Lapband Surgery Facts And Information

By Matthew Hall


Over the years, obesity has become a growing concern among many people. Whereas lifestyle modification remains the main mode of treatment, with time surgical options have become more popular as well. One of the most used surgical treatments is known as gastric banding, popularly called lapband surgery. There are various useful tips and information one should know about the procedure before considering it.

This procedure involves placement of a belt that is adjustable around the upper stomach area. This is done using what is called a laparoscope. The band is manufactured from silicone and can be tightened by adding saline to fill the band. The band is then connected to a port that is placed under skin in the abdominal area. This port is used for introducing or removing saline as is needed.

Ultimately, this procedure restricts stomach size and thus the amount of food it is able to hold. It will also slow down the food passage into the intestines. In so doing, signals to the brain that come from the gut will allow for a sensation of fullness. One will thus consume less food. The signal is usually sent from a small pouch that is created by the band at the upper section of the stomach. When this pouch gets filled, the same signal will be sent to the brain.

The surgery is done under full anesthesia and usually goes for between one and two hours. It is done through a laparoscopic method that involves having very small incisions made in the stomach. The incisions are normally 3 or 5 and are roughly one inch long. The doctor inserts a small camera into one of the incisions to be able to view the procedure via a screen. For better precision, the camera is attached to some tube. The incisions that are not used are utilized for allowing surgical band placement.

You will need to prepare well for the procedure. Depending on the surgical practitioner or program one is going for, mode of preparation will vary. The majority of treatment institutions want to see some kind of commitment from patients in prior when it comes to lifestyle changes. This is normally as proof that one is ready for the weight loss. One of the things they are required to do is eat 5 to 6 small meals every day to prepare for the challenge ahead. You are supposed to avoid foods high in calories like ice cream or milk shake.

Recovery varies from one individual to the next. Generally however, the procedure offers relatively shorter hospitalization period and much quicker recovery. Actually, many people will be able to get back to normal work within a week. This is possible if the work is not so demanding. Normal activities can resume after 6 weeks.

After the procedure is done, you might feel some discomfort which is however easy to control using medications. After 6 to 8 weeks, normal activity resumes. The process of weight loss is however gradual. In the beginning stages, loss is more dramatic. However, it slows dramatically over time. In most cases, weight loss will be 40 percent of what total weight was.

There are a few expected side effects. They include among others ulceration of the targeted areas, vomiting, nausea and dehydration. Some patients can experience weight gain.




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