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LAP-BAND
A less extreme surgical weight loss solution.
BACKGROUND
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The LAP-BAND System is an adjustable gastric band designed to help you lose weight. It works by reducing the stomach’s capacity, therefore restricting the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. The band itself is a silicone ring filled with saline. Like a wristwatch, the band attaches on to the upper portion of the stomach and creates a new sack where only a small amount of food can be stored. The idea behind the LAP-BAND procedure is that you’ll eat less and feel full more quickly because food will travel more slowly through the digestive tract.
The procedure is done laparoscopically so it’s minimally invasive. The surgeon can loosen or tighten the LAP-BAND depending upon the rate of weight loss. Adding more saline will tighten the band thereby further restricting the stomach’s capacity to hold food. If it’s too tight, the surgeon can loosen it allowing more food into the newly-created pouch.
The individual can expect to lose one pound each week during the first year of having the device implanted. After one year, patients on average lose 18 percent of their starting body weight.
The LAP-BAND is FDA-approved for people for anyone with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or higher, or anyone who with a BMI of 30 or higher who also has an obesity-related health condition, such a hypertension or diabetes.
PRO
- The procedure involves minimal scarring
- Hospital stay is 24 hours or less
- Fewer risks and side effects are associated with the LAP-BAND System than with gastric bypass
- The LAP-BAND System is adjustable and reversible
- Long-term weight loss can occur
- Some insurance companies cover the cost
- Procedure is reversible
- On average, people lose 18 percent of their body weight after one year
CON
- There are many risks in undergoing a surgical procedure of this nature
- Side effects can be very debilitating
- Once the LAP-BAND System is removed, the individual is then left to control how and what he/she eats
DIET and NUTRITION
Following the specific diet and nutrition guidelines is absolutely necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the LAP-BAND System and to prevent complications. Foods high in sugar and fat are to be avoided because of their negative effects, which include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Since food can only be eaten in small portions, food must be nutrient-dense. After having the procedure, your doctor may recommend taking dietary supplements of vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron if you are not getting enough of these nutrients.
EXERCISE
After safely healing from surgery, the individual should follow a regular exercise routine that has been discussed and approved by their physician.
CONCLUSION
This surgical procedure, which involves admission to the hospital, anesthesia and lifestyle changes, has a host of side effects and risks associated with it. It is up to the individual to determine if the benefit of losing weight outweighs these risks. Furthermore, once the LAP-BAND System is removed and the individual’s stomach capacity resumes its normal size, maintaining weight and learning to eat moderately is then the responsibility of the individual. It is necessary with a procedure as serious and as life-altering as this, that the individual seeks a highly qualified medical doctor who has performed numerous LAP-BAND System procedures.
Common Misspellings
lapp bend, lapbend, bind
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User Feedback
(Page 1 of 2, 29 total comments)sue booe
i want my comments taken off the site!! I am listed under Sue but if anyone googles me that is under sites with my name--1 person knows of my surgery and want to
posted Sep 16th, 2011 8:11 pmSue
I would like to know a little more about the Lap Band surgery. My BMI is 31.8 . I hope I am a good candidate for this surgery... Please tell me more.
posted Apr 16th, 2011 12:57 amThanks!
glorialapbandedliving
I am thrilled that Dr. Oz is discussing lap band surgery! I am a long-term (banded in 2006) successful lap band patient and co-author of the book "Is Lap Band Surgery for Me?". I struggled with obesity since childhood. This tool has helped me finally win my lifelong battle with my weight. It's critical to go into this with your "eyes wide open" and understand the risks and benefits of surgery as well as the fact that this is not a magic bullet; this is a tool which when used correctly can help you achieve your goals in terms of health, weight and quality of life. The work is up to the patient. You can also learn more what it takes to be successful with lap band surgery at banded living .com.
posted Apr 5th, 2011 11:40 amAlso please re-assess the statement about nutrition that "Foods high in sugar and fat are to be avoided because of their negative effects, which include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea." I believe this pertains to gastric bypass patients and is known as "dumping syndrome" rather than lap band patients.
Samer
I would like more lapband stories becauce Im thinking about getting the surgery
posted Nov 10th, 2010 6:33 amHeather
I was banded on June 9, 2010. In 2 1/2 months, I have lost 25lbs. This is the most amazing tool in the world!
posted Aug 22nd, 2010 10:19 pmMike in Santa Cruz
THIS CHANGED MY LIFE. The surgery was easy, the recovery and diet have been only mildy challenging. Best thing is I am rarely hungry, worst thing is you will definitely feel uncomfortable and/or do a mini-barf ("productive burp") if you take even one extra bit. Unlike regular weight loss programs in that true hunger is not following you around all the time, although there is a sentimental/emotional loss once you realize you can't gorge anymore. That being said, you can go as slowly as you want and have the band untightened at any time if you feel the need to pig out. My suggestion--pig out with a great spicy soup with perhaps some fish and egg in it, this will go right to your new "lower" stomach and you can get that completely filled filling whenever you need it. However, hamburgers, steak, pizza, bread, etc. will all pose problems for you. Sounds like a bummer, but it all moves slowly over a year and at this point I'm down almost 80 pounds and I would not give this damn band up for anything. Also--it's always there, so you don't really have that 1-2 days/week where you risk blowing everything. P.S. Get an experienced doctor. P.P.S. Drinking is fine with this (mostly), flatten out anything carbonated before tossing it down. Good luck to you!!! Mike
posted Jul 7th, 2010 12:15 pmErica
i have had the band since december 2009. i have went from 274 to 234. its great!!!
