Adjustable gastric banding, commonly referred to as Lap-Band surgery, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to help patients lose weight. Since its introduction in 1993, adjustable gastric banding has been steadily increasing in popularity; approximately 30,000 Lap-Band surgeries have been performed in the United States.
Function
Lap-Band surgery uses a flexible silicone ring, which is placed around the upper portion of the stomach, forming a small pouch. As foods pass more slowly through the narrowed passageway, you feel full sooner, and therefore eat less. The adjustable gastric band is attached to a port, which is placed under your skin, usually on the left side of the abdomen. Your doctor will use this port to insert or remove saline solution in order to adjust the tightness of your band. Unlike other forms of weight-loss surgery such as gastric bypass, Lap-Band surgery does not affect the way your body absorbs nutrients and calories.
Criteria
Lap-Band surgery was designed for patients who are at least 100 lbs. overweight and have a body mass index, or BMI, of 40 or more, or a BMI of 35 with one or more obesity-related health conditions. In order to be approved for Lap-Band surgery, you will need to show medical evidence that you have been overweight for at least five years, that your weight is not caused by a medical condition, and that you have failed to lose weight through conventional methods. You may also need to undergo a psychological evaluation to show that you are emotionally ready for surgical weight loss and that you are able to commit to the post-surgical diet and exercise guidelines.
Exclusion Criteria
You may not qualify for Lap-Band surgery if you are addicted to alcohol or drugs; you are currently pregnant; you have an inflammatory disease or an intestinal disorder, such as ulcers or Crohn's disease; you have a narrow stomach opening; you have severe heart or lung disease; or you demonstrate an unwillingness or inability to comply with your doctor's post-surgical diet and exercise guidelines.
Post-Surgical Guidelines
Immediately following Lap-Band surgery, you will be restricted to a liquid diet as your stomach heals. After three to five days, you will be able to add foods such as protein shakes, soups, and soft pureed foods to your diet. Over the next five to six weeks, you will be able to incorporate solid foods into your diet. A key part of medical weight loss is developing a new relationship with food and learning how your body reacts to the band: some Lap-Band patients find they are unable to tolerate certain foods, such as fruit, bread, carbonated drinks and caffeine. You will also be required to maintain a regular exercise routine, and may need to undergo additional counseling. Regular follow-up appointments are required to fill or adjust the band.
Results and Complications
According to the FDA, Lap-Band patients can lose between 25 percent and 75 percent of their excess body weight. Some patients do not lose any weight at all. Success in any weight-loss program depends on the patient's commitment to developing healthy lifestyle habits and following the recommended post-surgical guidelines. Complications from Lap-Band surgery can include nausea and vomiting; productive burping, in which undigested bits of food are regurgitated; heartburn; and abdominal pain. In some cases, the band can wear a hole in the stomach, which requires additional surgery to correct. The mortality rate for Lap-Band surgery is .05 percent.
Member Comments