Maintaining a healthy weight is important for the overall health of the human body as it reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. For some seriously overweight people, diet and exercise are not enough to allow them to get their weight to a healthier level. In these cases, weight loss surgical procedures such as lap band surgery might be useful.
Purpose
Laparoscopic banding surgery, or lap band surgery, is a bariatric procedure that helps patients lose weight. Lap band surgery involves restricting the area of the stomach that is available for holding food, which limits food intake. Patients are no longer able to consume large quantities of food and thereby reduces caloric intake.
Method
Laparoscopic banding involves surgically implanting an adjustable band in the patient's upper abdomen which is fastened around the stomach. According to the website Medline Plus, this band can be moved to block off most of the stomach, which allows food to only accumulate in a small pouch at the top of the stomach. The band can be adjusted to increase or decrease the stomach's size as the patient's nutritional needs change.
Procedure
The banding surgery is done laparoscopically, which means that the surgeon uses a small camera to visualize the abdomen. Once the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon then makes several small incisions and inserts the camera (also known as a laparoscope) into one incision. Special instruments are then inserted through the other cuts and are used to position the band around the stomach. Experienced practitioners can finish the procedure in 30 to 60 minutes.
Advantages and Risks
Laparoscopic banding surgery is a popular type of bariatric procedure because it is not permanent. The International Laparoscopic Obesity Surgery Team notes that the band can be removed or adjusted later in life because no organs are removed. In addition, there is less of a chance of leakage of the digestive tract because there is no need to suture or staple any digestive tissue together. On the other hand, the band can slip, leading to severe nausea and abdominal pain. Bariatric procedures can also cause vitamin deficiency due to the dietary restrictions that are a result of the procedure.
Indications
Lap band surgery is generally recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) higher than 40, which means that they are at least 100 lbs. overweight. Patients with a BMI higher than 35 may also have the procedure if they have other conditions such as diabetes or heart disease that would improve with weight loss.
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