How Is Lap Band Bariatric Surgery Done?
What Is Lap-Band Surgery?
Lap-Band surgery is a type of bariatric (weight loss) surgery that involves placing a silicone band around the upper part of the stomach to reduce appetite. When the band is in place, it regulates the amount of food that can enter the greater area of the stomach, while creating a smaller pouch in the upper part of the stomach that fills up with food quickly. When the pouch is full, the brain senses that the stomach is full, so the person does not feel the need to eat any more, despite the fact that most of his stomach is still empty.
Surgical Process
One of the largest advantages of Lap-Band surgery over other forms of bariatric surgery is its unobtrusive and reversible process. Lap-Band surgery is performed under general anesthesia and can be preformed laparoscopically, meaning no large cuts need to be made. Everything can be done through a small incision or hole. The band is pulled into a hole made near the top of the stomach and fastened around the stomach; no actual cuts are made on the stomach itself. When the band is in place and tightened, the hole is sewn up with a few stitches. The band can be easily removed in the same way at a later time to reverse the surgery, or a band of a different size or tightness can be put in place.
Considerations
Lap-Band surgery is usually a fairly effective way for obese people to lose weight, since it forces the body into feeling full with minimal food intake. One of the largest problems for overweight people is excessive eating due to enlarged stomachs and uncomfortable hunger pangs. The band eliminates this problem quickly by reducing the effective size of the stomach. Like all surgeries, a Lap-Band procedure should be used only as a last resort measure for weight loss; diets and exercise programs should be tried extensively before surgery is considered. While a fairly safe operation, Lap-Band surgery can lead to various complications, such as band erosion, improper band placement and ulceration.
Tags: Lap-Band surgery, Band Bariatric, Band Bariatric Surgery, band place, Bariatric Surgery, Bariatric Surgery Done, Lap-Band surgery