Immediately after the procedure, the patient will be asked to stick around for a short 1 to 2 hours observation period. Before returning home, Dr. Michel Kahaleh will provide the patient with a prescription of antibiotics and pain medication. Patients will not be able to shower for the first two days of returning home, and may experience some discomfort for up to 1 week after the procedure. Although they will be able to return to work and resume regular activity within a few days.
The two weeks following the procedure is a crucial period in which the newly-created pathway for the tube, named the ‘stoma’, will heal. Allowing the tube to settle in place. Typically, the patient will experience some abdominal pain and discomfort. A week after the procedure and once the stoma has begun to set in place, another visit to Dr. Michel Kahaleh is necessary. In order to attach the button to the tube, right above the skin where the abdomen is located.
This second visit will only take a couple of minutes to complete, and is completely painless. Then, Dr. Michel Kahaleh will make some observations on how the stoma is healing. A week after this follow-up meeting with Dr. Michel Kahaleh, the patient may start operating the AspireAssist. As the stoma should be fully healed, and the patient be fully oriented on how to operate the device. Before returning home, the patient will be given the AspireAssist kit.
In the AspireAssist kit is a palm sized device which is used to drain the food and a case to store the device after it is used. The case itself is small enough to fit into any purse or small bag.
The health care team of nutritionists, gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, and exercise therapists will be with the patient every step of the way of the journey. Along with the guidance of how to use the AspireAssist, the dedicated team will provide the patient with the tools they need to change their lifestyle to support their weight-loss goals.