Lap Band Surgery

The Lap Band System

The Lap Band system is a popular form of weight loss surgery used for people suffering from obesity. This surgical intervention allows them the opportunity to lose weight and improve their quality of life. Lap Band surgery and gastric bypass surgery are similar to each other since both modify the shape of the stomach.

The Difference Between Lap Band Surgery and Gastric Bypass Surgery

Many people are unsure of how these two forms of bariatric surgery differ. Each procedure involves the division of the stomach into a smaller and larger section to better control the intake of food and allow for a quicker sense of satiety (feeling full) to occur.

Both procedures must be performed by a trained bariatric surgeon. It is important that people understand both the level of expertise their gastric bypass or Lap Band surgeon possesses as well as the level of aftercare provided.

Gastric Bypass Surgery

Gastric bypass surgery is a complex operation requiring the removal of multiple areas of the abdomen. During gastric bypass, the bariatric surgeon divides the stomach into two sections, with the top section being smaller than the bottom section. After the surgeon creates the distinction between the two parts, the small intestine is rearranged so both sections are connected to it.

Lap Band Surgery

Lap Band surgery is a much simpler operation that does not necessitate the removal of any part of the abdomen. The surgeon uses a belt-like section of plastic to create a separation between the top and bottom parts of the stomach. The Lap Band device is adjusted by controlling the amount of saline solution in the band via an access point embedded underneath the skin.

Gastric bypass offers a more rapid weight reduction over the first 3-6 months than does Lap Band, with a final weight loss being obtained around 10-16 months after the procedure. With Lap Band surgery, weight reduction is considerably slower, finally leveling off around the second year following surgery.

Both procedures require substantial aftercare visits with the bariatric surgeon. Due to the increased risk of infection and complications with the more invasive gastric bypass surgery procedure, most patients are required to remain in the hospital approximately 48-72 hours. Full surgical recovery is typically achieved in about three weeks. Following Lap Band surgery, many people return home that same day and are totally healed in two weeks. A Lap Band system requires numerous mandatory in order for the surgeon to adjust the device accordingly. Most patients need 6-8 adjustments of the band during the first year and a half following surgery.

Gastric bypass surgery and Lap Band surgery require patients to follow a strict diet following the procedure. Most people are placed on a liquid diet for the first few weeks until soft foods can be digested. Depending on the speed of their recovery, patients eventually transition back to more solid foods. Since food intake will be greatly lessened, patients will need to follow a strict supplement and vitamin regiment to ensure they are getting all of the necessary minerals and vitamins. Their bariatric surgeon may require some patients to attend some form of behavior modification therapy and to exercise regularly.

Lap Band Surgery Complications

Every surgery poses risks to the patient and Lap Band surgery is no different. Following surgery, increased weight loss could cause the band to slip and an individual could experience heartburn or vomiting. Also, the Lap Band itself could leak, the stomach pouch could become enlarged and the stomach outlet could become blocked. Most of the time these complications can be fixed by using the same small incisions in addition to the laparoscopic camera, but some cases may require a more invasive approach to rectify any problems.

Who Is a Candidate for Lap Band Surgery?

Bariatric surgeons adhere to a set of criteria established in the early 1990s by the National Institutes of Health to determine if an individual qualifies for weight loss surgery. The surgeon will look at an individual's body mass index (BMI) to make a decision to determine eligibility.

BMI is a measure of body fat based on the height and weight of an individual. If the BMI is between 35 and 39, the candidate must also have subsequent medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol to be considered for an operation. If the BMI is greater than 40, most candidates are not generally required to suffer from any associated medical problems to be considered for weight loss surgery.

Finding a Qualified Weight Loss Surgeon

Finding a quality bariatric surgeon to perform a Lab Band surgery is an important first step in beginning a new life. It is important to know how many surgeries a bariatric surgeon has completed to better ensure fewer post-surgery complications.