Are You a Candidate for Lap-Band?
Obesity causes health conditions that can cause lifelong impairments and suffering. Rather than live the rest of your life being morbidly obese, you might be ready to undergo a procedure that could help you shed pounds and fat. You can take this first step toward a healthier lifestyle by learning what lap band surgery is and whether or not you are a good candidate for it.
What is Lap-Band Surgery?
Lap-band surgery, a form of gastric banding, is a surgical procedure that involves placing a silicone band around the stomach. It can help people lose up to 40 percent of their excess weight within the first year–although results do vary.
Lap-band surgery was approved by the FDA in 2011 and has since helped millions of patients lose weight. It reduces the size of the stomach, which in turn restricts the amount of food you can consume each day. As a result, you lose weight more effectively than with dieting and exercising.
As effective as this surgery is, it still requires patients meet the stringent criteria for it. Your doctor will determine if you are a good candidate for lap band surgery.
Candidacy for Lap-Band Surgery
The criteria for undergoing lap-band surgery must be met by people who want to undergo this procedure. Your doctor may permit you to go through lap-band surgery if you meet requirements like having a BMI of 40 or greater or being more than 100 pounds overweight.
You also may be a good candidate for lap-band surgery if you suffer from weight-related conditions like:
- Type II diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Sleep apnea
- Non-alcohol fatty liver disease
- Osteoarthritis
- Lipid abnormalities
- Gastrointestinal disorders like chronic reflux
If you meet most of these criteria, your doctor may approve you for lap-band surgery.
Recovery from Lap Band Surgery
Your recovery from lap-band surgery can last up to eight weeks. During that time, it is crucial you follow your doctor’s dietary and post-surgical care instructions. You should also avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise until your doctor clears you for those activities.
Although results vary, many patients lose two to three pounds every week in the first year after lap-band surgery. Your band may need to be adjusted as necessary to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
