Lap band surgery, approved by the FDA in 2001, is the safest, least invasive type of bariatric bypass surgery for weight-loss patients. Unlike the gastric bypass, the lap band surgery does not involve any stomach stapling or cutting. It can help you achieve steady, healthy and safer weight loss with quick recovery.
Any surgery has a degree of risk and should not be taken lightly. However, Lap band surgery is the safest of all weight loss surgery with lowest complications. When you weigh the risk involved with surgery against the risks associated with obesity, you will find the surgery to be far less risky.
Lap band surgeons have certain criteria to determine whether one can be considered for the surgery or not. For example-emotional unstable people can’t be considered for lap band surgery. In order to be considered one must completely understand the risks and benefits of lap band procedure and have a willingness to follow the dietary restrictions required for long-term success.
Following surgery, patients may experience mild discomfort, which is generally relieved by painkiller medicines. The patient can be back to work in about 3 weeks. Most patients feel fatigue and weakness for 1-2 week, but it disappears gradually. The patient will also notice huge changes in their eating habits. They will feel full or satisfied after eating a small amount of food. It is also recommended that once the patient feels full, it is better to stop eating, as overeating can cause nausea.
The Lap band system limits food intake. If you feel sick in regular basis, it may mean you are not chewing your food properly. It could also mean that you are not following the diet rules well. Eating after lap band surgery means taking small bites and eating very slowly. Another reason may be lies in the placement of the band. For this , you have to contact your doctor. Vomiting should be avoided as much as possible. It can cause the small stomach pouch to stretch and it can lead to slippage of part of stomach through the band.
There will be a certain amount of restrictions on the patient’s diet and physical activity. Dried foods, nuts and seeds should be avoided after surgery. Walking is a great exercise to start with after surgery, and slowly after few weeks, a patient can do other kinds of exercises- aerobics, running cycling etc. as well.
It is vital to have Lap band surgery performed by a very highly experienced team. The more experience, the better the outcomes. Surgeons also should be well-trained because if the surgeon is not well-trained, he can commit mistake while conducting Lap band surgery, which might be fatal for the patient.
