What To Do on the Day of your Lap-Band Surgery

Day of Surgery Instructions

Medications

Discuss with Dr. Hansen which of your usual medication you should NOT take prior to your surgery. Heart medications can be taken with just a sip of water. Diabetes medications should not be taken within 12 hours unless you are instructed to do so. Use your asthma or other lung inhalers in the morning, and be sure to bring them with you. If you use oxygen and/or CPAP at home, bring it.

Blood thinners such as Warfarin (Coumadin), Plavix, and Asprin need to be stopped several days before: Coumadin – 5 days, Plavix – 12 days, Asprin – 7 days. You may need to discuss these with your prescribing physician to be sure it is safe enough to stop these. Call if you have any questions.

What to Wear

Wear loose clothes that are easy to remove and get into. Don’t wear make-up, perfume, or jewelry of any kind. Don’t wear contacts, but if you must, bring a container to keep them in.

Diet

Don’t eat or drink or smoke anything after midnight before your surgery unless otherwise instructed. This includes mints, candy, gum, vitamins, etc. Any material in the stomach is a risk for aspiration. If you vomit during your procedure and are unable to clear your airway, then it can get into your lungs and become a life-threatening condition.

Travel

Someone needs to take you home and be with you the first 24 hours watching for any potential complications.