A Lap Band surgery can offer a relatively quick solution to those with a BMI (body mass index) of 35 or above--and are therefore considered obese--by limiting how much food they can consume at a time. "Lap Band" is an FDA-approved brand name for the silicone band used in the procedure.
Eligibility
According to the Mayo Clinic, Lap Band surgery should be considered by those whose BMI is 40 or higher or by those whose BMI is between 35 and 40 and is coupled with a health complication (high blood sugar or diabetes, for example) from the excess weight.
Medical Terminology
The full medical name for the procedure is laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).
Procedure
Surgeons make incisions in the abdomen to be able to fit a tiny camera, some tools necessary to complete the procedure, and the Lap Band itself (this process is called a laparoscopy). The stomach is then divided into two sections using a Lap Band.
Lap Band
The Lap Band is inflated with saline solution and tightens around the stomach like a belt. The top half of the stomach is then able to handle a much smaller amount of food than prior to the surgery.
Benefits
Since patients have a smaller section of the stomach that's able to handle food, they therefore feel fuller after eating smaller amounts of food, with weight loss as a result.
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