Laparoscopic Band Surgery
Laparoscopic band surgery (“lap band”) is currently the most popular of the bariatric surgeries in the United States. There has been a fair amount of advertising of late, in print and on TV. Realize has probably had the most media exposure.
So just what is it that makes lap band stomach surgery so popular? Let’s take a look at the surgery and what it involves.
Laparoscopic Band Surgery — What is It?
Imagine that your stomach is a balloon. Instead of air, food makes it expand. And when that food has passed out of your stomach what happens? Your stomach deflates, back to its regular size.
The “band” part of the surgery name involves a ring that encircles the upper part of your stomach. The ring can then be inflated to various degrees, reducing the size of your stomach’s pouch. (In effect, your stomach has a smaller balloon.)
Because you can’t eat as much at one time (usually just a fraction of a normal-size meal) , you can eat less and feel full.
The less you eat, the fewer calories…and that equals weight loss.
Lap Band Advantages
The biggest advantage of this type of bariatric surgery, your digestive system remains intact. That means no cutting of the stomach or re-routing of the intestines. Instead, a little inflatable ring controls the size of your stomach.
This surgery is most often performed laparoscopically, meaning a shorter recovery time. Usually the actual surgery time is a mere 30 minutes.
And finally, laparoscopic band surgery is easily reversible.
Is Laparoscopic Band Surgery for You?
Bariatric lap band surgery isn’t for everyone, even if you otherwise qualify. And the absolute most important qualification can’t be measured ahead of time — your motivation to eat properly after your surgery (and for the rest of your life).
And since is is surgery, it carries risks. Here’s some information about lap band surgery risks.
Like any of the weight loss surgeries, the lap band surgery is not a guaranteed success. Surprisingly, people do find ways to cheat. If that happens to you, all you have to show for the surgery is a scar and a pile of bills, but no weight loss.
Lap Band Surgery Video
Here’s a short video on what lap band surgery entails; take a look and become more informed.