According to Allergan, maker of the LAP-BAND Adjustable Gastric Banding System, the LAP-BAND helps patients to lose weight by restricting the size of the stomach. The LAP-BAND is a band that is placed around the stomach through a laparoscopic procedure. The band is adjusted by your doctor placing a needle through a special port and either removing or adding saline solution to the band. The LAP-BAND can be removed if needed.
Diet and Exercise
Weight loss through diet and exercise is possible. Diet means just eating healthier foods while monitoring portion sizes and exercise simply means staying active. On its website, the Mayo Clinic lists activities like cleaning the house and gardening as exercise.
Over-the-Counter Supplements
According to myalli.com, the only FDA-approved over the counter weight-loss supplement is Alli, which is a reduced-strength version of Xenical (generic name orlistat). The side effects of this drug are the same as that of Xenical. The Cleveland Clinic offers information about herbal weight loss supplements, including appetite suppressants, aloe, St. John's Wort, Cascara, Guarana, Ephedra and Guar Gum. Each of these supplements have side effects, such as increased heart rate, insomnia, blood glucose fluctuations and nausea.
Prescription Medication
According to a report by the Mayo Clinic, there are two FDA-approved prescription weight loss medications: sibutramine and orlistat. Sibutramine is the generic name for the prescription drug Meridia. Orlistat is the generic name for Xenical. Both of these drugs have side effects that must be considered prior to use. Orlistat can cause diarrhea, bloating, oily and frequent bowel movements, and abdominal pain. The side effects of sibutramine include constipation, dry mouth, headache, insomnia and increased blood pressure.
REALIZE Adjustable Band
According to WLSHelp.com, the REALIZE Adjustable Band, which is manufactured by a division of Johnson & Johnson, is an alternative to the LAP-BAND, which is manufactured by Allergan. Unlike the LAP-BAND, which has a variety of band sizes, the REALIZE Adjustable Band is a one size fit all band that is smooth. LAP-BAND uses a compartmentalized design for all of its bands, except the LAP-BAND 9.75/10 model. Another difference between the LAP-BAND and the REALIZE band is that the REALIZE band requires adjustments over the first three years, while the LAP-BAND needs adjustments during the first two years.
Gastric Bypass
The Mayo Clinic staff reports that gastric bypass is preferred weight loss surgery in the United States. It states that gastric bypass is safer than other weight loss surgeries. In a gastric bypass, the surgeon creates a smaller stomach pouch that is about the size of a walnut at the top of the stomach. Staples are used to seal the pouch off from the rest of the stomach. Then, the surgeon creates a bypass that goes from the new stomach pouch to the intestines.
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