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Lap Band Surgery
Lap Band Surgery
The health risks associated with obesity affect millions of individuals throughout the United States. To help combat these negative health risks, many people have opted for weight loss surgery.
One of the more popular forms of weight loss surgery is the Lap Band procedure. Similar to gastric bypass surgery, Lap Band surgery modifies the shape of the stomach to limit the amount of food an individual can consume.
Lap Band Procedure
The Lap Band surgery system is an FDA-approved, adjustable belt that fits around the top of the stomach. With this Lap Band device, people can better control their hunger and eating habits while reaching a feeling of satiety more quickly. In the long run, the goal of bariatric surgery is to help people eat much less and subsequently lose weight.
One of the main advantages of the Lap Band system compared to gastric bypass surgery, is the Lap Band surgery utilizes an adjustable device. This device is adjusted by an access point underneath the skin where the doctor can add or remove saline solution to control the tightness of the Lap Band. This adjustability helps determine the rate of weight loss and allows for changes in a patient's health. The Lap Band can also be expanded should a patient become pregnant or tightened if the patient is not experiencing anticipated weight loss.
Who is a Candidate for the Lap Band System?
The National Institutes of Health has established criteria for anyone seeking weight loss surgery from a bariatric surgeon. Established in the early 1990s, the requirements are based on body mass index (BMI).
The BMI is a measure of body fat based on an individual's height and weight. If the BMI is between 35 and 39, the candidate must also suffer from severe medical problems including high cholesterol, diabetes or hypertension to be considered for weight loss surgery. If the BMI is greater than 40, candidates are generally not required to have any associated medical problems to be considered for bariatric surgery.
The Difference between Gastric Bypass Surgery and Lap Band Surgery
It is important to explore both forms of weight loss surgery with a doctor to see which one is the best choice. Gastric bypass and Lap Band surgery both reduce the size of the stomach to help decrease the intake of food.
A bariatric surgeon makes a small series of incisions and uses a laparoscopic camera to install the Lap Band around the upper stomach, creating a tiny stomach pouch.
Gastric Bypass
Gastric bypass is a much more invasive procedure requiring substantial incisions and a redirection of the lower intestine. A typical gastric bypass surgery is a complex procedure requiring the removal of multiple areas of the abdomen. The bariatric surgeon divides the stomach into a small upper pouch and a much larger, lower remnant and then rearranges the small intestine to connect both pouches to it.
Gastric bypass surgery typically leads to rapid weight reduction over a 3-6 month period, with the final weight loss being achieved 10-16 months after surgery. Weight loss associated with Lap Band surgery is noticeably slower, with the final weight reduction occuring around two years after surgery. Gastric bypass can have more serious complications and is not reversible. The Lap Band system is somewhat reversible but does require long-term placement of non-reactive plastic material in the body.
Recovery and Care after Lap Band Surgery
Most patients who receive the Lap Band are able to return to work within a week. A bariatric surgeon or dietician will create a nutrition plan which the patient will need to follow.
Most post-surgery nutrition plans include vitamin supplements, adherence to a liquid diet for the first few weeks until the individual is able to tolerate soft food and then solid foods depending on each patient's recovery. The surgeon may also design an exercise plan in addition to having the individual attend some form of behavior modification therapy to help with the adjustment to this new way of eating.
A Lap Band system requires numerous mandatory visits with a doctor to adjust the device appropriately. Most patients need six to eight adjustments of the band during the first year and a half following surgery.
Lap Band Surgery Complications
Every surgery possesses the risk of complications. Lap Band surgery poses specific risks to the patient. With increased weight loss, the band may slip and the patient could experience heartburn or vomiting should the stomach go above the band. Other complications include the band leaking, the stomach pouch enlarging and the stomach outlet becoming blocked. Most often these problems can be corrected laparoscopically, though in some cases an individual may need a more invasive surgery to resolve the complications.
The Importance of Finding a Qualified Bariatric Surgeon
Finding a qualified bariatric surgeon to perform a Lap Band surgery will better ensure maximum weight loss while reducing the risk of complications. It is important for interested individual to find out how many surgeries the surgeon has completed and also the level of aftercare that is provided.
Lap Band surgery is a complex procedure requiring a highly talented surgeon. Individuals should take their time and find a qualified surgeon who will continue to work with them well after the surgery is completed. Researching all of the surgery's aspects and following the surgeon's orders will improve the chances that the patient will achieve successful results.