How The
Lap Band Weight Loss Surgery Is Performed
|
|
The Lap-Band weight loss surgery is often the
most preferred surgery of its kind. It offers many
advantages including more even-paced weight loss, less
healing time, less pain after the surgery and patients are
able to resume normal activities more quickly. There are
generally three types of weight loss surgery and the
Lap-Band is the newest and least invasive of the three.
Before performing this weight loss surgery, a doctor will
carefully assess your case, looking into your health
history, your weight and body mass index and your
willingness to change your life.
After it has been determined that you are a
good candidate for this type of weight loss surgery, your
doctor will carefully go over the surgery guidelines and
expectations. Those who have the Lap-Band weight loss
surgery have to make the commitment to change not only their
food intake, but also must be willing to undergo behavior
modification and an exercise regimen. |
Also, the doctor will explain how the Lap-Band
surgery is performed and what you should expect when recovering
from this surgery. The doctor will also discuss with you other
specialists you will need to see including a dietitian, a
therapist, a psychologist and other medical specialist.
When it is time for your Lap-Band weight loss surgery,
you will be admitted to the hospital the day before your surgery. This
is so that the doctors and nurses can asses your health and make sure
that no foods are eaten before the surgery is performed. Before the
surgery begins, you will be given general anesthesia. Most Lap-Band
surgeries are performed laparoscopically, which means that the
incisions are smaller and the surgeon uses a small camera to guide the
surgery. This is preferred method of surgery for both doctors and
patients because it causes less pain and the healing time is much
faster than with an open procedure.
|
In addition, there are less wound complications when
the Lap-Band surgery is performed this way.
During the weight loss surgery, an adjustable
band made of silicone is placed around the top part of the
stomach. The ring is hollow and will later be filled with
saline. This band creates a small upper pouch that serves as
the new stomach. Because the pouch is much smaller, you will
not be able to eat more than a couple of ounces at a time.
The reduced calorie intake leads to the weight loss. After
the band is in place, is it connected to a tube to an access
port placed beneath the skin during surgery. This is the
area where the doctor will add or reduce the saline to the
ring. If the band is too loose, the weight will not be lost
as quickly. The doctor can then adjust the ring accordingly.
If weight loss is too fast, then the doctor will take some
of the saline out of the ring. This is a feature unique to
the Lap-Band and adding or taking out saline is a normal
part of the Lap-Band weight loss surgery. |
|
|
