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Obesity is a serious problem that can often lead to emotional, social and medical problems of the person affected. Often, the obese person tries to go on weight loss programs to go achieve his or her ideal weight but often, this is a difficult feat. One of the long-term solutions for obesity is lap band surgery. This type of surgery involves the insertion of lap bands - silicone belts - around the top of the patient's stomach. Because of the bands, the patient is able to control hunger and to feel full sooner which results in less food consumption, which further leads to weight loss.
Lap band surgery is a good option but it is not applicable to all obese patients. It is required that a person with a body mass index (BMI) of 39 and below must have an associated severe medical problem before stomach banding can be performed. For those with a BMI over 40, on the other hand, surgery can be performed even when the patient does not have associated medical conditions.
Life After Surgery
Lap band surgery can be accomplished in as fast as one hour. The patient can be required not to stay in the hospital after the operation but in some cases, the doctor may recommend at least a day of hospitalization after the adjustable gastric banding is attached. As the person loses weight, the band may require some adjustments; therefore, patients who have underwent lap band surgery are often required to go through routinary checkups to ensure that the band is in place and not causing any complications.
In most cases, the patient would experience slight discomfort in the first few weeks after lap band surgery. However, bariatric bypass will become tolerable afterwards when food intake is no longer restricted to liquid or soft food alone and when the patient already starts to lose weight.
Is Lap Band Surgery Effective?
Lap band surgery is often effective as many patients have reported significant weight loss even during the first year. However, for this type of weight loss surgery to achieve its full efficacy, the patient must also undergo lifestyle changes such as maintaining proper diet and engaging in pro-fitness activities. This means that exercise and limiting food intake are still necessary. In this case, healthy foods are a must and the help of a professional nutritionist or dietician might be required.