| If you've been thinking about lap band | | | | compared to other weight loss surgeries. With |
| surgery or gastric banding or adjustable | | | | gastric bypass surgeries there is a bigger |
| gastric banding then the following facts may | | | | risk of having nutritional deficiencies and |
| help you decide whether or not it would be | | | | often vitamin b12 injections have to be |
| the best weight loss solution for you. | | | | given. Also with other obesity surgeries |
| Generally candidates for this surgery have | | | | there are dietary intake restrictions that |
| failed on many diets and may or may not have | | | | are related to the "dumping syndrome." |
| significant co-morbidities and need to take a | | | | |
| more drastic approach or risk serious health | | | | Because the band is adjustable the surgeon |
| consequences or problems that would shorten | | | | can decide just how much to tighten it to |
| their life. | | | | help with the longer term weight loss rate |
| | | | for the patient. These adjustments are done |
| The lap band system for weight loss surgery | | | | without having to have any additional |
| is much better known in parts of the world | | | | surgery. For pregnant patients the stomach |
| other than the United States. In the US, | | | | outlet is opened wider for the ever |
| other types of weight loss surgeries have | | | | increasing nutritional requirements. |
| been performed more so than lap band surgery. | | | | |
| There have been more than 220,000 lap band | | | | The lap band is removable at any time that |
| surgeries performed in all countries combined | | | | the patient wishes. The stomach and other |
| and it is rapidly becoming more popular in | | | | parts of the body that are involved are |
| the United States. | | | | usually restored to their original state and |
| | | | function. |
| The lap band surgery has numerous advantages | | | | |
| over other weight loss or obesity surgeries. | | | | Compared to gastric bypass surgery, recent |
| It's the least invasive of the weight loss | | | | studies have shown a significant improvement |
| surgeries with no intestinal re-routing, thus | | | | in diabetes and high blood pressure is |
| very little trauma to obesity surgeries. | | | | usually reduced, helping return the patient |
| Small and keyhole incisions are made so there | | | | to a better state of health. |
| is very little scarring. Because of these | | | | |
| techniques there is a much reduced amount of | | | | The lap band system can be an effective |
| pain for the patient and the hospital stay | | | | long-term weight loss surgery for most |
| and recovery time are very much shortened. | | | | obesity patients. It's reported that more |
| | | | than 55% of the excess weight loss is |
| There are much fewer risks, side effects and | | | | maintained for five years at least after the |
| complications and a much lower mortality rate | | | | surgery. |