posted Jun 15th, 2010 3:59 pmJoyce
I like my band just havent llost but 30lbs with it. I need help in what to eat so I can lose a few more.
posted Feb 12th, 2010 1:00 pmmonica pennington
my lap band work perfectly for me i lost 15lbs well i got pregant and the doctor unfilled me all the way well 6weeks later i had a miscarriage and i went back to get filled ub and he couldnt find it he said the band had turn so i was gaining weight back really fast so i found another doctor how found my band and was giving my fills i still was gaining weight i really feel like im not tighting but the doctor say i am but my body is telling me somthing different what should i do
posted Jan 4th, 2010 3:54 pmJoyce Brown
I like the surgury but its going slow but it has also took me 30 years to look like this.
posted Nov 18th, 2009 9:31 pmMoniek
Sound real good , but is it safe for me, I have heart failure.
posted Sep 15th, 2009 2:21 pmChristina
I had my Lapband surgery Dec 8, 2008. To date I have lost 86 pounds. I have done everything that I was told to do. This is just a tool and I do my part as far as walk 4 times a week and eat health. I have had no problems at all. This is the best thing I have done for myself. I also feel amazing. I have never had as much energy as I do now.
posted Sep 8th, 2009 4:43 pmAngela
Had lap band surgery in Oct 2005 and as of Feb 2008 I had lost 350lbs, had tummy tuck, breast lift, arm lift and thigh lift. In total I lost 370lbs after all surgeries. I feel amazing and continue to maintain. Good luck if you've done it or considering doing the lap band surgery!
posted Jul 21st, 2009 8:32 pmTee
I've had the LapBand for over 2 years now. If you want the REAL DEAL about LapBand, go to
posted Jun 21st, 2009 11:43 amvictoria kitching
I had my band fitted in oct 2007 - to date i have lost 72lbs in 18 months. Overall it has been relatively easy, although i have had a few unfortunate overfills. Which then means i have to go for an emergency de-fill. I would agree with 'koolaids' comments on this blog regarding eating to fast, wrong food etc. Obviously i have eaten the wrong things at times - and paid the consequences. I don't think i 'listen' to my band enough - it easily tells me when i am doing something wrong. My hair has started falling out recently - so i need to eat more protein, i'll probably take a protein drink as one of the other bloggers recommended.
posted May 11th, 2009 8:51 amOverall i would definately recommend this procedure to someone who would benefit from it.
Lisa
I had the band put in on 22 Sept. 08, to date I have lost 40 pounds. I have never vomited and have had no other side affects. I do watch what I eat and exercise 3 to 4 times a week (walking). To the people who said they were losing their hair, it is because you are not getting enough protien, I substitute one meal a day with a protien shake to insure I am getting all my protien and as far as expense vitamins, I take a chewable multi vitamin every morning and that is it. I agree with most of the people that have posted here. You must remember the band is just a TOOL, not a miracle cure for obesity. Good Luck to everyone and don't give up!
posted Dec 29th, 2008 4:13 pmStephanie
IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT
posted Dec 13th, 2008 10:08 amI too have only lost 50 pounds in 15 months BUT this is without much lifestyle changes. I did not abide by the pre-op diet so did not lose alot pre-op. I did not abide by the post-op diet. I started eating whole food 3 days after the surgery. I never ate puree for the 2 days required after a fill. I eat too much fat and sweets and despite frequent fills I am able to eat more than I should with the band. 15 months after surgery I have just started exercising. I say all of this to say the BAND has been wonderful. 50 lbs without any life style changes. HOWEVER I have 50 pounds left and I am now committed to following the dietary guidelines. It is just a TOOL. Someone of us have been able to lose without much work however weight lost will stall at some point and I am not waiting for that. The surgery did not change my orientation to food and as you can see it is tenacious. However it has given me an opportunity to see AGAIN just how much I am preoccupied with food and how even with the BAND I still have to work on my mindset to get the most out of it. The good thing is that I am still losing while I am getting my mind right. Good luck to all and remember it is a tool. It works if you work it.
Donna Davidson
I just had the lap band put in on October 1st, 2008. The surgery went very smoothly! I went in with the t5hinking that itwas just going to be a tool for me to help me out on my weight loss journey. I wouldn't cure my cravings I had to find a way to do that on my own. If you let it help you and really want to doi it there is no reason you won't be a success.
posted Oct 8th, 2008 10:53 amKim
I am having the lap band done on Sept. 30. My daughter had it done two days ago and is doing well. I am looking forward to eating more healthy and feeling good. Most people I have spoken with are VERY happy with the results. Please don't let anyone discourage you from getting it done. I am ready to be in control of my health and life! Good luck to anyone who has had this done or is still looking into it.
posted Sep 28th, 2008 9:51 amLynn
I am having by surgery in less than a wk. Last week, I had lost 13 lbs pre op. I probably have lost substantially more this week because I was required to do 2 weeks liquid pre op. You definitely have to commit to a lifestyle change. My question is why would you want to continue to eat the stuff that caused you to be obese anyway? Get your mind right & the rest will follow. Proper nutrition, portion size & exercise.... Nothing magic about it. Some days are harder than others. Just make a conscious effort not to give up. We fall, but we get back up! God Bless
posted Sep 8th, 2008 7:25 am