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LAP-BAND surgery is a type of bariatric surgery in which the stomach is made smaller to limit the amount of food consumed. This surgery can be an effective weight loss tool, though it's not right for everyone. Here's what you should know about the LAP-BAND procedure.

LAP-BAND surgery is a popular weight loss procedure that has helped millions reach their weight loss goals. This article contains some frequently asked questions about the procedure.

The growing problem of obesity affects every corner of the globe, as well as both adults and children in the United States. Just how big is this problem? Statistics concerning obesity underscore the immense effects of obesity, including its health and economic toll.

Bariatric surgery (or weight loss surgery) is intended for those who are significantly obese. Although it should not be viewed as a fast-track method of fat loss, it is an effective way to improve overall health and manage excess weight.

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery is done to treat obesity. The procedure aims at restricting food intake and minimizing absorption of calories and nutrients to result in weight loss. Since this is a major operation, post operative care is essential.

When obesity becomes life-threatening, patients are advised to get weight loss surgery or bariatric surgery. Combined restrictive and malabsorptive weight loss surgery may give the desired weight loss results.

Gastric bypass surgery uses a two-pronged approach to facilitate weight loss in severely obese people. Extended (distal) Roux-en-Y gastric bypass goes one step further than the traditional Roux-en-Y, by reducing absorption of calories to a greater extent.

Lap Band surgery is just one of the many options you have when it comes to weight loss surgery. Lap Band is safe and effective and it is becoming increasingly popular. Learn more about Lap Band and Lap Band surgery in these frequently asked questions before you choose the weight loss surgery that is best for you. 

What is makes Lap Band surgery different from other weight loss procedures?

Lap Band surgery is reversible, which is the biggest difference between it and other weight loss surgeries.  However, a Lap Band can also be adjusted which is another reason that it differs from the conventional weight loss surgeries. 

How much does Lap Band surgery cost?

As with any procedure, the cost of lap-band surgery varies. However, the average cost of Lap Band surgery in the United States is between $15,000 and $20,000 dollars.

Does insurance cover Lap Band surgery?

Some insurance companies will cover some or all of the cost associated with weight loss surgery. However, many insurance companies will not cover these expenses. If you have no insurance coverage or your insurance company will not cover the cost financing for the procedure is available through a variety of health care lenders. 

How fast do people lose weight after Lap Band surgery?

Weight loss after Lap Band surgery varies from person to person. If you comply with the dietary and exercise guidelines you will likely lose between 1.5 to 2 pounds each week.  The recommended regimen is three small meals and 30 minutes of exercise daily. 

What side effects occur after Lap Band surgery?

As with any surgery, there are side effects that may occur as a result of Lap Band surgery. The most common side effects would include infection, nausea, vomiting, band slippage, perforation, and obstruction. 

Can you die from Lap Band surgery?

Death is a potential risk with any surgery, and Lap Band is no exception. That said, the risk of death with Lap Band surgery is very low. Consult a bariatric surgeon for more information about the risks associated with weight loss surgery.

Bariatric surgery is another name for weight loss surgery. There are many types of bariatric surgery; however, the one preferred by many is the LAP BAND® or the laparoscopic banding Surgery. LAP BAND® surgery is a type of restrictive bariatric surgery.  This means that it restricts food intake of the patient by reducing the stomach size. In order to achieve this, a special adjustable silicone band is constricted around the upper part of the stomach to create a pouch. This pouch may have a diameter as small as your little finger and holds very little food. Therefore, the person feels full after eating minimal quantity of food. The silicone band can either be tightened or loosened, thus controlling the passage of food from the pouch to the rest of the stomach which is still intact. 

The Benefits

• There is no overeating.
• Since the band makes the passage between the pouch and the rest of the stomach very narrow, the passage of food out of the pouch is very slow, thus giving a sense of fullness for a longer period and controlling the desire to eat between meals.
• This procedure does not involve any stapling, suturing, re-routing or removal of any part of the digestive tract as in comparison to other surgeries, and therefore is preferred by many.
• The silicone band can be adjusted as per the patient's progress and requirement or even removed. Therefore, this procedure is completely reversible.
• This surgery is done by using laparoscopic procedure. Therefore, LAP BAND® surgery is a minimal invasive surgery. The person experiences less pain after surgery and no infection from the incisions.
• A person who is 100 lbs overweight can lose up to 50 lbs on average.
• The chances of malnutrition are low.
• The mortality rate is the least as in comparison to other methods.

The Risks

• Nausea and vomiting may be triggered after eating meals but that can be taken care of by adjusting the band.
• Gastro esophageal reflux or acid reflux may occur.
• In some cases some complications like infections and minor bleeding can occur.
• The band may slip off or wear off requiring immediate surgical intervention.
• The band may cut into the stomach layer but this is very rare.
• A foreign mechanism is implanted inside the body.
• The saline port or container may leak.
• Weight loss is slower as in comparison to other types of surgery.

The benefits definitely seem to outweigh the risks and therefore if proper precaution is taken, the LAP BAND® surgery can be very effective. To learn more, consult a bariatric surgeon directly.

Lap Band surgery has become a popular option for those looking to lose weight. Why is Lap Band surgery so popular? Apart from its ability to help people lose weight, there are a number of other major benefits that make it the procedure of choice for many people turning to bariatric surgery.

Lap Band Surgery is Adjustable

Unlike other bariatric surgeries, Lap Band surgery can be adjusted according to a patient's needs. The surgery involves the use of a silicone band to create two separate sections of the patient's stomach: a large lower stomach section and a smaller upper stomach section. The smaller stomach pouch regulates the amount of food a person can eat, hence regulating caloric intake and appetite. If the size of their of these two stomach sections needs to be adjusted, that can be accomplished as needed.

Lap Band Surgery is Reversible

Also unlike other bariatric surgery options, Lap Band surgery is completely reversible. No sections of the stomach or intestine are removed or surgically altered in any way. The only major part of the surgery is the placement of the silicone band which can be removed, restoring a person's stomach to the way it was originally.

Lap Band Surgery is Non-Invasive

Since Lap Band surgery is performed laparoscopically (performed through small incision using specialized telescopic rods), there are no major incisions required, nor is there a prolonged hospital stay. The surgery also involves no cutting, stapling, or surgical alterations of the stomach or intestines. As stated above, the only major part of the surgery is the placement of the silicone band.

Lap Band Surgery Treats More Than Just Obesity

Though the main reason people undergo obesity surgery is to overcome significant weight gain, the surgery has also shown positive effects treating other conditions that may be tangentially related to obesity. Studies have shown that Lap Band surgery can help patients feel less depressed or sad. This may be due in part to the weight loss experienced and the healthier lifestyle many patients have following Lap Band surgery. In addition, Lap Band surgery has shown effects improving the quality of sleep for some patients. A study from Australia found that Lap Band surgery has helped those with sleep apnea. As weight loss can generally lessen sleep apnea in those who have it, Lap Band surgery has helped those with sleep apnea get a more satisfying night of sleep, helping to eliminate fatigue in the morning and throughout the day.