Lap Band, or Laparoscopic obesity surgery is a procedure that is designed to help morbidly obese individuals lose weight and gain confidence, renewed health, and longevity. This surgery is not for everyone, however, and intensive physical and psychological tests are administered to anyone who is considering this procedure in order to determine whether or not they qualify. General qualifications include: being at least eighteen years of age, seventy-five or more above your ideal weight, not suffering from any disease or condition that lead or contributed to your obesity, willingness to make significant lifestyle changes, and other qualifying factors as determined by your health care professional.

What Does The Lap Band Surgery Process Consist Of?

The purpose of this operation is to limit food intake by creating a small pouch in the upper part of the patient’s stomach. This is achieved via the introduction of a gastric banding, placed inside of the stomach, which contains a balloon that is adjustable and increases the feeling of fullness. This surgery lasts between thirty minutes to an hour, and results in a short hospital stay. Unlike many other weight loss surgical procedures, there is no stomach stapling involved in Lap Band surgery.

After your surgery, you will be required to follow a strict diet, which at first will mean clear liquids only. It is important for LapBand surgery patients to adhere to the nutritional and dietary guidelines set forth by their healthcare providers in order to achieve success and prevent surgical complications. The band reduces stomach capacity, increasing the amount of time it takes for food to be digested, meaning that small meals should be sufficient to achieve the feeling of fullness.

Most patients can expect to lose significant amounts of weight, on average about ten pounds a month, equating to one hundred pounds within the first year. You should keep in mind, however, that it is important to lose weight gradually, and that everyone will do so at a different rate. Lap bands will not interfere with exercise, and patients are encouraged to adopt a fitness regimen before their surgery and to resume it approximately a month afterwards.

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks that should be considered, which is why it is so important to review your options and research the procedure carefully before making a decision. Many people have achieved incredible results with this procedure, but only your health care provider can determine whether or not it is the correct option for you.

By: Terry Parker

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