An Overview Of Adjustable Lap-band Surgery And What You Can Expect

An Overview Of Adjustable Lap-band Surgery And What You Can Expect

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While roux-en-Y gastric bypass continues to account for 80 percent of all bariatric bypass procedures, other bariatric strategies can result in significant and permanent weight loss.

Adjustable lap band surgery, otherwise known as LAP-Band, is one of the newer options available to obese patients. Using an adjustable band, surgeons can reduce the size of the stomach so you feel full eating less food. The band is placed around the upper third of the stomach. Once in place, the pouch created holds about two ounces of food. Future adjustments can increase its capacity to four to six ounces. The size of the opening can be adjusted by inflating or deflating the bands bladder using saline.

One of the advantages of adjustable LAP-Band surgery is that it can be conducted using minimally invasive bariatric surgery. Instead of making a single large incision, surgeons make several small incisions instead. Laparoscopic instruments are inserted through these incisions to install the LAP-Band. This procedure has fewer complications and a greatly improved recovery time, so you can get back to your normal routine and start losing weight more quickly.

LAP-Band surgery is as safe as any other procedure. The risks can include bleeding and infection, some initial heartburn or vomiting if the band slips. Other complications are extremely rare and the overall incidence of complications is about 10 percent.

The main advantage of lap-band surgery is substantial weight loss. Within the first 12 to 18 months patients can expect weight loss of about 40 percent. Over two years, it can be as high as 55 percent. Actual weight loss depends on post-surgery changes in your lifestyle, physical activity and eating habits. As weight comes off, patients who have had adjustable lap band surgery can also expect to decrease their cholesterol levels, reduce their blood pressure and reduce their risk of diabetes.

Most patients who have a LAP-Band procedure will have follow-up treatments that address their lifestyle choices, teach them good nutrition habits, provide them with a customized exercise regiment and offer participation in support groups. These programs are essential, since sustainable weight loss to battle obesity is physical, emotional and mental.

If LAP-Band surgery is an option for you, you can expect to pay anywhere between $15,000 and $25,000, which includes pre-surgery testing, the surgery itself and post-surgery care. The fee varies widely by location, the surgeon you choose, the level of care you require and your overall health.


About the Author:
Find a Huntington bariatric surgeon, Lap-Band, or weight loss professional.



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