
Laparoscopic Versus Open Surgery
Surgeons usually perform lap band surgery laparoscopically. Instead of making one big incision, they make several small incisions. Laparoscopic surgery causes less pain than open surgery. In some cases, though, surgery cannot be performed laparoscopically.
Post-operative Pain
Following lap band surgery, patients experience some pain or tenderness from their incisions. Patients also often report some pain in their abdominal muscles, almost as if they had done many sit-ups.
Gas Pain
During laparoscopic surgery, surgeons pump gas into the abdominal cavity to expand it so they have room to work. This causes gas pains after surgery.
Pain at the Port Site
The lap band has a port that lies just beneath the skin near the breastbone. Fluid is injected into the port to tighten the band. Patients usually feel some tenderness at the port site for a few days following their surgery.
Post-operative Pain Management
Patients usually leave the hospital on the same day they have lap band surgery. They receive a prescription for pain medication before discharge. In addition to the prescription pain medication, patients can take an over-the-counter gas remedy to relieve gas pains.
