Lap band surgery is a type of bariatric surgery. It involves placing a band around the stomach to limit calorie intake. This procedure is well-regarded for being among the least invasive bariatric surgery options.. It is minimally invasive and fully reversible. Here are some key facts to consider before choosing lap band surgery.
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Lap Band Surgery is Minimally Invasive and Reversible
Lap band surgery is a minimally invasive bariatric procedure in which a silicone band is surgically placed around the upper stomach. This restrictive approach limits food intake, as the adjustable band can be tightened or loosened to control the stomach’s capacity, supporting the patient’s weight loss goals. Unlike other latest bariatric procedures, such as BPD bariatric surgery or robotic bariatric surgery, lap band surgery is fully reversible.. The band can be removed without permanently changing the stomach’s anatomy.
Lap Band Surgery is Adjustable
The band creates a small pouch at the top of the stomach, splitting the stomach into two sections. The upper, smaller pouch, is the “new stomach”.The band restricts the amount of food that the stomach is able to hold, and limits the amount of food that an individual can consume at one time.
The band causes food to move more slowly through the digestive system, prolonging the feeling of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake. Food enters the “new stomach” and then moves very slowly through the rest of the stomach, similar to an hourglass.
The band is inflatable and is connected to a port that is placed under the skin – this port allows the band to be tightened or loosened through saline injections or band removal. This procedure can be flexible based on individual weight loss progress. Patients are often advised to use bariatric protein shakes and bariatric protein bars to support their protein intake.
How do I Know if I Qualify for Lap Band Surgery?
Lap band surgery is typically recommended for individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 30-39 with obesity-related health conditions like diabetes or hypertension.
Ideal candidates have proved that other non-surgical weight loss methods have been tried without long term success. These methods include diet, exercise, and medication.
Candidates are committed to life-long lifestyle changes in order to maintain the benefits of the surgery, which is a crucial component of endoscopic bariatric surgery as well. Adjustments in diet and exercise are crucial, as well as long-term follow-up plans. Many are encouraged to use bariatric vitamins and bariatric vitamins chewable to ensure adequate nutrition.
Oftentimes a psychological evaluation will be required in order to qualify to ensure that the individual is prepared and willing to make these changes.
Lap Band Surgery Offers Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
One of the primary benefits of lap band surgery is weight loss, with patients typically losing an average of 40% of their excess weight within two years. However, the amount of weight lost varies significantly and depends on the individual’s commitment to lifestyle changes post-surgery.
Patients often experience improvement in obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. To maintain these health gains, a nutritious diet and regular physical activity are essential, alongside supplements like bariatric calcium chews or bariatric multivitamin with iron to address specific nutrient needs.
Lap band surgery is adjustable and reversible, offering a flexible treatment option. For patients concerned about the complexity and permanence of other bariatric surgeries, the lap band provides a less invasive alternative, with the option to pursue a more permanent procedure with higher success rates in the future.
Lap Band Bariatric Surgery Involves Risks and Complications
Many studies have shown that over half of lap band procedures are removed within 10 years due to inadequate weight loss or complications. Complications include food intolerance, heartburn, band slippage, port infections, esophageal dilation, and inadequate weight loss.
It is possible for the band to slip out of position or erode into the stomach, leading to complications that may requirea dditional surgery. Infection at the incision sites or around the band is also a possibility.
Insufficient weight loss is common with lap band surgery. If an individual does not lose 25-30% of their excess weight, this would be considered insufficient weight loss. In a study of the failure rates of laparoscopic-adjustable gastric bands, it found that 44% of patients had band failure. Weight loss failure is far more common if the band is not properly adjusted or if dietary recommendations are not followed.
Ongoing Support is Essential Following Lap Band Surgery
Regular follow-ups are required in order to adjust the band and monitor weight loss progress. The surgeon will monitor closely for any complications following surgery, and a dietitian will work with the patient for diet progression.
Lifelong support is essential to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and preventing malnutrition. This procedure is purely restrictive and does not lead to malabsorption like other surgeries, however, supplementation may still be necessary due to an overall decrease in food intake,
Mental health support is another important aspect of ongoing care that should be implemented following surgery. Counseling and support groups can help patients cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of long-term weight management and lifestyle changes.
Long-term Weight Management is Dependent on Adherence to Recommendations
Success following lap band surgery is reliant on adherence to diet and exercise. Long term weight management requires sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen to maintain weight loss and health outcomes. Additionally, psychological health can impact success. Weight loss can be highly dependent on the patient’s willingness to change their eating behaviors and cope with psychological triggers for overeating.
Regular adjustments of the band ensure that it is functioning correctly and providing the necessary restriction for effective weight loss. Adjustment appointments may be needed to make the band tighter or looser. To know if it may be time for a band refill you can look for signs and symptoms such as getting hungry in between meals, being able to eat more than 3 ounces of food at one meal, and losing less than 1-2 pounds each week.
Conclusion
Lap band surgery is an attractive weight loss procedure for individuals who qualify because it is minimally invasive, adjustable, and reversible. The surgery can help reduce obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and joint pain. Unlike other bariatric surgeries, the lap band offers flexibility, allowing for adjustments or removal as needed. Long-term success relies on maintaining healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and band adjustments.
What are your tips and tricks to post-bariatric success?