* a notebook of
follow-up is transmitted to the patient when coming out

 

Post operatory care.

Scars

Scars should be checked to make sure they are neither red, nor sore and the lesions should be checked to make sure they are neither red, nor sore and the lesions should be disinfected with yellow Betadine.
The self-absorbing threads will fall off on their own in two or three weeks.
One must not have a bath for 21 days, before the threads fall off. Showers are allowed, as soon as the patient leaves the hospital, provided Op-site bandages are used.

Feeding

Feeding will be started again by strictly following the information on the dietetic information sheet.

After a period of discomfort (about 8 to 15 days) due to a post-operatory oedema around the stomach, one will notice a better passing of the liquid which will continue until the ring is inflated.


The inflating of the ring Video clip (5347 ko, erstimated displaying time with a 56kbps modem : about 5 minutes)

The characteristics of the ring are that it is adjustable for each patient, in function of the sensation of fullness felt by the patient. One month after the operation, a consultation with the surgeon is foreseen.

. He will decide with you whether or not to inflate the ring. The radiologist will proceed to inflate the internal part of the ring, on the instructions of the surgeon, by (painless) puncture through the skin, of the box spotted by radiology, and injection of the liquid.

After the inflation, an x-ray check will make sure an adequate passage is provided.One must not try to tighten the ring too much, in order to avoid vomiting.

The slimming

It must be progressive in order to entail loss of vitamins or iron.
The ring can be tightened at a later time if necessary, if imperfect fullness doesn’t make it possible to obtain the planned swimming. For that reason one must telephone the surgeon, who will arrange for an appointment with the patient.
Slimming is obtained in 12 to 18 months, if the hypocaloric diet is respected excluding liquid excesses and sweet drinks.


One can hope to lose on average 50% of the excess body weight.

For example a male or female patient weighing 120 kg for 1,70m shows an excess weight of about 60kg. He or she may hope to lose 30kg in one year.

Cautionary note: These results are just an average, variations are possible.
The return to normal weight is rarely obtained.


Besides, slimming can’t be homogeneous. There is therefore a possibility of lack of gracefulness (belly, breast but also arms and thighs. It might be corrected through plastic surgery, one or two years after the gastroplaty, one weight is stabilised and after a consultation with the obesity surgeon to make sure of the absence of complications with regards to the stomach complications.


The consultations

Consultations are foresee 1,3, 6 9 12, and 24 months, with the surgeon, to estimate the weight loss and to check the good functioning of the ring and the condition of the stomach.

The obligations of the person operated on.*

The operated on must be aware that without being under one constant care, there is on his part an obligation of minimum care for his well being and security. Even away it is recommended that he consult his surgeon once a year.
However, postoperative care by his personal doctor and the other members of the team (nutritionist, psychiatrist is also very important.
The communication among all the medical staff involved will be assured thanks to a patient logbook, which was handed to you.