Obesity is a disease that affects approximately 300 million individuals worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Obesity is defined as having a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher, where the normal BMI range is approximately 18 to 25 The lap-band is one type of surgery that exists to reduce food intake by restricting the stomach to aid in weight loss for obese individuals.
Adjustable Gastric Banding System
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric-band surgery works by placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, reducing the stomach size. The result is that individuals feel full faster and longer and thus eat less, leading to weight loss at a slow and gradual pace.
Procedure
Lap-band surgery is performed by a trained and certified surgeon. While under anesthesia, three to five small incisions are made in the lower abdominal area, allowing the surgeon to laparoscopically insert the small, circular band around the upper portion of the stomach. The band is connected to a tube with a port at the opposite end that is surgically attached just under the skin of the abdomen. This port is the gateway by which saline solution is injected into the gastric banding system to allow for band adjustments. The surgery generally lasts about an hour.
Post-Surgery
Recovery time after surgery is quite fast, with individuals generally returning to work within a week and resuming normal activity and exercise in four to six weeks. The gastric band is left empty for the first four to six weeks to allow proper healing. A liquid-only diet is generally recommended for the first few weeks, with a return to solid food in six weeks. However, pre-surgery eating patterns are not tolerated while on the band, and individuals must make a commitment to change their eating habits for successful weight loss. A trained health care provider administers saline solutions through the port in the stomach with a syringe in a painless process referred to as "fills." This allows adjustments to be made to the band circumference to assist in further weight loss or to alleviate unwanted side effects.
Advantages
According to the consumer guide to bariatric surgery, adjustable gastric banding offers several advantages over other types of weight loss surgeries. The design and placement of the band allow for removal, thus making the surgery reversible if the need arises. Laparoscopic surgery is less invasive, allowing for reduced operating time and quicker recovery. Absorption problems are less of an issue, so vitamin deficiencies are less likely to occur since the stomach is not bypassed or partially removed. On average, gastric band individuals lose weight at a slow and gradual pace of 1 to 2 pounds per week, which is healthier on the body and is easier to maintain in the long term.
Candidates
For insurance coverage, The National Institute of Health has several guidelines for the use of gastric banding systems as a means of weight loss. Individuals must have a BMI greater than 40, which is about 100 pounds overweight for men and 80 pounds for women. Individuals with a BMI in the range of 35 to 39 who also have obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure, are also eligible for the surgery. The surgery ranges from $12,000 to $30,000, with additional costs for fills, vitamins and supplements, and dietary counseling.
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