Lap Band
For people who have been unable to lose weight through conventional methods of diet, exercise and/or medications the lap band surgery is an option. The lap band is a restrictive procedure in which a device is placed around the stomach making it smaller in order to restrict the amount of food that can be taken in. The band can also be adjusted to allow more or less of a restriction of intake. This course of action is often referred to as Bariatric surgery and is generally reserved for those individuals who are considered morbidly obese. Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body’s physical standards. Obesity can often lead to other problems including heart disease, diabetes, sleep disorders and infertility. To be considered a candidate for this procedure, a person needs to be overweight for at least 5 years, unable to lose weight with diet and exercise or other means, have a BMI greater than 40 or BMI of 35-40 with weight related problems.
The name lap band originates from the word laparoscopic meaning the performance of a surgery using a video type camera and band, meaning band. Together this technique means minimally invasive for the patient. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. A small incision is made near the belly button. Using a small scope with a light and camera, the surgeon inserts the tip of the scope into the incision to see into abdominal area. 4-5 small incisions are then made around the stomach area and the band is then threaded into and around the stomach, using the camera as a guide. The band is then tightened to the desired size. A small port is left just under the surface of the skin that can be used for adjustments during the recovery and weight loss period. The scope is then removed and the incisions are sutured closed.
The lap band is not permanent and can be removed. As with any weight loss regime diet and exercise are part of the recovery for maximizing results. This procedure is highly effective in controlling food intake and assists in supporting long term weight loss. |
