What Is Lap Band Surgery?
What is lap band surgery? This procedure, also known as gastric band surgery, involves a surgeon placing an adjustable ring around the upper part of your stomach. The result of this surgery is a smaller stomach pouch.
How Are Lap Band Procedures Performed?
A bariatric surgeon who specializes in weight loss surgery performs these types of procedures. Surgeons use an instrument known as a laparoscope to position a gastric lap band for weight loss. The laparoscope allows the surgeon to place the band using several smaller abdominal incisions instead of making a large open incision.
What kind of doctor does lap band surgery? You can feel confident that your surgery will be done by a skilled surgeon. The doctors who perform these procedures understand how the surgery will impact your life. A bariatric surgeon will be able to answer your questions and address your concerns.
How Do Patients Lose Weight After This Surgery?
Stomach banding surgery helps to regulate the flow between your stomach's upper and lower portions. One of the effects of this surgery is feeling fuller sooner. You are less likely to overeat after this procedure.
From the time you ask “what is a lap band?” to your recovery after the surgery, you're likely to feel confident about your choice. When you feel fuller after eating, you might find it easier to overcome bad food habits. Many people who have had this type of surgery see an improvement fairly quickly.
Is This Surgery Safe for Patients?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved lap band surgery. When patients have a BMI over 30 and other obesity-related risk factors, this surgery may help prevent further problems. The surgeon will carefully assess any risks before you have the surgery.
Another advantage of this type of surgery is that it is safe for pregnant women. When a woman requires this surgery, she can feel better knowing that her baby-to-be is safe. Expectant moms can look forward to spending time with their future baby after recovering.
How Is This Surgery Less Invasive?
Because of the use of a laparoscope, stomach banding surgery is considered minimally invasive. There is no cutting, intestinal rerouting or stapling involved. You will have a significantly reduced risk of bowel or stomach injury during this procedure.
One of the things that appeals to many about this surgery is the reduced pain level. Your hospital stay will also be of a much shorter length than with similar types of surgeries. The recovery time is also somewhat shorter, allowing you to return to normal sooner.
Are There Any Nutrition or Digestive Problems Associated With This Surgery?
One of the concerns that many have about gastric surgery is the possibility of nutritional deficiencies. Lap band surgery has a lower risk of nutritional deficiencies than many other bariatric surgeries. Being able to absorb most of your essential nutrients much more effectively is an excellent incentive.
Another difference between lap band surgery and gastric bypass is that there is no "dumping syndrome" risk. Gastric bypass patients often experience their stomach emptying very abruptly, resulting in diarrhea or nausea. Lap band procedures do not have this risk.
Can the Band Be Adjusted Easily?
Because the band is adjustable, the surgeon can help control how food flow works much more easily. When you have long-term weight loss goals, this option makes it easier for you to meet those goals. Because every patient has different needs, it is essential for your surgeon to address these needs.
Adjustments are possible without extra surgery by injecting a saline solution into the band. For many patients, knowing that they will not require further surgery provides peace of mind. Should band removal become necessary, your stomach will go back to its original shape.
Are There Disadvantages to Lap Band Surgery?
The amount of weight loss that you experience will be less than with gastric bypass or sleeve surgery. This surgery is still effective, but you will do well to consider your overall weight loss goals. Always ask your surgeon if you are unsure about anything involving this type of surgery.
You may still gain weight after having this surgery. However, the results are likely to be satisfactory and may exceed your expectations. If you have had struggles with weight loss, this surgery might be life-changing.
What Is the Recovery Process Like After Lap Band Surgery?
Every patient's recovery process will vary slightly. However, if your job is not physically demanding, you might be able to resume work a week after your procedure. You will usually be able to continue all of your everyday activities six weeks after your surgery.
When you understand how lap band surgery might help you, the decision will be easier. Following up with a surgeon will be an essential step as you decide.
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