Sometimes laparoscopic surgery can't be done. Or sometimes, even after the laparoscopic surgery has started, the lap band surgeon may switch to the "open" method. There could be a number of reasons for this. For instance, bleeding or problems placing the lap band could make the open method with the larger incision necessary. If this is the case, you will not be aware of it while you are under the anesthesia. The lap band surgeon will make a larger incision in the abdomen to perform the operation. After this "open" surgery, you will most likely need to stay in the hospital longer. That's because there could be more complications. It also may take more time for you to get back to your normal routine. In the U.S. study about 5% of lap band patients were converted to open procedures.

Once the anesthesia has worn off, you may feel some pain. This pain can usually be relieved with ordinary painkillers. The hospital staff will help you get out of bed and start moving as soon as possible. This will help prevent blood clots, respiratory problems, and bedsores. On the day after the lap band surgery, you will likely be given an X-ray. This is so your health team can see that the lap band is in the right place. It is also to see that the new stomach outlet is open. You may be asked to swallow a liquid that can be seen on X-ray.

After a laparoscopic surgery, you will normally stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days. The hospital stay may be longer after the open procedure or if there are complications. If there are no complications, you should be able to resume normal activities within a week or two after the lap band surgery.