Lap Band Zone

Weight loss surgeries have become a popular choice for those suffering from obesity and those who have been unsuccessful using traditional weight loss programs. When considering weight loss surgery, it is important to be aware of the various procedures available.

Vertical Banded Gastroplasty (VBG): Often referred to stomach stapling, surgical staples are used to section the stomach into two parts. The upper part is smaller, which provides a limited area for food. Food travels from the upper pouch into the lower pouch via a tiny opening. A band is placed around the opening to prevent stretching.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: This surgery involves sectioning the stomach into two parts and then closing off the upper part from the lower part. The surgeon connects the upper stomach directly to the lower section of the small intestine. A shortcut for the passage of food is created by bypassing a portion of the stomach and intestine. By doing this, fewer calories are absorbed into the body. This type of surgery is one of the common procedures performed for weight loss.

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding (Lap-Band): An inflatable band is placed around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. The band is inflated with saline to reduce the size of the stomach thus decreasing food intake. It creates a feeling of fullness. The band can be adjusted to change the size of the food passage. This surgery is usually chosen by those with severe obesity and health related issues.

Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD): A large portion of the stomach is removed. The quantity of food and stomach acid production becomes limited. The remaining small pouch is connected directly to the end portion of the small intestine. This allows for total bypassing of other parts of the small intestine. The calories are routed into the colon where they are not absorbed thereby causing weight loss. This procedure is not normally used in the United States because of the high risk for nutritional deficiencies. Removing a portion of the stomach is also quite evasive.

The type of weight loss surgery that you choose will depend on your individual circumstance such as your health condition and body type. Because there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of weight loss procedure, you should consult with your physician or a weight loss surgery specialist.

Although numerous individuals desire the lap band procedure to affect positive weight loss, some of them may not be a viable candidate for it. As with any elective surgery, there are huge associated risks and gastric bypass is fairly invasive operation. This is why ethical doctors will always look at a patient’s history prior to deciding to go through with this type of surgery.

Some of the more basic considerations for the lap band operation are the weight and age of the patient. A patient should be between the ages of 18-55 and over 100 pounds in weight and/or have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35-39. For people with a BMI index that is between 35-40, it is required to establish how weight gain has affected overall health; however, individual’s with a BMI of 40 and over won’t have to have weight related health issues to receive the surgery.

Below is a list of other considerations that a bariatric physician may contemplate in an effort to see if you qualify for lap band surgery.

Medical history

Medical history is extremely important as it determines your ability to undergo an invasive operation. For example, individuals with blood clotting problems or cardiovascular issues may not be able to be subjected to lap band surgery without serious complications during or after the procedure.

Those who have an illness that may have directly caused their obesity may also be ineligible for lap band surgery as well. If you are unsure as to what contributed to your weight gain, seek a full medical examination prior to your lap band consultation.

Smoker

People who smoke tend to develop more post operative related issues than those who do not and can lengthen their recovery time. A smoker who truly wishes to alter their lifestyle and get on the fast track towards weight loss would have to quit smoking before their surgery.

Lifestyle

If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, eat tons of junk food and lead a hectic, stress filled life your doctor could ask that you alter these things prior to lap band surgery. If this seems impossible to do, you may have to seek the assistance of a certified behavioral specialist to adopt healthier attitudes before being seriously considered for the lap band.

Diet and exercise history

It is imperative to establish that the patient has tried alternative methods of weight loss with limited to no success. This is to prevent the misuse of the lap band as a cure all solution to weight gain. Those who have attempted a diet and exercise program prior to seeking the lap band procedure are also most likely to follow the lap band meal and exercise plan after surgery which is essential to the operation’s success.

Pre op tests

To further ensure the success of lap band surgery, a doctor will perform a battery of diagnostic tests to establish your ongoing health and viability for surgery. Some of the test may include ultra sounds, CAT-scans, X-rays and analysis of the blood and urine. If these tests come up normal, you will be able to progress to the next levels of evaluation, namely psychological ones, to see your mental preparedness for the procedure. Once all relevant information has been collected, you can start the lengthy pre-op preparations for lap band surgery.

Is the lap band for you?

If you are serious about wanting to lose weight and don’t mind making extreme lifestyle changes, contact a local certified bariatric physician nearest your for a consultation. He will be able to explain the procedure, go over the associated risks and evaluate if lap band surgery is right for you.

Wanting to look and feel your best is the first step towards a richer, more fulfilling life. With the right mindset, the lap band can help you achieve those goals.

Sometimes , the procedure is reserved for the morbidly overweight, so if you simply wish to lose a few inches off your waist, weight loss surgery would possibly not be a choice for you. Morbidly obesity is outlined as people who have hundreds of pounds to lose. In a few cases, heavy infection could result with lethal effects. The capability for health issues due to starvation was also a significant issue.

This isn’t to claim that the lap band process does not carry any perils, so it’s best to chat with a doctor about potential issues before undergoing any major, elective operation. The band, which attaches to the stoma, allows an individual to eat less but sustain a sense of being full.

It’s also reversible, meaning it can be removed with almost no complications for the recipient, something that could not be related for the normal stomach bypass surgeries. These advancements have made this sort of gut bypass surgery safer.

It could also be totally removed laparoscopically. The surgery stay is generally awfully short as well, and folks can get on with their lives reasonably quickly after surgery. Folks who select the lap band system also shed pounds far faster than those who go the old skool diet and exercise route alone. They also find it easier to shed pounds and to keep it off for good.

This is often because the lap band can help an individual with an amazing weight to lose stay on course by helping them feel full and eat less. Alongside diet and life changes, the lap band can help folk who are serious about weight reduction shed pounds and lead more fit, happier lives. As far as it is going, lap band procedures are nearly as safe as any major surgery. If you have an interest in lap band surgery do your homework and check with a licensed surgeon with experience in the field before making any firm calls. This can make sure that you get the outcome you have dreamt of, that the body of your dreams.