Obesity Solutions – Lap-Band Surgery
The number of so-called solutions for obesity increases almost daily. Bariatric, or weight loss surgery has become increasingly popular for individuals who are extremely overweight. Among the various kinds of bariatric surgeries that individuals can choose from, in recent years Lap-Band surgery has become popular.
Here I will explain exactly what Lap-Band surgery is, as well as the things you need to consider before you decide to have this procedure.
Lap-Band is the trademark for the original FDA approved adjustable gastric banding device manufactured and sold by Allergan, Inc.
What Makes It Effective
The Lap-Band is an adjustable ring that is placed around the top of the stomach and then inflated with saline in order to tighten it, thus restricting the amount of food that can enter and pass through the stomach.
The Lap-Band reduces the amount of food that your stomach is able to hold at one time. This is supposed to help you to gradually lose weight and keep it off.
How The Surgery Is Done
In the majority of cases, Lap-Band is a laparoscopic procedure, using general anesthesia. The procedure is done using long, thin instruments inserted through a few tiny incisions (usually 0.5-1.5 cm). The surgery typically takes about one hour and is generally done on an outpatient basis.
The Lap-Band website says this about the surgery, "the Lap-Band system is up to 10 times safer than more extensive weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve."
According to surgeons, the increasing popularity of the procedure is due to the fact that it is relatively low-risk and is reversible.
Should You Have Lap-Band Surgery?
You need to consider a number of important factors before you make a decision to undergo this procedure. First, you must presently be in good enough health to have the minimally invasive operation.
Here are some other considerations:
1) You have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or more, or you have a BMI of 35 or higher while also suffering from at least one obesity-related health issue, or you are 100 pounds or more overweight.
2) You are 18 years or older.
3) You have been overweight for more than 5 years.
4) You have had only short-term success with past serious weight loss attempts.
5) You are not currently suffering from any other disease that may have caused your excess weight.
6) You are mentally and emotionally prepared to make major changes to your eating and lifestyle habits.
7) You do not consume alcohol excessively.
You are not pregnant.
The U.S. Federal Drug Administration is presently weighing the possibility of extending Lap-Band surgery to include individuals who are less obese than present federal guidelines allow. A group of FDA advisers feels that the minimal risks involved in the surgery are significantly outweighed by the benefits that would be available to a larger group of people. If the adviser's proposal is accepted by the FDA, it would allow about 12 million more people to be eligible for the surgery.
You'll notice that in the list above, I have highlighted the 6th point. This is very important for anyone to think about prior to undergoing this surgery.
Although the Lap-Band system is a powerful tool for weight loss success, you must be committed to changing your lifestyle in order to support long-term weight loss. These changes include:
a) Committing to new dietary requirements
b) Adding exercise to your routine
c) Regularly meeting with your surgeon for ongoing support and adjustments
This brings me to my final point in this article. It's clear that the Lap-Band can help individuals lose weight, there's no argument about that. Thousands of individuals have been helped to do so with this procedure.
Nevertheless, a person that decides to undergo Lap-Band surgery must still be willing to make the all important lifestyle changes that are necessary in order to lose weight, with or without the Lap-Band. This means changing eating habits and exercising on a regular basis.
If you are suffering from obesity, this brings clearly into focus the two main causes of obesity, a sedentary lifestyle and poor eating habits.
Even if you decide that Lap-Band surgery is for you, you still must commit yourself to making permanent changes to your present lifestyle. This involves completely changing how you view food as well as your view towards regular exercise.
If you would welcome further assistance with your weight loss efforts, one of the most effective weight loss programs on the Internet is waiting for you.
The most effective weight loss programs involve a combination of both diet and regular exercise in order to help you lose weight and keep it off. Feel free to check out the The Big Fat Obesity Blog today!
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