Lap Band Surgery
Utilizing Lap band Surgery to Help with Obesity
Lap band surgery is one option for people struggling with obesity. The Lap band is a plastic belt-like piece placed around the upper part of the stomach to create two distinct pouches. The upper, smaller pouch is what will become the new stomach, and the lower, larger pouch is the remainder of the original stomach.
When contemplating weight loss surgery, it is important to meet with a qualified bariatric surgeon to have any treatment-related questions answered.
Weight Loss Surgery Consultation: Who is a Candidate for Treatment?
During the initial consultation with a bariatric surgeon, a determination will be made if the patient is a candidate for bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgeons commonly adhere to a set of criteria established in the early 1990s by the National Institutes of Health. It identifies qualified candidates based on their body mass index (BMI).
BMI is a measure of body fat based on an individual's height and weight. There are two main categories for weight loss surgery patients based on BMI figures. If the BMI is between 35 and 39, the candidate must have an associated medical condition such as hypertension, diabetes or high cholesterol to be considered for a procedure. If the BMI is 40 or above, there is no need to suffer from another condition to be considered for weight loss surgery.
One of the benefits of having the Lap band system is its adjustability. The belt-like portion of the Lap band is filled with saline solution which can be calibrated by the bariatric surgeon via a small access point embedded underneath the skin. After the procedure, most Lap band surgery patients require 6-8 adjustments during the first 18 months to optimize weight loss results.
Comparing the Lap band System with Gastric Bypass Surgery
In addition to Lap band surgery, there are other available forms of weight loss surgery. Gastric bypass is another weight loss procedure that has been used to successfully fight obesity. Gastric bypass surgery requires much larger incisions than the Lap band procedure, making it a much more invasive surgery. During a gastric bypass procedure, the stomach is surgically divided into two sections, and the small intestine is modified so both stomach pouches are connected to it.
Recovery times differ for Lap band and gastric bypass surgery patients. A Lap band surgery is commonly a same-day procedure with total recovery usually accomplished within two weeks. Gastric bypass patients typically require a 48-72 hour hospital stay and achieve full surgical recovery roughly three weeks after the procedure.
Gastric bypass patients will experience a more rapid weight loss in the first several months than Lap band patients. Gastric bypass surgery patients notice their weight loss plateau after 10-16 months, while Lap band patients observe a tapering off around the two year mark.
As with any surgery, both of these procedures could lead to complications. Lap band patients have been known to experience enlargement of their stomach pouch, band leaking and blockage of the stomach outlet. Due to increased weight loss, the band could adjust from its original location causing the stomach to move above the band. People who experience this complication often experience extreme heartburn and possible vomiting.
Due to the highly invasive nature of gastric bypass surgery, infection is the number one risk to patients. Following any weight loss surgery, patients should contact their bariatric surgeon immediately if they notice any signs of infection or are experiencing discomfort.
Building a Relationship with the Bariatric Surgeon
People who have undergone weight loss surgery stress the importance of locating a highly qualified and compassionate bariatric surgeon. The surgeon's level of experience will help reduce the risk of complications and provide a more knowledgeable aftercare system.
The surgeon is an integral part of an individual's weight loss experience following bariatric surgery. After the weight loss procedure, the surgeon will place the patient on a liquid diet for approximately two weeks. After that, the doctor will determine when the patient is ready to transition to soft and then solid foods, depending on the rate of recovery. Once a patient is able to eat normal food, the surgeon will create a customized diet and exercise plan so weight loss is maximized. Also, it has become popular for surgeons to incorporate behavior modification courses in order to help patients assimilate to new eating habits.
Weight loss surgery can be a monumental change in the life of someone battling obesity. Patients will be sharing their fears, goals and concerns with their surgeon, so it is important they feel comfortable doing so. A qualified surgeon will be an attentive listener while supporting and encouraging a patient. It is crucial an individual works with the best bariatric surgeon available to provide the best opportunity for a life filled with health and happiness.