Increasing numbers of obese individuals are having weight loss surgery as a solution for their obesity. Lap-Band surgery is one of the methods of bariatric surgery that is becoming more and more popular with people who are extremely overweight.
In this article, I am going to explain what Lap-Band surgery is, and how you can determine whether or not it is for you.
Lap-Band is the trademark for the original FDA approved adjustable gastric banding device manufactured and sold by Allergan, Inc.
What It Does
The Lap-Band is an adjustable ring that is placed around the top of the stomach and then inflated with saline in order to tighten it, thus restricting the amount of food that can enter and pass through the stomach.
Since the amount of food that your stomach is able to hold at one time is restricted by the Lap-Band, it should assist you to lose weight gradually and in the end, keep the weight off.
How The Surgery Is Done
Lap-Band surgery is generally done with very thin, long surgical instruments. General anesthetic is most often used and the instruments are inserted through a few tiny incisions. The entire surgical procedure generally takes about one hour and is done on an outpatient basis.
The Lap-Band website says this about the surgery, “the Lap-Band system is up to 10 times safer than more extensive weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.”
Lap-Band surgery has increased in popularity because it is relatively low risk and it is also a reversible procedure.
Is Lap-Band Surgery For You?
A few things are worthy of your consideration before you decide to go ahead with Lap-Band surgery. First and foremost, at present you must be healthy enough to have this minimally invasive surgery.
Other considerations include:
1) Your Body Mass Index (BMI) is at 40, or your BMI is 35 or higher with one or more obesity-related health conditions, or you are at least 100 pounds overweight.
2) You are 18 years or older.
3) Your obesity problem has exceeded 5 years.
4) Your serious weight loss attempts have had only short-term success.
5) Presently you are not dealing with any other disease that could have caused you to be obese.
6) You are ready to make significant changes to your lifestyle and eating habits.
7) You do not consume alcohol excessively.
8) You are not currently pregnant.
Recently, a panel of FDA advisers recommended that use of the Lap-Band device should be expanded to include patients who are less obese. The panel feels the risks involved are far outweighed by the benefits of having broader approval for use of the device. If the new proposal is adopted, approximately 12 million more Americans could qualify for the surgery.
In the list above, you’ll see that I put the 6th point in bold type. Prior to undergoing this type of surgery, you must give serious consideration to this matter.
Although the Lap-Band system is a powerful tool for weight loss success, you must be committed to changing your lifestyle in order to support long-term weight loss. These changes include:
a) Sticking to dietary requirements
b) Regularly engaging in exercise
c) Regularly meeting with your surgeon for ongoing support and adjustments
In conclusion, Lap-Band surgery has assisted thousands of people to lose weight, there’s no argument regarding this.
Despite this fact, Lap-Band surgery is only one tool of many that an obese individual needs in order to achieve long-term weight loss. You still must be committed to making changes to your present lifestyle, including changing how you eat as well as getting involved in a regular exercise regime.
If you are an obese individual, this should help remind you of the two main causes of obesity – unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle.
Even if you decide that Lap-Band surgery is for you, you still must commit yourself to making permanent changes to your present lifestyle. This involves completely changing how you view food as well as your view towards regular exercise.
If you would welcome further assistance with your weight loss efforts, one of the most effective weight loss programs on the Internet is waiting for you.
Looking for a trulyeffective weight loss program then you need to check out The Big Fat Obesity Blog right now!