Lap Band St. Augustine: Making An Informed Decision

Obesity is a major concern for a growing number of people today. They have tried various diets with no success. They are looking for a viable alternative. Some are considering the lap band St. Augustine because of its advantages over other bariatric surgery choices.

The band is made of silicone and is surgically placed around the top portion of the stomach. Its main function is to limit the amount of food intake that is possible. Not only does it help to limit the amount of food you can eat, it also helps to make you feel fuller for a longer period of time. Unlike some other procedures, it is reversible, and it can be easily adjusted.

There is no need to reroute the intestines, and no staples are needed. The doctor uses small incisions by way of laparoscopy. General anesthesia is needed, but the whole procedure takes only between thirty minutes to an hour to complete. Less than 24 hours is needed for the hospital stay. Work can usually be resumed in around a week or two. Recovery is faster and there is far less trauma involved than with other procedures.

There are some standard qualifications needed to qualify as a candidate for this procedure. One must have a BMI (body mass index) of above 40, or be at least 100 pounds overweight. Some patients with a BMI of less than 40 can qualify if other health problems are involved. Usually, the patient should have been overweight for at least 5 years, and have tried other methods of weight loss. Most candidates should be between the ages of 18 and 55, and must be willing to make changes in their eating habits. There can be no known dependency on either drugs or alcohol.

Weight loss with this procedure varies between individual patients, but most usually lose around 1 to 3 pounds a week during the first year. After this time period, the weight loss usually slows down, but will continue. The patient must be willing to follow the doctors instructions for the device to work at its peak.

Frequent visits to the doctor are necessary in the first weeks after the surgery. Your progress will be checked, and any adjustments necessary will be made. For several weeks following surgery, you can expect your diet to consist of liquids and soft food. Although the device has the ability to be removed, doctors will not usually do this unless you suffer some type of complication.

If you think you are a viable candidate for the lap band St. Augustine, be sure to check with your doctor. Like any surgery, there are risks involved. You should fully understand everything before you proceed. If, however, you do qualify, you will find that you will eat less, but feel full longer. You will probably be slim and trim in no time!

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