Is Lap Band Surgery The Weight Loss Solution For You?

If you're thinking about undergoing weight loss surgery,around the uppermost section of the stomach using
it's not only an important medical decision but athe preferred keyhole laparoscopic surgery. The
significant financial decision too. Lap band surgery orplacement of the band creates a small pouch right at
adjustable gastric band procedure is usually used inthe top of the stomach which holds about 50 ml. The
dire circumstances and is performed with laparoscopicpouch 'fills' with food quickly and the passage of food
instruments, which means the surgery is minimallyfrom the top to the bottom of the stomach is quite
invasive and has a short time for recovery. Theslowed down. This surgery, unlike the traditional
American company, INAMED Health, designed themalabsorptive weight loss type (Roux-en-Y,
BioEnterics LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Bandingbiliopancreatic and duodenal switch) doesn't cut out or
System, which was first introduced in Europe back inremove any part of the digestive system.
1993.After surgery the patient should eat less, eat more
Gastric banding, including the Lap Band procedure andslowly and chew food thoroughly. Initial weight loss is
weight loss system is usually indicated for peopleslower than with Roux-en-Y but statistics show that
whose Body Mass Index is above 40. Or for thoseover five years the weight loss outcome is pretty
people who are 100 pounds (45 kg) or more over theirmuch similar. Some patients may find that before their
estimated ideal weight according to the 1983first 'fill' they're still able to eat large portions.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Tables (still used today). OrThe band may remain deflated during pregnancy and
for those people between 30 to 40 who haveonce breast feeding or bottle-feeding is completed it
co-morbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, sleepmay gradually be re-inflated to help with postpartum
apnea, arthritis), which may improve with weight loss.weight loss if necessary. Many physicians make the
Those who are eligible to have it must be betweenfirst adjustment between six to eight weeks following
ages 18 and 55 years, although there are doctors whosurgery to allow the stomach adequate time to heal.
will perform surgery outside these ages, some may beThen after that the fills are done as needed.
as young as 12. It should not be performed whenA common occurrence for patients is regurgitation of
severe cardiopulmonary diseases or other conditionsswallowed - acidic food from the upper pouch, which
are present, which make them poor candidates.is commonly known as productive burping and is not
Inflammatory diseases of the g. i. tract like ulcers,normal. Other complications include ulceration and
esophagitis or Crohn's disease don't make a person airritated stomach tissue.
good candidate. In order to be considered one mustOn occasion, the narrow passage into the lower part
have a good comprehension of the risks and benefitsof the stomach may become blocked by a large
of the procedure and have a willingness to complyportion of food that is unchewed. Mechanical
with the substantial lifelong dietary restrictions that aremalfunctions can occur including port leakage, some
required for long term success.cracking of the kink-resistant tubing or disruption of the
Unlike people who have procedures such as thetubing connection from the port to the band, pain at the
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, duodenal switch orport site and port displacement.
biliopancreatic diversion surgery, it's unusual for gastricLap band surgery and gastric banding if compared to
band patients to experience any nutritional deficienciesother weight loss surgeries have shown a much lower
or malabsorption of their micro-nutrients. So as themortality rate, the stomach returning to normal if the
upper part of the stomach perceives that it's full, theband is removed, there's no cutting or stapling of the
message to the brain is that the stomach is full and thisstomach, the band is adjustable without additional
sensation is what helps the person eat smaller portionssurgery and there are no malabsorption issues
and lose weight over time. Calcium supplements andbecause no intestines are bypassed. There are also
Vitamin B12 injections are not usually required as theyfewer life threatening complications. And the
are with the Roux-en-Y and other types.psychological effects of any weight loss procedure
The adjustable gastric band or Lap Band is analso should not be ignored. Be aware that some
inflatable silicone prosthetic device which is placedpeople have died undergoing this surgery.