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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ's

Q: Will I feel hungry or deprived with the LAP-BAND?

A: The LAP-BAND makes you eat less and feel full in two ways – by reducing the capacity of your stomach and increasing the time it takes food to get through the digestive system. After a small
meal, the amount of which varies from person to person, you should feel full. If you follow the
nutrition guidelines when you choose your food and then chew it well, you should not feel hungry
or deprived. Remember that the LAP-BAND is a tool to help you change your eating habits.

Q: What will happen if I become ill?

A: One of the major advantages of the LAP-BAND System is that it can be adjusted. If your
illness requires you to eat more, the band can be loosened by removing saline from it. When
you have recovered from your illness and want to lose weight again, the band can be tightened
by increasing the amount of saline. If the band cannot be loosened enough, it may have to be removed.

Q: What about pregnancy?

A: Becoming pregnant can be easier as you lose weight. Your menstrual cycle may become
more regular. If you need to eat more while you are pregnant, the band can be loosened. After
the pregnancy, the band may be made tighter again, and you can resume losing weight.

Q: Will I need to take vitamin supplements?

A: You may. It’s possible you may not get enough vitamins from three small meals a day. At
your regular check-ups, your specialist will evaluate whether you are getting enough vitamin B12,
folic acid, and iron.

Q: What about other medication?

A: You should be able to take prescribed medication. You may need to use capsules, break big
tablets in half or dissolve them in water so they do not get stuck in the stoma and make you sick.
You should always ask the doctor who prescribes the drugs about this.

Q: What if I go out to eat?

A: Order only a small amount of food, such as an appetizer. Eat slowly. Finish at the same time as
your table companions. You might want to let your host or hostess know in advance that you cannot eat very much.

Q: What about alcohol?

A: Alcohol has a high number of calories. It also breaks down vitamins. An occasional glass of
wine or other alcoholic beverage, though, is not considered harmful to weight loss1.

Q: Can I eat anything in moderation?

A:  After your stomach has healed, you may eat most foods that don’t cause you discomfort.
However, because you can only eat a little it is important to include foods full of important
vitamins and nutrients such as those recommended in the nutrition section of this booklet and
as advised by your surgeon and/or dietitian. If you eat foods that contain lots of sugar and fat
or drink liquids full of “empty” calories, such as milkshakes, the effect of the LAP-BAND may
be greatly reduced or cancelled.

Q: Will I suffer from constipation?

A: There may be some reduction in the volume of your stools, which is normal after a decrease
in food intake because you eat less fibre. This should not cause you severe problems. If difficulties
do arise, let us know as soon as possible.