How soon after giving birth can I have lap band surgery? Is the time frame different if I breastfeed?

Question

Wiljon W. Beltre, MD · Answer

Wait 4 to 6 weeks.  If you are breast feeding, you need to consult with your surgeon and anesthesiologist since some medicines given during or after surgery can cross into the breast milk.  Please do your research, the band is on its way out.  we may not be doing any more bands in the next 3 to 5 years.  Consider the sleeve instead.  You may regret having the band.

Daniel J. Rosen, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If you were thinking about a lap band but then got pregnant you likely put your plans for weight loss surgery on hold until after the birth.  Congratulations!!  Your bundle of joy is here, but now you want to get back to the serious business of losing weight (with the baby weight tacked on to boot).  Lap band is a great way to achieve significant and durable weight loss.  You can have lap band surgery within a few weeks after giving birth, but I would recommend 6-10 weeks, especially if you had a C-section, so things can heal up and your uterus can shrink down.  If you are breast feeding, you may not want the anesthesia required for the surgery to be circulating in your body and have your infant exposed through breast milk. You may want to pump and dump for a few days after surgery or wait until you have stopped breast feeding entirely.

How soon after giving birth can I have lap band surgery? Is the time frame different if I breastfeed?

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Everything you need to know about Lap Band

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How soon after giving birth can I have lap band surgery? Is the time frame different if I breastfeed?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lap Band

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.