LAP-BAND
A less extreme surgical weight loss solution.
Featured Video
BACKGROUND
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 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.
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
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
FOOD and RECIPE
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.
EXPENSE
The LAP-BAND System procedure can run from $12,000 to $25,000, but many health insurance providers will cover all or a portion of the costs.
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
Eva: I would not recommend the lap-band. I really thought it would be like a magic wand to weight loss. Until I had the procedure done, somebody at the doctor's office told me, "oh, but it's not a magic wand." I was misinformed. I've lost a total of 32 lbs. What I REALLY wanted to lose was 76 lbs. I am now back on good old Weight Watchers. Not only that, I was an unusual case. I had consistent pain in my chest and complications for the first month. I even had difficulty swallowing water!! Vomiting 2 or 3 times a week became pretty normal yet extremely frustrating. I was so fed up with it, I had it loosened in December so I can eat more normally, Healthy foods like broccoli, strawberries, or salad would clog me up, yet, ice cream or chocolate would just glide right through. I have had a very hard experience eating a balanced diet with the lap-band. I recently saw a friend who also had the procedure done. They were honest with her, and told her that since she didn't have a tremendous amount of weight to lose, that she would lose 35 lbs (and she's Ok with that); turns out that's what I've lost. I've been on a plateau for two years. I had the procedure done in Oct/05. I'm glad the insurance covered it because those $15 K would be hurting a lot!!! There are healthier more balanced options. Don't alter what God intended!!
